Natural Cure For Yeast Infection
What is a yeast infection?
A yeast infection is is caused by an overgrowth of the fungus or yeast Candida. Yeast normally live in small numbers, but when the bacteria become out of balance, too many yeast grow and cause an infection.
Yeast infections are very common. About 75 percent of women have a yeast infection during their lives. And almost half of women have two or more yeast infections.
What are the signs of a yeast infection?
The most common symptom of a yeast infection is extreme itchiness. Other symptoms include:
- Burning, redness, and swelling
- Pain when urinating
- A thick, white discharge that looks like cottage cheese and does not have a bad smell
You may only have a few of these symptoms and they may be mild or severe.
Many things can change the acidity of the body and increase your chances of a vaginal yeast infection. These include:
- stress
- lack of sleep
- sickness
- poor diet, or high intake of sugary foods
- pregnancy
- having your period
- taking birth control pills
- taking antibiotics
- taking steroid medicines
- diseases such as poorly-controlled diabetes and HIV infection
How are yeast infections treated?
Yeast infections can also be cured with antifungal medicines in the form of creams, tablets, ointments or suppositories that are inserted into the vagina. These medicines include butoconazole, clotrimazole, miconazole, nystatin, tioconazole and terconazole. These products can be bought over-the-counter at the drug store or grocery store. Your doctor can also prescribe you a single dose of oral fluconazole.
Infections that do not respond to these medicines are becoming more common. Using antifungal medicines when you don’t really have a yeast infection can increase your risk of getting a hard-to-treat infection in the future.
Is it safe to use over-the-counter medicines for yeast infections?
Yes, but it is important to talk to your doctor first. Always call your doctor before treating yourself for a vaginal yeast infection if:
- you are pregnant
- you have never been diagnosed with a yeast infection
- you are having repeat yeast infections
Studies show that two thirds of women who buy these products do not really have a yeast infection. Using these medicines incorrectly may lead to a hard-to-treat infection. Plus, treating yourself for a yeast infection when you really have another kind of infection may worsen the problem.
If you decide to use these over-the-counter medicines, be sure to read and follow the directions carefully. Some creams and inserts may weaken condoms and diaphragms.
What should I do if I get repeat yeast infections?
Call your doctor. About five percent of women develop four or more vaginal yeast infections in one year. This is called recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC). RVVC is more common in women with diabetes or weakened immune systems. Doctors normally treat this problem with antifungal medicine for up to six months.
How can I avoid getting another yeast infection?
To help prevent vaginal yeast infections, try the following:
- Learn what causes yeast infections.
- 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
If you have repeat yeast infections, talk to your doctor.
For more information…
For more information on yeast infections, call the National Women’s Health Information Center (NWHIC) at 1-800-994-9662 or contact the following organizations:
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Natural Cure for Yeast Infection
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