Best Natural Yeast Infection Cure

Causes of Yeast Infection Candidiasis (commonly called yeast infection) is caused by one of four different types of Candida:

Candida Albicans is the most common type and is responsible for nearly 80 percent of all Vaginal Yeast Infections.

The other three varieties are Candida Glabrata, Candida Tropicalis, and Candida Krusei.

These organisms are present in most people and are commonly found in the vaginal and intestinal tract at various times. In these small amounts, it is harmless and almost nonexistent. The overgrowth is what brings about the problems.

Immune suppression has been linked to the causes of the overgrowth of yeast. Some factors of change such as change in diet or nutritional habits can cause and imbalance of yeast. Even the use of broad spectrum antibiotics, such as tetracycline or penicillin which can suppress and even kill beneficial bacteria that are vital to the genital tract, can allow the yeast to multiply and go unchecked. There are other underlying factors, such as Diabetes, that are believed to possibly be the root cause of Yeast Infections.

When Physicians are met with recurrent yeast infections and there seems to be no other cause, they do have to consider HIV. HIV (the virus that leads to AIDS) lowers the immune system and could greatly reduce the ability of a woman to combat yeast. Yeast infections can be somewhat contagious in that they can be passed back and forth between partners during unprotected intercourse. Realistically, if a partner becomes infected, it generally means that his or her immune system is already depressed and the infection would have been inevitable.

HIV is not the only immune depressant. Any kind of infection or illness can weaken the immune system, thus allowing the body’s own natural defenses to become inadequate. Physical and mental stress as well as lack of sleep, poor nutrition, and medications such as birth control pills, can also wreak havoc on the immune system, opening the door for yeast to occur. Hormonal surges during pregnancy can also temporarily upset the immune system and cause more frequent yeast infections.

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A vaginal yeast infection is an irritation of the vagina and the area around the vagina, called the vulva. It is caused by an overgrowth of the fungus or yeast called candida, which is one of the organisms that naturally occurs in a woman’s vagina. The overgrowth occurs when there is an imbalance of the acidity of the vagina or in the body’s hormones.

According to the National Women’s Health Information Center (NWHIC), vaginal yeast infections are very common. About 75 percent of all women have a yeast infection during their lives. Almost half of all women have two or more yeast infections.

The Food and Drug Administration now allows medications that used to be prescription only to be sold over the counter to treat yeast infections that keep coming back. But before you run out and buy one, if you’ve never been treated for a vaginal yeast infection you should see a doctor. That’s because yeast infections have symptoms that are similar to other, more serious sexually transmitted diseases. Only a doctor can tell for sure if what you are suffering from is a vaginal yeast infection.

Your doctor may advise you to use one of the over the counter drugs products or may prescribe a drug called Diflucan (fluconazole) to treat your vaginal yeast infection. The FDA recently approved the drug, a tablet taken by mouth, for clearing up yeast infections with just one dose. Some women try home remedies but you should definitely talk with your doctor before attempting to treat your vaginal yeast infection symptoms at home. Some home remedies involve chemicals that can irritate the sensitive genital area.

Some of the symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection include itching, burning or soreness, burning during urination, pain with sexual intercourse, vaginal discharge, rash or redness and odor. Women who experience multiple yeast infections throughout the year are suffering from “recurrent yeast infections” and should be under the care of a doctor. Recurrent yeast infections can be a sign of something more serious (such as diabetes or immune system deficiencies) and treating the root of the problem can reduce the number of yeast infections.

To help prevent vaginal yeast infections, try the following:

• Don’t use douches
• Avoid scented hygiene products like bubble bath, sprays, pads and tampons
• Change tampons and pads often during your period
• Don’t wear tight underwear or clothes made of synthetic fibers
• Wear cotton underwear and pantyhose with a cotton crotch
• Change out of wet swimsuits and exercise clothes as soon as possible.

Talk to your doctor about other ways to prevent vaginal yeast infections and work with him or her to develop the best treatment plan for you.

Glossary:

Vulva: The area around the vagina
Candida: An organism that occurs naturally in a woman’s vagina that can cause a yeast infection if overgrowth occurs.

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