by Michael Biamonte

Chronic yeast infections can have many causes, but traditional medicine typically leaves patients frustrated and confused because it does not address the cause; it simply treats the symptoms. Some patients might even be accused of doing unsanitary things to cause their symptoms, a charge that is not always true. In fact, patients may notice other strange symptoms during a vaginal flare-up, like reactions to foods and drinks, mood changes, extreme fatigue, depression, and mental “fog” or inability to concentrate. Doctors who tell their patients that these symptoms have nothing to do with an infection are very wrong.

First, let’s understand what is normal and what is not. It is normal for a small amount of white or grayish semi-solid material to be passed from the vaginal opening.

This discharge results from the natural breakdown and repair of cells in the cervix and vagina. A watery or mucous-like secretion from the cervix should occur in response to sexual stimulation. During ovulation, vaginal discharge may be bloodied. These occurrences are normal too.

However, a white, creamy-white or yellow mucous-like discharge indicates an infection in the vagina, cervix, endocervix or endometrium. With yeast infections, the discharge may be frothy and cottage cheese-like. With bacterial infections, or when tampons or contraceptive devices are left neglected, a very foul discharge is common. A watery, mucous-less discharge sometimes occurs when there is malignancy of the upper genital tract; as a result of radiation therapy; or when there is abnormal narrowing of the cervix or endocervix.

Candida Infection Candida infection is very common today. Years ago, it was thought to occur only in diabetic and pregnant women. However, due to the incorrect treatment of vaginal yeast infections with antibiotics and cortisone, and due to the use of oral contraceptives, which stimulate the overgrowth of yeasts, Candida (also called monilla) has become a household word. This type of infection may begin with external itching, redness or swelling of the vulva. At times, burning and pain can be so bad that it interferes with walking. A whitish, non-bloody discharge—either light or heavy, and from watery to cottage cheese-like—is common. It will smell like vinegar or yeast. Pain during intercourse is a very common sign. For chronic sufferers, the symptoms will worsen one week to 10 days prior to menses. Candida is a sneaky organism. While it is a yeast, it can change forms and become a fungus. As a fungus, it grows into a plant-like structure, digging into the cells to find food. Women have described it as “having plants growing in there.” In the fungus form, Candida is sometimes less noticeable but will cause hundreds of symptoms not generally thought of as being connected to a yeast infection.

In the yeast form it is easier to control. While antibiotics may reduce the infections for a short time, they often come back with a vengeance.

Patients can get better and get rid of Candida infection, but proper treatment and diagnosis—something our office does on a daily basis—are essential. This problem shouldn’t be taken lightly. What seems like a vaginal infection today can result in chronic ailments a few years from now. There is an answer to Candida infection, and patients can be helped, but only if they are willing to see the matter through with a healthcare professional who understands the nature of the problem.

Michael Biamonte is a certified clinical nutritionist and owner of the Biamonte Center for Clinical Nutrition, located at 2185 34th Ave., Ste. 14D, Astoria, NY. To read an expanded version of this article, and other articles by Michael Biamonte, visit Health-Truth.com.