Help For "YEAST" Infections

Yeast is a type of fungus; when one speaks of a yeast infection this is referring to the fungus scientifically known as Candida. The specific type of fungus most commonly responsible for vaginitis is Candida albicans. Yeast is commonly present on normal human skin and in areas of moisture, such as the mouth and vagina. In fact, it is estimated that between 20% to 50% of healthy women normally carry yeast in the vaginal area.

Facts About Yeast Infection:

1. During a lifetime, 75 percent of all women are likely to have at least one yeast infection, and up to 45 percent have two or more.
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3. Vaginal yeast infections are the second most common cause of cases of abnormal vaginal discharge . 
4. Yeast infections are quite common during pregnancy, perhaps due to a chemical change in the vaginal environment — essentially there is more sugar in the vaginal secretions on which the yeast feed.
5. About 5 percent of women with vaginal yeast infections develop recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC), which is defined as four or more symptomatic vaginal yeast infections in a one-year period. Most women with RVVC have no underlying medical illness that would predispose them to recurrent Candida infections.
6. A woman's vagina normally produces a discharge that is usually described as clear or slightly cloudy, non-irritating and odor-free. During the normal menstrual cycle, the amount and consistency of discharge may vary.
7. Do not douche. Douching disrupts the balance of normal bacteria in the vagina
8. Vaginal yeast infections can clear up without treatment. However, there is a small chance that if you don't treat a yeast infection, you may develop a more severe pelvic infection.
9. Treatment of sexual partners is usually not recommended. It is not clear if vaginal yeast infections are transmitted sexually. However, if a male sex partner does show symptoms of Candida balanitis — redness, irritation and/or itching at the tip of the penis — he may need to be treated with an antifungal cream or ointment.
10. Medications cure 80 to 90 percent of vaginal yeast infections within two weeks or less, often within a few days.
11. Take antibiotics only when prescribed by your health care professional and never take them for longer than your doctor directs. In addition to destroying bacteria that cause illness, antibiotics kill off the "good" bacteria that normally live in the vagina. Without the normal lactobacillus bacteria in the vagina, yeast cells can take over and grow out of control.

 

Most Important Causes of Yeast Infection:

ANTIBIOTICS: 

these are probably the leading cause of vaginal yeast infections, and are a great example of the important principle that by using technology to solve problems, we create other problems. Say you take an antibiotic to cure your sinus infection. The antibiotic kills the unwanted bacteria in your sinuses, but can also kill the "good" bacteria in your crotch, upsetting the balance of your vaginal ecosystem, allowing the yeast to take over. (Antibacterial deodorant soap can have the same effect.) Most women have problems with only a few types of antibiotics, or with prolonged antiobiotics treatment. Others get yeast infections every time they take antibiotics. Unfortunately, I know of no way of preventing an antibiotic-induced yeast infection; you just have to treat it once it starts.

CLOTHING: 

vaginal yeasties flourish in non-cotton, tight, or dirty clothes that trap heat and moisture.  your absolutely best bet is to wear a skirt with no underwear or tights. If you've ever had an urge to go for that sexy thigh-high stocking look but have been too shy, here's the excuse you've been looking for. And if you do wear underwear, your safest bet is unbleached, un-dyed cotton underwear and breathable clothes. It's a good idea to change your underpants regularly, like maybe once a day. If at all possible, don't sleep in underwear; if you do, put on clean stuff. Yeast can live in your underwear, so be sure to wash it well, particularly during and after a yeast infection.

DIET: 

Some people say that cutting down on yeast-containing foods helps lessen the intensity or frequency of vaginal yeast infections. I don't understand how this could matter, because the kind of yeast that's found in foods like bread or beer is not at all like the yeast found in the vagina. But hey, it can't hurt, and it might help. Similarly, many people believe that high levels of sugar in your diet can contribute to yeast infections, presumably by elevating sugar levels in your urine, giving the yeast more food. I can't see how this could happen in a healthy person, but if you think it's a problem for you, cut down on your sugar and alcohol intake. It is clear that women with poorly controlled diabetes get frequent yeast infections, precisely because of sugar in the urine. If you have frequent yeast infections and have other symptoms of diabetes, like you're always thirsty and you have to urinate often, go see a doctor. Finally, most advocates of dietary causes also list caffeine as a factor.

SEXUAL TRANSMISSION: 

Candida can be transmitted between people by direct contact, and so can actually be a sexually-transmitted disease. Lesbian partners are particularly susceptible to passing yeast infections back and forth, so if you or your lover has an active infection you should be extra-careful to follow the safer sex guidelines: wash your hands or change your gloves in between touching your own private parts and your partner's. And you should be aware that men can get yeast infections, often without obvious symptoms. It's not uncommon for a yeast-infected woman who has unprotected sex with a man to infect her lover, treat her own infection, and then get reinfected next time she has sex with him. If you think your male lover might have a yeast infection, get him some treatment, and practice safe sex at least until both of you are sure that your infections are gone.

DERAILED IMMUNE SYSTEM: 

women with compromised immune systems due to HIV or Lyme disease are extremely prone to suffering from yeast infections. In addition to vaginal yeast infections, such people are particularly susceptible to, a yeast infection of the throat, or esophageal yeast infections.

Signs/symptoms of yeast infection:

1. Burning, redness, and swelling of the vagina and the vulva
2. Pain when passing urine
3. Pain during sex
4. Soreness
5. A thick, white vaginal discharge that looks like cottage cheese and does not have a bad smell
6. A rash on the vagina

Treatments:

• Creams
• Tablets
• Ointments or suppositories that are inserted into the vagina

Friday, August 02, 2013