Vaginal yeast infection is one of the most common reasons why women consult a healthcare professional. Many women suffer from repeated infections. If a woman has been previously diagnosed with a vaginal yeast and has recurring symptoms, then treatment with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is really a safe option and may help avoid future infections.

Infection result from an overgrowth of a fungus called candida albicans. Candida albicans is a widespread organism that normally lives in healthy balance in the body, found in the vagina, mouth, digestive tract and on the skin without causing disease or symptoms.

Vaginitis or genital candidiasis becomes problematic when the growth of yeast is excessive and not controlled by the body's normal bacterial flora. This happens when the vagina has certain conditions that allow overgrowth and nourishment of candida albicans. The number of vaginal yeast infections are on the rise due to the increased use of antibiotics and oral contraceptives.

In the case of antibiotics, they change the normal balance between organisms in the genital tract by suppressing the growth of protective bacteria that normally have an antifungal effect. It's very common for women to develop an infection after a course of antibiotics.

Other predisposing factors that can lead to a vaginal yeast infection include diabetes, HIV, pregnancy, frequent douching, menstruation and use of immunosuppressive drugs.