Guest Author - Linda Reid
Put up your hand if you have never had a vaginal yeast infection. You, over there, you haven’t had one? Oh, you’re just scratching your armpit. If you have never had a yeast infection, you are in the lucky minority. Over 75% of women will have at least one encounter with this bane of womankind and an unfortunate 5% will suffer chronic infections that will make life a misery.
Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of a fungus called Candida Albicans. This fungus is always present in the body, in small amounts, but given certain conditions, it will flourish, causing inflammation and irritation and an itching that can be so severe it makes you want to use a stiff hairbrush to scratch it.
So, what are the conditions that bring on this distressing and for some, dispiriting, problem? Imagine your vagina as an efficient, highly regulated ecosystem. Under normal conditions, a healthy vagina cleans itself and maintains a slightly acidic environment (low ph balance) that encourages healthy bacteria and discourages the growth of unhealthy bacteria. Fluids are produced that wash away dead cells and unwanted invaders and all is right with the world. Sometimes, however, this environment is compromised and becomes a breeding ground for the opportunistic Candida Albicans.
The circumstances that will encourage an overgrowth of yeast may be as complex as a weakened immune system or as simple as wearing nylon underwear. Any conditions that change the acidic balance of the vagina will leave you vulnerable to infection. If you have diabetes, if you have been taking certain antibiotics, if you are pregnant or taking birth control pills, you might get an infection. Vaginal acidity changes throughout your monthly menstrual cycle and you are more open to getting an infection closer to the time of your period as the acid level is at its lowest point just a few days before and during your period. Yeast growth is supported by excessive moisture, and irritation of the sensitive tissues of the vagina also encourages the growth of Candida Albicans.
Symptoms of a yeast infection include, burning and stinging in the vagina or vulva, a thick, white discharge, and pain during intercourse or when urinating. Not all symptoms may occur and they can present in varying forms of severity.
There are many products on the market that will send this unwelcome visitor, packing. A number of years ago, medicines that had once been accessible only through prescription were made available as over-the-counter medications. These products are very effective, when used as directed. Some brand names include FemCare, Gyne-Lotrimin3, Monistat 1 and Canestan 1 Day Therapy. You will find these and other brands at your local pharmacy. It is important to note that symptoms of a yeast infection can be caused by another disorder, so if you have self-diagnosed and the treatment isn’t working, go to your health-care provider. There are many other conditions that have similar or identical symptoms to those of a yeast infection.
It is always better to prevent something rather than have to cure it. Your best weapon against a yeast infection is to create an environment that is hostile and unreceptive to Candida Albicans.
• Wear cotton underwear or underwear with a cotton gusset. Nylon underwear traps heat and air and creates moisture, the perfect environment for growing yeast. It’s like a party in your underpants for Candida Albicans. Tight jeans, wet bathing suits and pantyhose are also culprits.
• Eat yogurt. The good kind with lots of live bacterial culture. If you don’t like yogurt, buy acidophilus capsules. This will help restore normal intestinal health which is often compromised by some kinds of antibiotics and poor eating habits, including and especially a diet high in sugar and carbohydrates, which convert to sugar when digested. Yeast loves sugar, so cut down or completely eliminate sources from your diet.
• Don’t douche. If you are free of infection or disease, your vagina will clean itself. Douching disturbs the natural processes that allow this cleaning and interferes with the ph levels inside your vagina.
• Avoid scented products such as powders, creams, perfumes and soaps, and don’t use scented pads. They can irritate your skin and leave you open to infection.
• Use lubrication during intercourse. Friction in a dry vagina may cause tearing and irritation, again leaving you open to infection. Plus, it doesn’t feel very nice.
• Wipe from front to back after a bowel movement. Don’t introduce bacteria by wiping back to front.
For some women, this pesky nuisance sticks around like a bee at a barbeque. If you experience constant yeast infections, don’t despair. Accept the fact that, in some cases, treatment may last up to six months. Be persistent until it is under control. See your health-care provider and make sure it is, in fact, a yeast infection. Eventually you will be the victor.
Yeast infections - there are a huge number of yeast infections in this county. Probably because we live right down the river from that old bread factory. Dwight Schrute – The Office
