Vaginal Yeast Infection – Everything You Need To Know

Written by Surbhi Verma
Last Updated on

Thrust or Candida is commonly known to the world as Yeast Infection. It is a vaginal condition that is exceedingly widespread in women, which brings forward the most frequently asked question about yeast infection causing complication in conceiving.

Can a yeast infection affect your chances of getting pregnant? While there is no assertive medical proof to certify that vaginal yeast infection causes infertility in women, it does lower your chances of getting pregnant. As you continue reading, each of your queries on yeast infection and fertility will be unfolded and hopefully clarified.

What Is Vaginal Yeast Infection?

Candida Albicans is a kind of yeast (a fungus), which is commonly called Yeast Infection. It is the second major culprit behind causing Vaginal Yeast Infections after bacterial Vaginosis.

  • When the fungus gets a certain environmental condition, it grows out of proportion and soon reaches an uncontrollable stage.
  • A warm and moist environmental condition is where these yeasts thrive best resulting in an outgrown vaginal yeast infection.

There are other species belonging to the Candida hierarchy that are also equally dominant in causing vaginal yeast infection. The species causing infection can only be determined through tests.

  • There are over 20 species of this fungus and they are very much part of our day-to-day lives.
  • Problem occurs when there is an imbalance in the percentage growth of these funguses.
  • 50% of women have Candida Albicans present in their vagina.

[ Read: Bacterial Infection During Pregnancy ]

Can Yeast Infection Affect Fertility?

Vaginal Yeast Infection does not directly affect fertility, but it does make it difficult for you to get pregnant if you are planning to conceive.

  • If you get yeast infection frequently, having sexual intercourse gets uncomfortable. The resulting soreness may make you resent sex.
  • Constant itching and burning only makes it worse for you. Also, yeast infection easily passes on to your partner, so it is best to avoid intercourse when you are suffering from this.
  • Recurrent yeast infection imbalances your vaginal flora, which makes it harder for sperms to reach uterus.
  • A yeast infection also alters the PH balance of your vaginal area, which can be destructive for sperms.

[ Read: Oral Sex During Pregnancy ]

Symptoms Of Vaginal Yeast Infection:

If you are suffering with yeast infection, you should look for the following symptoms:

  • Itching around vaginal area.
  • Whitish discharge, bread or yeast-like odor, cottage cheese appearance.
  • Burning sensation during urination and intercourse.
  • Irritation, redness, swelling and cracks of vulva.

These symptoms are common to other vaginal infections as well. So, after treatment of yeast infection, if the symptoms still persists, you might want to consider a doctor’s opinion for a couple of more tests.

Simple Test For Candida Infection:

Keep a glass of water nearby your bed before sleeping. When you wake up next morning, before doing anything else, you need to spit some saliva into the glass of water.

  • Do not do anything (brushing, eating, drinking water, kissing, etc) before doing this test.
  • Take a look at the saliva immediately and then keep looking at it after intervals of 15 minutes.
  • For people not suffering with Candida, your saliva will be clear and float on the top, which later will dissolve completely in the water.

However, if you are suffering with yeast infection, you can witness any of the following:

  • Cloudy saliva suspended in water.
  • Strings travelling down the glass of water.
  • Cloudy saliva sinking down the glass.

[ Read: Infection During Pregnancy ]

Treatment For Yeast Infection:

The good news is that – it’s very easy to cure a yeast infection. If you suspect you have a yeast infection, visit your doctor as soon as possible.

  • Your doctor will do a vaginal test to check if you are indeed suffering from a yeast infection.
  • If yes, she may suggest a simple and inexpensive treatment, usually involving inserting a tablet in your vagina for a few days, which will solve the issue.

Home Remedy For Candida:

Some small changes in dietary and hygiene habits can keep you away from overgrowth of Candida. Here are some tips that will keep Candida at bay:

  • Candida regenerates on sugar at a much higher rate. Therefore, avoiding all kinds of direct sugar intake will help you stay away from yeast infections.
  • Avoid consumption of refined grains such as white rice and white flour.
  • Include more green vegetables and fresh fruits in your diet.
  • Organic yogurt is very healthy to consume and is packed with good bacteria.
  • Garlic capsules fortify your immune system thereby keeping you away from infections.

[ Read: Bladder Infection During Pregnancy ]

A little caution is all it takes to keep you healthy and away from infections. Medical advice is always helpful whether planning for baby or not.

Hope our post on can yeast infection affect fertility was helpful. Let us know if this article was useful and enjoy being healthy!

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