Do you always itch and burn down there? you may be hiding a recurring yeast infection

They call it the terror of sexual intercourse because when you are in the presence of a candidiasis, you continually feel discomfort, itching on the lips of your vulva and it burns from scratching so much, so much so that it embarrasses you in public and with your partner.

But do not worry if you have suffered from an intimate yeast infection, as it is more common than you think. It is the second most common cause of vaginal infection and mainly affects women between the ages of 20 and 45.

Candidiasis or candidiasic vulvovaginitis is an infection caused by a significant increase in fungi, specifically the Candida Albicans yeast , which affects the mucosa of the internal and external vaginal area, as well as the vulva and perianal area.

What happens? Why do they start causing problems?

Due to its constant humidity, the intimate area is the ideal place for the reproduction of fungi. And normally, when we are healthy in our vaginas there are small amounts of good bacteria (called Döderlein Bacilli) that do not cause problems or symptoms, but rather help maintain an acidic pH, due to the large production of lactic acid, which creates a hostile environment for pathogens.

The problem occurs when there is an imbalance in the protective flora of your vagina, which causes its acidic pH to become alkaline and Candida Albicans begins to grow uncontrollably, causing vaginal infections.

When does Recurrent Candidiasis appear?

This type of fungal infections can be favored by several factors that we frequently experience in daily life, such as:

1. A hot and humid environment . For example, if we remain in wet clothing (swimwear or similar) for a long time.
2. The use of tight clothing, made of synthetic or poorly breathable materials .
3. Hormonal changes . For example:

1. Before and after menstruation
2. When taking oral contraceptives.
3. During pregnancy.
4. And of course at menopause , a stage where our hormones change, in which it also happens that your vagina becomes more alkaline.

1. The use of vaginal deodorants, antiseptics or aggressive or heavily scented soaps.
2. Upon contact with semen . When you have sexual intercourse and there is ejaculation in the vagina , the pH can change because the semen is very alkaline.
3. A treatment with antibiotics , since these attack the vaginal Lactobacillus and eliminate it, making it easier for other microorganisms to grow in the vagina.
4. Diseases such as diabetes (or high blood sugar) and chronic diseases that can alter immunity.
5. Treatments with immunosuppressive drugs , such as corticosteroids.

Frequent symptoms of Vaginal Candidiasis

Vaginal Candidiasis is very common and women usually identify it quickly when they have already suffered from it. The most frequent symptoms are:

• Itching in the intimate area, which can be very intense.
• Irritation, redness, stinging and inflammation.
• White, thick and lumpy vaginal discharge , similar to the texture of cottage cheese.

Can Vaginal Candidiasis be prevented?

Vaginal Candidiasis is a very annoying and common pathology, the good news is that it can be avoided and prevented with simple changes in habits that eliminate many of the situations that favor it and with the help of special hygiene products for the intimate area:

1. Pay attention to the hygiene of your intimate area . Use products that are respectful of the vaginal flora, without perfumes and with an acidic pH, which limit the growth of fungi and yeasts in the external genital area. That is why we always recommend using the Zenzsual cleansing foam , which contains lactic acid, hyaluronic acid and organic cranberry extract, which help prevent infections by keeping the pH balanced in the genital area, as well as keeping it hydrated .
2. After bathing, don't forget to dry your vulva carefully. And accompany your intimate hygiene with the daily use of the Zenzsual Intimate Gel that will keep it hydrated and protected for the rest of the day, thanks to its high component of hyaluronic acid.
3. Do not wear too tight clothing, prefer cotton fabrics and avoid synthetics .
4. If you go to the beach or the pool, do not stay in your swimsuit (bikini or bathing suit) all day, remove it when you can to avoid humidity in the intimate area.
5. Don't use douches because they kill off some of the bacteria normally found in the vagina, whose job is to protect you from infection.
6. Do not use perfumed feminine products , including bubble baths, sprays, wipes, and tampons.
7. Frequently change tampons , sanitary napkins, or panty liners.
8. After using the bathroom, always wipe yourself from front to back.
9. Avoid using jacuzzis and taking very hot baths.
10. Avoid excessive consumption of sugar. And if you have diabetes, make sure you have your blood levels checked.

How to eliminate Vaginal Candidiasis?

Don't self medicate!

Vaginal Candidiasis is treated with antifungals , that is, medications that eliminate fungus such as fluconazole in its different forms (topical cream, vaginal suppositories or oral capsules). The important thing is that you always follow your doctor's instructions.

Keep in mind that although women are the most obvious yeast sufferers, men can also contract this infection with symptoms that may go unnoticed. Although it is not a sexually transmitted disease, a woman and a man who have sex can pass yeast infection to each other. That is why it is important that, when a woman suffers from yeast infection, both she and her partner are treated.

In this video you can listen to @tu_ginecologa , Dr. Sofía Herrera, founder of Zenzsual, who tells you how to solve this terrible nuisance that embarrasses you in public.

If you want to continue reading more topics on intimate health and sexuality , we invite you to visit our website www.zenzsual.com and follow us on our social networks @zenzsual @doctoraklarasenior @tuginecologa where we continually share health tips and other content to help you stay healthy and sexually happy.

FOUNTAIN:

• Dr. Klara Senior @doctoraklarasenior
• Dr. Sofía Herrera @tu_ginecologa
• womenshealth.gov
• elsevier.com