Candida is normally present in the vagina but the Lactobacillus bacteria keep it under control. It is not considered a sexually transmitted disease.

Yeast infection symptoms include:

• Itching and irritation in the vagina
• Burning sensation, pain or soreness
• Redness and swelling of the entrance of the vagina/vulva/
• White vaginal discharge with a cottage cheese appearance.

Overgrowth of yeast can result from:

• Antibiotic use
• Hormonal changes - pregnancy, perimenopause, birth control pills
• Diabetes
• Impaired immune system
• Medicines that suppress the immune system - steroids, immune suppressors

Conventional treatment is focused on destroying the candida and soon after it is stopped yeast overgrowth tends to reappear. Homeopathic treatment boosts the immune system thus helping the organism keep the growth of the candida under control. That is why homeopathy is more effective than conventional treatment in recurrent yeast infections. Homeopathic remedies are safe and do not have antimycotics` side affects

Most common homeopathic medicines for yeast infection:

Graphites - overweight, chilly and slow women with obstinate constipation; scant periods. Tendency to thyroid hypofunction.Thick skin with oozing eruptions.

Helonias - itching, burning and vaginal discharge. It is prescribed when the discharge is with cottage cheese appearance.

Lycopodium - recurrent candidiasis is often related to chronic digestive disorders such as gastritis, colitis, bloating, chronic constipation, hemorrhoids. Their digestive problems and over eating of sweet foods respond well to a long-term probiotic treatment.

Natrum muriaticum - a woman aggravated at the sea side and by the sun; prone to skin and respiratory allergies; acne, herpes. Introvert, reserved and taciturn.

Pulsatilla - girls or young females with recurrent candidiasis, resistent to antimycotic treatment. They are prone to vaginal itching and redness due to their thin vaginal mucous membranes. Mottled toes and fingers; varicose veins.They crave affection and attention.

Sepia - a woman with recurrent candidiasis prone to repetitive urogenital infections. Tendency to ptosis of the genital organs or the bladder; varicose veins; digestive, liver and gall bladder disorders, skin disorders.Introvert, estranged from family, tired.

Staphysagria - recurrent yeast infection due to suppressed anger or indignation; yeast flare-ups triggered by sexual intercourse; itchy skin rashes or urinary tract infections due to repressed emotions.

Thuja - a chronic vaginal yeast infection resistent to conventional antimycotics. Medication overuse. Weight gain around the abdomen, tendency to water retention, chronic vaginal discharge, genital warts.

Candida albicans - a homeopathic medicine produced from the fungus that causes vaginal yeast infection.

To reduce your risk of vaginal yeast infection:

• Avoid douching, tampons, tightfitting underwear
• Avoid sweets and yeast containing foods - cereals, pasta, cakes, breads, beer
• Eat a healthy balanced diet. Eat yogourt.
• Probiotic tablets with Lactobacillus.

Some studies show that lactobacillus available in some types of yogurt taken orally or used intravaginally successfully reduced the amount of vaginal yeast cultures and provided symptom relief. Lactobacillus can also be taken as probiotic tablets.

Duration of the homeopathic treatment

Homeopathic treatment in recurrent candidiasis lasts for about 3-5 months. Symptom relief occurs about a week after treatment`s onset and but you have to continue the treatment to prevent recurrences.

Your sex partner usually does not need to be treated for a yeast infection.