Vaginal Yeast Infections: Everything You Need To Know

A yeast infection is incredibly annoying, sometimes painful, and it can make things less pleasant between the sheets. Since almost three-quarters of women experience it at some point, we'll tell you more about it in this blog post. Luckily, there are many ways to reduce the symptoms!

What is a yeast infection?

Your vagina is generally a wonderful and harmonious place. All bacteria and fungi live in harmony. This is due to the lactic acid in lactobacilli, which keeps your vagina nice and acidic. Exactly what it needs. This high acidity keeps your vagina balanced and prevents excessive growth of fungi and bacteria.

But if your vagina is out of balance, normal, harmless yeasts get the chance to grow. In large numbers, they cause all sorts of unpleasant ailments. In a vaginal yeast infection, it's often Candida albicans that's overproduced. This almost always causes symptoms such as:

• itch;
• a crumbly, white discharge;
• a red and swollen vaginal mucosa;
• pain and a burning sensation when urinating and during sex;
• odors

You can suffer from an external or internal yeast infection. This means you may experience discomfort on the outside of your labia and clitoris, but also on the inside of your vagina.

Women most often suffer from yeast infections during their reproductive years. This is related to the hormones of their cycle.

Sarah Ahannach, PhD, is a doctoral researcher and microbiologist, the driving force behind Isala, a Belgian research project at the University of Antwerp that conducts extensive research on the vaginal microbiome. She has discovered that the unique composition of this microbiome and the precise ratios between the various bacteria can vary significantly:

Women most often suffer from yeast infections during their reproductive years. This is related to the hormonal fluctuations of their cycle. Your microbiome changes during your cycle. Research by Isala showed that women had a more diverse microbiome with more different bacteria at the beginning of their cycle, in the week after menstruation.

Yeast infection and your cycle: what they have in common

Do you regularly suffer from yeast infections and are you in your fertile years? Then that could be precisely the reason. The fungus thrives on estrogen, an important hormone during your childbearing years.

• Recurrent yeast infections usually occur around menstruation. Just before menstruation, the production of the female hormone estrogen reaches its lowest point. This causes the vaginal mucosa to thin, and the vaginal pH increases from 3.5 to 4.5 to around 7.4 due to the menstrual flow! Because these conditions are less favorable for lactobacilli, which normally keep candida in balance, their numbers decrease, giving candida the opportunity to proliferate.
• Unfortunately, you can also get a yeast infection again due to too much estrogen, which often occurs around ovulation. The yeast thrives on high estrogen levels.
• Finally, you can experience yeast infections during pregnancy due to pregnancy hormones. Some hormones lower the acidity of your vagina. This allows yeast and bacteria to multiply more quickly, easily disrupting the balance.

But there are even more reasons why you might often suffer from a yeast infection:

• Women who use estrogen in their contraception (the pill, NuvaRing, hormonal IUD) have a higher risk of a vaginal yeast infection because this hormonal contraception can disrupt your vaginal flora, resulting in yeast infections.
• Women with diabetes are also more likely to suffer from yeast infections, especially if they do not have their sugar levels under control.

What can I do to prevent or resolve a yeast infection?

Fungal infections often go away on their own, but they usually return just as quickly. And enduring that burning itch is no picnic, so what can you do to prevent it?

Maintain a healthy cycle with happy hormones

A healthy cycle is a fertile cycle. And with a fertile cycle, you certainly experience peaks and troughs in your hormones, but the excess hormones are efficiently removed by your liver once their function is complete. That's why you know that with a healthy cycle, you're unlikely to develop a yeast infection due to excess estrogen.

Adjust your diet

Candida loves sugar, just like you probably do. 😉 If you often suffer from yeast infections, you can try adjusting your diet and see if you notice a positive effect.

Guud Woman co-founder Morgane says: " For me, avoiding sugar, alcohol, gluten, and dairy for a few months and focusing on a balanced diet with healthy fats, fermented foods, lots of vegetables, nuts and seeds, and low-sugar fruits has definitely helped. However, there's a lack of scientific evidence to support this claim ."

Furthermore, your intestines play a crucial role in your overall health. They may also influence your vaginal microbiome, also known as the gut-vagina axis. Unfortunately, we don't have any hard evidence for this yet, and few researchers are studying it. But it certainly can't hurt to keep your intestines healthy by adding fiber-rich foods like kefir and fermented vegetables to your diet.

Read more about balanced eating in our blog Hack your cycle with nutrition.

Avoid synthetic clothing

The yeast thrives in humid places. Therefore, air your vagina and vulva as often as possible. Sleep without underwear at night and wear breathable, loose-fitting clothing during the day. Also, avoid underwear, tights, and undergarments made of synthetic materials. Preferably wear cotton, linen, hemp, wool, or other natural materials.

In summer, a swimsuit or bikini can also create just the right breeding ground. Change immediately after swimming, or consider other types of swimwear, such as cotton briefs or other natural materials.

Try sustainable menstrual products

Several studies seem to show that the menstrual cup would have a positive influence on the vaginal microbiome, unlike a tampon or disposable sanitary pad.

Keep your resistance up

Some women are more likely to develop a yeast infection when their immune system is low. There are several reasons why your immune system can be weakened. This can be due to poor diet, or to certain medications like antibiotics (always take a probiotic with antibiotics). Stress also attacks your immune system, so avoid it as much as possible.

Avoid soap

Many people think a yeast infection is related to hygiene. Let's dispel that misconception once and for all: it's simply not true. Your vagina and vulva are perfect as they are and need nothing 💕.

Companies capitalize on this fear of not being "clean" enough with all sorts of advertisements promoting a fresh vagina. But washing your vagina and vulva with regular soap, a pH-neutral soap, or a special vaginal soap isn't good for your vagina and vulva. It's completely unnecessary and can trigger a yeast infection.

Treating a fungal infection

Do you still have a yeast infection? You can try to treat it with cranberry juice or pills, or (unscented, cold-pressed) coconut oil. Both have antifungal properties.

Finally, there are also medications to quickly get rid of a yeast infection. There are creams and vaginal tablets, and thankfully, these are available without a prescription. Always check with a doctor to make sure it's actually a yeast infection, and remember that these are primarily symptomatic treatments, not a cure.

If your symptoms are severe and affect your daily life, or if you are prone to recurring fungal infections, you can contact your GP.

Bottom line

Many women get yeast infections around their period. This is often caused by hormonal changes. Small changes in your clothing and habits, along with a healthy lifestyle and cycle, can help reduce recurring yeast infections. Do you regularly suffer from yeast infections? Contact us; we're happy to help.