Vaginal infection, or vaginitis, is an inflammation of the vagina that leads to odor, discharge and itching, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. The three main types of vaginal infections are vaginal yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis. MedlinePlus website says yogurt containing probiotic acidophilus may prevent recurring vaginal yeast infections.
Vaginal Yeast Infections
Womenshealth.gov says about 75 percent of adult women have had at least one vaginal yeast infection. Vaginal yeast infections are caused by overgrowth of a fungus, candida albicans. Normally, candida albicans and other micro-organisms in the vagina keep each other in balance. Candida albicans is kept under control by bacteria normally present in the vagina. However, when the vagina's natural environment is disturbed by use of antibiotics or certain medical conditions, the number of candida albicans increases, leading to a yeast infection.
Probiotic Acidophilus and Vaginal Yeast Infections
Yogurt is a fermented milk product made by adding bacterial cultures to milk, according to the National Institutes of Health. Yogurt contains live probiotics or micro-organisms beneficial to the body. Probiotics are also known as friendly bacteria because they help prevent overgrowth of disease-causing bacteria in the body. MedlinePlus recommends that women eat yogurt with live bacteria or take lactobacillus tablets to prevent yeast infections. Yogurt contains lactobacillus acidophilus, a bacterium found in healthy vaginas. Acidophilus kills yeast by producing hydrogen peroxide. Women taking broad-spectrum antibiotics are more likely to get yeast infections. Broad-spectrum antibiotics kill all bacteria in the body, including bacteria normally found in the vagina, leading to disruption of the vaginal environment. Women taking antibiotics are usually advised to eat yogurt containing live bacteria cultures to prevent overgrowth of yeast.
Symptoms of Vaginal Yeast Infections
The most frequent symptoms of vaginal yeast infection in women are itching, burning and irritation of the vagina, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. Other symptoms include thick, whitish gray discharge; redness and swelling of the vulva; vaginal and labial itching; painful sexual intercourse; and painful urination.
Treatment and Prevention
Vaginal yeast infections are treated using antifungal medication such as miconazole, clotrimazole and tioconazole. Various antifungal medications are available over the counter to treat vaginal yeast infections. Women should first visit the doctor for a checkup to rule out other vaginal infections. Bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis and yeast infections often have similar symptoms, and only a doctor can provide an accurate diagnosis. To prevent vaginal yeast infections, avoid douching, which removes healthy-bacteria lining that protects against yeast infections. Women should also wear cotton underwear and avoid using irritating products on the vagina.
Warning
Yogurt does not cure yeast infections, but only helps prevent their recurrence. According to Womenshealth.gov, women who have yeast infections should visit their gynecologists for treatment. Yeast infections are treated using antifungal medications. It is important for patients to treat yeast infections.
