Know Yeast Infections
Yeast infections
can occur in various parts of the body such as the mouth,
underarms, and respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts and
can affect men as well as women and children. However, the
overwhelming majority of yeast infections occurs in women
and affects the vaginal/genital areas.
Yeast infections are caused by micro organisms (Primarily
Candida
Albicans) that are normally found on healthy human tissue.
Problems occur when the natural balance is upset and the
microorganisms increase disproportionately to the level
of good bacteria. The naturally acidic environment in the
vagina usually keeps the levels of yeast in check.
However, if the PH balance (i.e. level of acidity) is affected
then yeast may grow out of control causing an infection.
The acidity of the vagina may be influenced by factors such
as menstruation, pregnancy,
birth control pills and hormonal changes.
Symptoms of yeast
infection include:
- Itchiness and burning sensation in the vagina and surrounding
areas. Burning may be more severe during urination.
- White, usually odorless discharge.
- Redness, rash or soreness
- Pain during sexual intercourse.
Yeast levels may be affected
by many circumstances including:
- Use of oral antibiotics - This tends to reduce the levels
of good bacteria which helps the proliferation of yeast.
- Use of oral contraceptives or Hormone replacement therapy.
Hormonal changes affect the PH balance of the vagina.
- Regular douching.
- A warm moist environment promotes yeast growth.
- Tight jeans and/or synthetic underwear.
As the old saying goes, "Prevention is better than
cure" - There are many things a woman could do to reduce
her risk of suffering a yeast infection. These include:
- Use of cotton rather than synthetic underwear.
- Avoiding douching.
While prevention may be desirable, statistics indicate
that 3 out of 4 women will suffer from yeast infection
at some point in life. There is a range of over the counter
medications that include topical and oral treatments. Each
has its advantages and disadvantages. Topical treatments
usually provide quicker relief from symptoms and have less
severe side effects. However, in order to avoid side effects
altogether, many women prefer natural treatments to medication.
There are wide ranges of natural remedies that aim to treat
different aspects of the yeast problem. Many of these natural
remedies are just as effective as the medications. In fact
it is believed that natural remedies may actually help to
provide longer lasting control of yeast problems.
Common natural remedies for yeast
infetion treatment include:
- Yogurt- This
works by trying to re-establish the balance of good bacteria.
Yogurt contains Lactobacillus Acidophilus good bacteria
that helps overcome yeast and keep it in check. Yogurt
can be administered by applying locally to the affected
area or by smearing on a tampon.
- Garlic is
another popular remedy for yeast infections. Garlic
contains natural anti fungal substances that help to control
the yeast. The garlic can be applied by creating a tampon
like applicator with cheesecloth or gauze.
- Tea Tree oil
is often used to treat yeast. This can be applied externally
or administered on a tampon.
- Hydrogen peroxide
is a substance produced by the good bacteria. When levels
of good bacteria fall below desired levels using hydrogen
peroxide could lend a helping hand to keep yeast under
control.
- Boric acid
capsules may be used to restore the necessary acidic environment
in the vagina. Boric acid capsules are used as suppositories.
The heat of the body melts the capsules and releases the
Boric acid. Other treatments that aim to restore acidic
balance include cider vinegar, lemon juice or Vitamin
C suitably diluted. Douching is not generally recommended
in the absence of infection. However, acid douches can
be helpful in controlling yeast outbreaks.
- Treatments with Gentian Violet
and Potassium Sorbate
have also had positive results.
In addition to the remedies mentioned above many common
treatments such as slippery elm powder or aloe vera juice
are used to help alleviate symptoms. These treatments have
been found useful in overcoming itchiness.
While there are obvious benefits from adopting natural
remedies for yeast infections it is important to
consider the risks of self-diagnosis and self-treatment.
Symptoms of yeast infection have much in common with other
diseases such as Bacterial
Vaginosis, Trichomoniasis, Chlamydia and other vaginal
infections. Misdiagnosis could cause delays in getting appropriate
treatment for these conditions that could result in complications.
Therefore, it is important to consider all circumstances
in determining the most appropriate in an individual case.
Read more Natural
Home Remedies ....
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