Most women experience an occasional vaginal yeast infection, which is normally nothing to be concerned about, but if the infection keeps coming back, it usually indicates a deeper problem. But how can you stop recurring vaginal yeast infections?
What Is A Vaginal Yeast Infection?
A vaginal yeast infection is an overgrowth of yeast in the vagina. Symptoms include discharge, itching, pain with urination, and irritation. A vaginal yeast infection is normally treated with anti-fungal medication, and while this may ease symptoms for a time, the infection will recur if the underlying problem is not addressed.
How To Stop Recurring Vaginal Yeast Infections
Recurring vaginal yeast infections are usually caused by a shift in the dominant bacteria in the vagina. This is known as an altered vaginal microflora pattern. The vaginal ecosystem consists of 30+ strains of bacteria and includes a small number of yeast cells. The microflora is normally dominated by lactobacilli, which is the ‘good’ or beneficial bacteria, but if there is a disruption in this delicate balance the vaginal pH is impacted and yeast can multiply.
Restoring normal vaginal bacterial balance requires an evaluation of the constituents of the vaginal secretions. This type of quantitative analysis is done using an advanced diagnostic tool known as a vaginal fluid analysis (VFA) test.
The VFA test was developed by board-certified gynecologist Dr. R. Stuart Fowler, of Fowler GYN International, Phoenix, AZ.
The VFA test is a superior technique of wet preps that determines if the vaginal microflora is a normal pattern or an altered vaginal microflora pattern.
If a patient has one of the altered microflora patterns a treatment protocol is designed to restore the microflora towards normal. When this is done, pH levels return to normal and yeast no longer thrive, so symptoms of the vaginal yeast infection will resolve.
If you would like to learn more about recurring vaginal yeast infections, contact Fowler GYN International, at fowlergyninternational.com, or by calling (480) 420-4001.