Most women get an occasional yeast infection which is usually no big deal, but chronic yeast infections are much more worrying. A yeast infection becomes chronic when it persists despite several treatments. But what can cause chronic yeast infections?
What Is A Vaginal Yeast Infection?
A vaginal yeast infection is a condition caused by an overgrowth of yeast (candida) in the vagina. Most women experience discharge, irritation, itching, soreness, and burning, with a yeast infection.
What Can Cause Chronic Yeast Infections?
Chronic yeast infections are a clear indication that the underlying cause of the infection remains untreated. Although anti-fungal medication is commonly used to treat yeast infections, it is not beneficial for chronic infections.
Frequent yeast infections typically occur due to a shift in the bacterial milieu in the vagina, which results in secretions that are conducive to growing yeast. Yeast is normally present on the skin at the opening of the vagina. They rarely gain access to the vagina unless their are conditions making it easier for yeast to grow in the vagina. When lactobacilli no longer dominate the vagina, yeast can multiply and cause an infection.
Treating Chronic Yeast Infections
Chronic yeast infections can be treated by restoring balance to the vaginal microflora. Board-certified gynecologist Dr. R. Stuart Fowler of Fowler GYN International has developed the vaginal fluid analysis (VFA) test to evaluate the vaginal fluid.
The VFA test is a superior technique of wet preps that provides a quantitative analysis of the vaginal fluid. It identifies the type and quantity of microflora to determine if there is an altered vaginal microflora state.
If the VFA test confirms an altered microflora pattern, patients are put on a customized treatment protocol, to move the microflora towards normal. This will resolve the symptoms of chronic yeast infections.
Do you need help with chronic yeast infections? Contact Fowler GYN International, Phoenix, AZ, for a consultation. It was established by former Mayo physician, board certified Dr. R. Stuart Fowler. You can reach them at www.fowlergyninternational.com/contact-us, or by calling (480) 420-4001.