Candida Overgrowth Syndrome
By: Sarah Rhodes | Posted: 21st May 2007
The best yeast infection remedy treats the root cause of the infection. Some medicines work temporarily but the infection keeps coming back. In this case, the medicine treats only the symptoms and not the cause of infection. If not treated accordingly this infection may lead to chronic yeast infection.
Although you can use over the counter products which contain anti-histamines or topical anesthetics for dealing with a vaginal yeast infection they do not actually treat they underlying problem and instead just mask the symptoms. Women who find that they are suffering from either recurring or chronic yeast infections may need to be treated with vaginal creams for extended periods of time, but just recently there are more effective oral medications now becoming available. But any woman suffering from either recurring or chronic vaginal yeast infections should consult their doctor in order to find out what the underlying cause of the problem is. Certainly HIV infected women may find that they suffer from severe yeast infections and in some cases they find that the problem is unresponsive to treatment.
Every three out of four women experience at least one yeast infection during her life; many experience recurrent infections. You can reduce the probability of recurrent attacks by practicing some preventive steps. Always wear white cotton panties. Nylon and Lycra may trap air and create a breeding ground for yeast. Keep the external genital area clean and dry. Avoid antibiotics and steroids, because they destroy the competing bacteria and allow yeast to overgrow. Avoid irritating and perfumed soaps, vaginal sprays. Change tampons and sanitary napkins frequently. After swimming, change quickly into dry clothing instead of sitting in wet bathing suit for prolonged periods. Take antibiotics only as prescribed by a doctor. If diabetic, try to keep tight control over blood sugar levels. Avoid using oral contraceptives if you have a yeast infection. Avoid use of petroleum-based lubricants for vaginal lubrication during sexual intercourse. Try using water-based lubricants.
There are many treatments available, including antifungal creams and prescription pills from physicians. However, the best and most effective treatments are simple home remedies that have a long-lasting effect, with no side effects. In fact, these remedies not only cure the infection, they can also be taken daily to prevent infection. This is unlike the antifungal medication, which can only be taken during an infection due to the fact that the medication can lose effectiveness if taken regularly.
Vaginal Yeast infection in women is very common. Yeasts or Candida fungus are minute organisms that live in small numbers on human body. Yeast infection occurs when the number of these organisms increases beyond a certain level. Typically, the acidity in the vagina keeps the level of yeast low. But with the drop in the acidity level due to various conditions like menstruation period, pregnancy, diabetes or birth control pills, yeast grows and causes the infection.
Factors that can be major causes of yeast infections in women include the use of douches, scented feminine hygiene products, feminine sprays, and regular use of spermicidal creams. The combination of some or all of these products will sometimes ruin the delicate balance of the vagina which in turn can create a yeast infection.
One thing that is rarely taken into account on lasting yeast infections is the fact that yeast is significantly influenced by the vaginas natural monthly fluctuating acid base (PH balance). The pH balance changes with monthly hormonal rhythms. Most women with yeast infections that last for months notice that the symptoms manifest or worsen a few days prior to the onset of menstruation and often clear up or improve when the period ends. Just prior to menstruation and throughout the time of the menstrual flow, the vaginal pH balance becomes significantly more alkaline, allowing yeast colonies that have been in a dormant state to become active and produce symptoms.
Sarah Rhodes suffered from chronic yeast infections for many years before finally discovering a natural, permanent cure that works. Read about Sarah and the secret that permanently cured her yeast infections at: yeastinfectionsnomore.com
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Tags: breeding ground, blood sugar levels, oral contraceptives, prolonged periods, four women, preventive steps, oral medications, vaginal yeast infections, tight control, vaginal yeast infection, anti histamines, recurrent infections, woman suffering, chronic yeast infections