Vaginal Yeast Infection

Vaginal yeast infection is one of the most common reasons why women consult a healthcare professional. Many women suffer from repeated infections. If a woman has been previously diagnosed with a vaginal yeast and has recurring symptoms, then treatment with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is really a safe option and may help avoid future infections.

Infection result from an overgrowth of a fungus called candida albicans. Candida albicans is a widespread organism that normally lives in healthy balance in the body, found in the vagina, mouth, digestive tract and on the skin without causing disease or symptoms.

Vaginitis or genital candidiasis becomes problematic when the growth of yeast is excessive and not controlled by the body's normal bacterial flora. This happens when the vagina has certain conditions that allow overgrowth and nourishment of candida albicans. The number of vaginal yeast infections are on the rise due to the increased use of antibiotics and oral contraceptives.

In the case of antibiotics, they change the normal balance between organisms in the genital tract by suppressing the growth of protective bacteria that normally have an antifungal effect. It's very common for women to develop an infection after a course of antibiotics.

Other predisposing factors that can lead to a vaginal yeast infection include diabetes, HIV, pregnancy, frequent douching, menstruation and use of immunosuppressive drugs.

Yeast Infection Symptoms

The symptoms often associated with a vaginal yeast infection are:

• Abnormal vaginal discharge - ranges from slight watery, white discharge to a thick, white, chunky discharge (like cottage cheese)
• Itching of the external and internal genitalia
• Redness and/or inflammation of the vulvar skin
• Pain with intercourse
• Painful urination
• Possible pinpoint bleeding if the infection is severe.

In traditional Chinese medicine, vaginal yeast infections correspond most closely with the pattern of "Damp Heat." Excessive consumption of dairy products, greasy fried foods, sugar and refined foods leads to the formation of Damp.

Damp can also form from wearing too-tight pants, undergarments not made of cotton and from wet exercise clothing or wet swimsuits. In women, Damp easily infuses downward and accumulates in the genital area. Over a prolonged time, Damp often combines with Heat to form Damp Heat.

Acupuncture and Chinese herbs help eliminate the Damp and the Heat in the lower part of the body and can address any underlying pathology. Treatment depends upon whether the infection is acute or chronic.

Yeast infections can be stubborn due to the fact that Damp tends to linger and seep down into the lower regions of the body. But, both acupuncture and herbal medicine are quite effective in dealing with this particular condition.

There are also some very useful nutritional supplements that I would prescribe as well as discussing any dietary and lifestyle changes that would be beneficial for treating and preventing vaginal yeast infections.

SAN FRANCISCO NATURAL MEDICINE formerly: SOMA Acupuncture & Natural Health Clinic Carl Hangee-Bauer, ND, LAc • Amy Day, ND • Erika Horowitz, ND 1615 20th St • San Francisco CA 94107 • 415-643-6600 Naturopathic Medicine • Acupuncture • Herbal Medicine • Supplements Nutrition • Women's Health • Breast Thermography Smoking Cessation • IV Nutrient Therapy • Bioidentical Hormones • Detoxification