Inflammation in vagina caused due to overgrowth of a fungus called candida albicans is known as vaginal yeast infection. Candida albicans is usually present in small amounts in inner portion of vagina without causing any symptoms; almost more than 25% of women carry these organisms in vagina without any disease. But when population of these organisms start growing and the balance between microorganisms of vagina is lost, symptoms of yeast infection start showing up. This kind of vaginal yeast infection is widespread and very common in women. It is estimated that almost 75 percent of women suffer with symptomatic yeast infection at least once in their lifetime.
Vaginal Yeast infection causes continuous severe itching in vagina. Other common inflammation symptoms like redness, soreness, burning sensation are also noticed. The vaginal skin become very sensitive and so any touching or rubbing causes severe pain. That’s why women suffering with yeast infection feel pain during intercourse and urination. But it must be noted that vaginal yeast infections do not spread with sexual contact in other words its not sexually transmitted disease. But it is observed that almost 10-15 percent of men feel itching or rashes on penis after intercourse with infected partner.
It is observed that consuming a long course of antibiotics like tetracycline usually follow yeast infection. As antibiotics kill their only opponents (bacteria) and provide ideal environment for growth and reproduction of candida. These antibiotics disturb the balance between organisms in the vagina by inhibiting the growth of certain protective bacteria that have a anti-fungal effect.
Yeast infection or candidiasis is also common in women consuming birth control pills that contain estrogen. This increased level of estrogen in body changes the vaginal environment and allow candida to grow and multiply. Pregnant women are also at a higher risk during their pregnancy as estrogen level is high in pregnancy. Yeast Infection also found be common in women suffering with diabetes mellitus and HIV AIDS.
Other factors that contribute to developing vaginal yeast infection are using douches, wearing tight poor ventilated clothes like nylon under wears or thongs, using poor feminine sprays and using other topical antimicrobial agents which could disturb balance of microorganism in vagina. Certain spermicides, detergents or fabric softeners can also aid in developing candidiasis especially if person is allergic to these chemicals.