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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.
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Symptoms of yeast infection include:
Itchiness and burning sensation in the vagina
and surrounding areas.
Vaginal 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.
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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 infections 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.
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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.
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