Vaginal Yeast Infections

We all enjoy the sweetness of fresh fruit and sweeteners. Did you ever consider that these foods could be affecting an underlying health condition and subsequently how you feel? Simple and complex sugars found in many foods could be contributing to the growth of excess yeast in your body.

Yeasts are single cell living organisms that live on the surface of all living things, even the foods we eat and our skin. Under certain conditions, they can become so numerous they cause infections, particularly in warm and moist areas. Examples of such infections are vaginal yeast infections, thrush, skin and diaper rash, and nailbed infections.

75% of all women are likely to have at least one vaginal Candida infection during their lifetime, and about half have two or more. Vaginal yeast infections, also called "Candida vaginal infections," typically are caused by the Candida albicans fungus.

Symptoms

The symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection include: V

• aginal itching or soreness.
• Thick, white, cheeselike discharge.
• "Burning" discomfort around the vaginal opening, especially if urine touches the area.
• Pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse.
• Swelling of the vulva

Causes

There is a natural balance among the various bacteria, candida and other organisms that naturally inhabit the vaginal area. A bacterial or a yeast infection can occur when that balance is upset. When healthy conditions prevail, the vagina?s acidic environment helps keep yeast from growing out of control, but the acidic balance can be changed by any number of factors including menstruation, pregnancy, diabetes, some antibiotics, birth control pills and steroids.

If the vagina becomes less acidic, too many yeast can grow, causing a vaginal infection. Moisture and irritation are other factors that seem to encourage yeast to grow. It has also been shown that women are more likely to get to vaginal yeast infections if their bodies are under stress from poor diet, lack of sleep or illness. Women with immune-suppressing diseases such as diabetes and HIV infection are also at increased risk.

Treatment

Although many medications used to treat vaginal yeast infections are now available without a prescription, these medications should only be used for treating repeat infections, not the first time a woman suspects she may have a yeast infection. Any woman who experiences symptoms of a vaginal infection for the first time should visit a doctor. This is important to be sure that the vaginal discharge and discomfort is caused by yeast and not sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhea, chlamydia or trichomoniasis.

Yeast infections are usually treated with a non-prescription cream or suppository that you put into your vagina. The cream can also be applied to the vulva to help relieve itching. Treatment of sex partners is not usually necessary, since most vaginal yeast infections are not transmitted sexually, however, if a male sex partner shows 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.

Prevention

Here are some things you can do to help prevent yeast infections:

• Keep the external genital area clean and dry.
• Avoid irritating soaps (including bubble bath), vaginal sprays and douches.
• Change tampons and sanitary napkins frequently.
• Wear loose cotton (rather than nylon) underwear that doesn't trap moisture.
• Avoid tight-fitting or synthetic-fiber clothes and daily wear of pantyhose.
• After swimming, change quickly into dry clothing instead of sitting in a wet bathing suit for prolonged periods.
• Take antibiotics only when prescribed by your doctor, and never take them for longer than your doctor directs.
• If you are diabetic, try to keep tight control over your blood sugar levels.

Recurrent Yeast Infections and Health Related Problems

About 5% of women with vaginal yeast infections develop recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC), defined as four or more vaginal yeast infections in a one-year period. Although RVVC is more common in women who have diabetes or weakened immune systems, most women with RVVC have no underlying medical illness that would predispose them to recurrent Candida infections. Most doctors treat this problem with two weeks of oral medication, followed by up to six months of a low maintenance dose. Women with RVVC, should consult their doctor for treatment and possible testing for diabetes or HIV.

Women between 20 and 55 are especially prone to yeast-related health problems. Some of the symptoms may include:

• Recurrent vaginal yeast infections
• Recurrent urinary tract infections
• PMS
• Vulvodynia (burning vulva)
• Sexual dysfunction (lack of libido or loss of orgasm)
• Dyspareunia (pain on intercourse)
• Infertility
• Endometriosis
• Interstitial cystitis

Recommended For Maintaining a Healthy Balance Between Yeast and Bacteria

Florajen Acidophilus - 16 billion live bacteria in each capsule. After antibiotic therapy, oral contraceptives, hormonal changes or chronic yeast infections, the ?friendly? acidophilus can restore balance to your system. Extensively studied and recommended by health professionals throughout the world. 1 capsule equals the acidophilus in 8 cups of yogurt. Click here to order online. (bottle of 30s or 60s available)