|
A yeast infection is an overgrowth of yeast in the vagina that results
in one or more of the following symptoms: itching, redness around the
external area of the vagina, cheesy discharge, burning, irritation, and
pain during intercourse. The causes of yeast infections vary. Women
with diabetes are more prone to them because when blood glucose levels
are elevated all the body secretions have an increased amount of glucose
and all of the tissues of the body stop functioning normally. Women taking
steroids or antibiotics are at a higher risk; these products suppress
the other flora in the vagina, allowing yeast to overgrow. Birth
control pills, wearing tight fitting jeans, synthetic underwear, wet bathing
suits, wiping from the back to the front after using the toilet, and even
douching can increase a women’s chances of getting a yeast infection. And,
any time a woman’s immune system is suppressed, such as someone
with HIV, the body is more prone to experience yeast infections.
The most important first step for a woman to take with any of the above
symptoms is to check with her physician. Even when a woman has experienced
a yeast infection before, all of the above symptoms are also related to
other, more serious problems, such as trichomonas and bacterial vaginosis,
and can lead a woman to believe that her problem is self treatable. For
this reason, women should consult a doctor before making any assumptions
that could affect their health. However, many women have been to their
doctor in the past and know exactly what symptoms to expect. But
if you are experiencing the symptoms of a yeast infection for the first
time, it is always best to be sure. Many physicians will diagnose
solely based on hearing the symptoms, however, it is important for women
to request that the doctor actually examine the secretions under a microscope
to verify a definitive diagnosis of yeast.
Up to 75% of women will experience a yeast infection once in their lifetime,
and another 5% will have frequent, recurring episodes. Women with
chronic medical conditions, who must take corticosteroids or antibiotics
for an extended period of time, and diabetics who require glucose control
are often more susceptible to recurring yeast infections. Along with
HIV infected women, whose recurring yeast infections are often hardest
to treat due to a weakened immune system.
Luckily, there are numerous ways to treat this commonly occurring (and
recurring) problem women experience. Women can choose to treat yeast
infections either with a prescription oral medication or an over-the-counter
vaginal suppository or cream. Both the oral and vaginal treatments
are equally effective. The oral medication must enter the bloodstream
through circulation before reaching the infected tissues in the vaginal
area. The suppositories and creams begin to directly treat the infection
as they are applied locally.
The creams and suppositories can be anywhere from a one-time dose to a
seven-day treatment, whereas the oral treatments are usually a one-time
dose. The one-time dose treatments, either oral or vaginal, are effective
for mild symptoms. However, women who are experiencing moderate to
severe symptoms, or who have had recurrences before, experience better
success with the three- to seven-day treatments.
Although there are many readily available methods of treatment for yeast
infections, prevention is a far less expensive
and hassle free method. If you are prone to yeast infections, prevention
may be your saving grace, physically and financially. Maintaining
a healthy, low sugar diet (yeast thrives on sugar) is a key preventative
measure. And including yogurt in your diet for its ingredient acidophilus,
a “friendly” bacteria that helps prevent candidiasis, an overgrowth
of yeast. Caprylic acid is an antifungal agent that destroys
the Candida organism, and can be found in supplement form. Essential
fatty acids, like flaxseed oil, are important for healing and preventing
the fungus from destroying cells. All of these additions to your diet,
plus watching what you wear (no tight jeans or synthetic underwear), and
practicing correct toilet habits will give you a much better chance of
preventing and fighting yeast infections.
Resources:
www.Yeastinfectionresource.com
www.Webmdhealth.com
Prescription for Nutritional Healing by Phyllis A. Balch, CNC and James
F. Balch, M.D. (2000)
<back
|
