A vaginal yeast infection is a problem that has stricken almost every woman at one point or another. Intensely uncomfortable, and dangerous if left untreated for long enough, yeast infections are still something that is commonly overlooked, misunderstood, . Since often times women can be hesitant to discuss their vaginal yeast infection with their doctors, it is time to start taking control of our own bodies and beginning the process of understanding how everything works.
What Is A Vaginal Yeast Infection
A vaginal yeast infection is not really an infection. The word ‘infection’ implies bacterial or viral interference that requires strong drugs to cure. Yeast infections are actually an overabundance of a naturally occurring fungus. Normally all the bacteria and such that live in the vaginal area keep each other under control. Sometimes, however, conditions are just right for the yeast to grow. In addition, a yeast infection is not considered a sexually transmitted disease, though they can be warning signs of more complex problems. Continual yeast infections can be signs of immune system disorders like HIV, and sometimes symptoms of diabetes.
Causes of a Vaginal Yeast Infections
A “vaginal yeast infection” is most commonly caused by the increase in number of yeast living in the body. This can be the result of pregnancy, diabetes, obesity, taking oral contraceptives, using perfumed douches, and taking antibiotics. Anything that drastically changes the body’s chemistry can be a culprit. Women who are taking immunosuppressant drugs or are on chemotherapy, should be extra cautious, as these can increase the risk of yeast infections.
Signs of a Vaginal Yeast Infection
The most common sign of a vaginal yeast infection is itching and/or burning of the area surrounding the vagina. Along with this, some women experience pain during sex, pain while going to the bathroom, redness and swelling of the labia, and an abnormal discharge. The discharge can range from pale white and watery to a consistency like cottage cheese. Any one of these signs should be taken note of, more than one generally necessitate a visit to the doctor. Although, among women who have regular yeast infections, the doctor’s visit may be skipped in favor of immediate treatment.
Vaginal Yeast Infection Treatment
Usually, a doctor will recommend using an over-the-counter anti-fungal medication. These are delivered in any number of ways, the most common of which is as a vaginal suppository. However, there is an amazingly effective yeast infection home remedy or two. One of the best things about home remedies is that they can often be used in conjunction with each other, whereas medications are normally a one-shot deal, whether they are working for you or not.
Yeast Infection and Vaginal Yeast Infection Home Cures
The first yeast infection / vaginal yeast infection home remedy is yogurt. Yes, yogurt. This yummy dairy product is full of one of the body’s friendly bacteria. Adding a cup or two to the diet, for a full week after symptoms disappear, can help replace one of the things that help to keep yeast in control. For this, any kind of yogurt will suffice. In addition, plain, no sugar added yogurt can be applied directly to the affected area for more immediate relief. If yogurt is not an option for some reason, most health food stores sell acidophilus, which is another name for the bacteria found in yogurt.
Next on the list of vaginal yeast infection home remedies is garlic. Long known for its anti-biotic and anti-fungal properties, garlic has swept the health food nation. Just as with yogurt, garlic can be ingested or applied directly. The best way to ingest garlic for these purposes is to eat a fresh clove every morning. If this is too unpleasant, garlic capsules can be substituted for the fresh cloves. In order to apply directly, though, a little inventiveness must be used. A clove can be wrapped, tied, and inserted into the vagina to be left overnight. If using capsules, the solution is a tad more convoluted. Roll some gauze, tie it, and spread it with lubricating jelly. Cut the tip off of a capsule and spread a few drops of the garlic onto the jelly. Insert and leave overnight.
Tea tree oil is also an effective yeast infection home remedy. A couple drops can be added to a lukewarm sitz bath for a powerful astringent. It can also be diluted with lubricating jelly and inserted. It should be noted, though, that tea tree oil is very strong and has been known to cause discomfort for some women. If there are problems, rinse with a lot of water and discontinue use. Also, tea tree oil is solely for external use, do not ingest it for any reason.
A variety of herbs, such as camomile, tabebuia, licorice, goldenseal and black walnut, can be used as tinctures or pastes to help promote natural healing, as can cranberry juice and diluted apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is thought to aid in the recreation of natural balance when swabbed over the affected area. Essentially, anything with strong astringent properties can be used, though they should be used under the direction of someone familiar with the particular herb.
How To Prevent A Vaginal Yeast Infection
Though the causes of vaginal yeast infections are fairly well-known, there are really no set preventative measures. The best thing that can be done is to keep clean and dry. Staying dry is very important, as the added moisture is one of the things bacteria and fungus need to grow and cause a yeast infection (or commonly called candida or candidiasis). Do not wear wet bathing suits or exercise clothes for longer than necessary, and make sure to wash them every time. It has also been suggested that avoiding yeasty foods like beer and bread can help keep the yeast population down. If you are experiencing a vaginal yeast infection more than one would think to be normal, the discontinuation of any oral contraceptives has been proven to help with the problem. Also please look into the candida diet.
A vaginal yeast infection can be like a modern boogieman for women. One of those things that are not spoken of in polite company, and not often spoken of in the company of doctors, they are a shameful secret that has nothing to do with shame. With all the treatment options available, there is no reason to suffer in the dark any longer. Life is difficult enough as it is without adding preventable discomfort to the mix, and a vaginal yeast infection is definitely preventable and very curable. Yeast infection in men is also extremely common, and if you are doing everything correct and you think there’s no way you should have a vaginal yeast infection, then you definitely want to have your male partner checked out.
