Vaginal candidiasis

A vaginal yeast infection/vaginal candidiasis is a fungal infection that causes irritation, discharge and intense itchiness of the vagina and the tissues at the vaginal opening, vulva.

• Itching and irritation in the vagina and vulva.
• Thick, white, odor-free vaginal discharge with a cottage cheese appearance.
• Watery vaginal discharge.
• A burning sensation, especially during intercourse or while urinating.
• Redness and swelling of the vulva.

Vaginal candidiasis is caused due to the agnimandya (low digestive fire)  which results in the production of Ama (endotoxins) that becomes lodged in the alimentary canal and migrates throughout the body resulting in weakened immunity. 

Meanwhile, ama accumulates in the small and large intestines, it will putrefy and proliferate the gut flora and finally results in the change of proportionate populations of normal intestinal flora. It alters the body ph throwing off the bacteria in the vagina. Yeast infections result from an imbalance between the healthy bacteria and the few yeast cells that normally reside in a vagina.

• Antibiotic use, which causes an imbalance in natural vaginal flora
• Taking oral contraceptives or hormone therapy that increase estrogen levels
• An impaired immune system
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Pregnancy

Treatment protocol aims at:

1. Giving relief from vaginal/vulvar itching ,irritation and discharge and treating inflammation of the vagina occurred due to candida overgrowth.
2. Maintain hormonal balance and balance vaginal ph.
3. Prevent recurrence by healing and repairing the tissue.
4. Regular intake of supplements can help in long term relief and maintaining overall health.

The first line of treatment should always be avoiding the causative factors. If the problem persists then consider the following treatment protocol:

• Vaginal discharge, itching and irritation - Changes in the normal bacterial flora and pH of the vaginal secretion increases discharge to combat the infection but due to moisture and damp environment it results in itching and irritation. Musta, Triphala, Karanja, Daru haridra, Aragvadha check the infection and heal the inflammation.
• Redness and burning sensation - Infection in vagina leads to inflammation of the vaginal lining causing  redness and burning sensation. Sariva, Manjistha, Yasthimadhu heals and repairs vaginal or vulvar tissue.

(The above mentioned Ayurvedic drugs are Herbs and Herbo-mineral preparations)

Other treatment- Yoni dhavana. (It is a procedure in which the vagina, vaginal passage and mouth of uterus is washed with medicated decoction or other liquids).

Aragvadha, Karanja, Daruharidra, Sariva, Manjistha, Yasthimadhu, Triphala, Chandraprabha vati, Mustha

If you have any one of the  above  mentioned signs and symptoms please consult your doctor.