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Women's Health Information
What about Yeast Infections?


Candida albicans (which is the cause of yeast infections) is naturally occurring in our bodies and only becomes problematic when it reaches levels that our immune systems cannot fight. This, in combination with the right growing conditions for the bacteria, is what manifests as a yeast infection.

So what are the conditions under which these bacteria can thrive and multiply? Candida albicans thrives in warm, moist areas and especially so if your immune system is already struggling, for example, following a bout of flu or during pregnancy. It is further encouraged by situations such as insufficient cleansing of the genitals following sex - particularly anal followed by vaginal sex - as well as the use of oral contraceptives and some antibiotics. Being exposed to a partner who already has a yeast infection makes you more susceptible to developing a similar infection also.


  The fact that many people won’t talk about them is not surprising. If you have trouble getting rid of yeast infections keep reading. You need to treat the actual infection or prevent one from occurring in the first place. You need to find out the cause of why you may be more susceptible to yeast infections than others.

First and foremost, review your diet! There are a host of factors that actually cause a infection to multiply explosively and get out of hand. Simple sugars actually feed a yeast infection. If you want to alleviate your problem right now you must cut out sugar from your diet in as many ways as possible. Candy, sugary desserts, coke, sugary juices, bottle drinks, energy drinks, sports drinks all need to be reduced or ideally cut out. Strive to restore the pH balance of your body's own acids.


People who have diabetes are especially prone to yeast infections. Likewise, taking steroids and some antibiotics may also facilitate overwhelming bacterial infection that will manifest as a yeast infection. In fact, any condition - or treatment for other conditions - that affects a person's immune system may leave them vulnerable to this troublesome infection. HIV and AIDS sufferers or those with cancers are similarly at risk but even people who are stressed or have dietary deficiencies are more likely to experience recurrent yeast infections.Scratches in the vagina ( caused during insertion of tampons or other objects) can also promote yeast infections.

Below are some natural remedies to help alleviate symptoms/infection: 


1.  Vitamin E as a suppository or vitamin E oil can be used once or twice per day for 3 to 14 days to soothe the mucous membranes of the female reproductive organ.
2.  Vitamin A used this way can be irritating to local tissue, so it should not be used more than once per day for up to seven consecutive days.
3.

Natural home remedies are an alternative to medical treatments, but it is always best to check with your healthcare provider to go over your natural treatment options.
                                                              
                                                              Maintaining a Healthy Vagina


-  Wipe front to back when urinating to avoid bringing bacteria from the rectum forward
-  DO NOT DOUCHE!! This alters the healthy balance of bacteria in the vagina
-  AVOID pads and tampons with deodorant/perfumed scents - chemical irritants are present and can help promote vaginal irritation
-  Avoid checmical irritants that are present in hot tubs, swimming pools, scented toilet paper, bubble bath and vaginal hygiene products (such as sprays, powers, soaps, douches)
-  DO NOT USE TALCUM POWDER - this is linked to ovarian cancer
-  Change tampons and pads at least every 4-6 hours- be aware of signs and symptoms of toxic shock syndrome
-  Reduce intake of dairy products and simple sugars - these favor the overgrowth of yeast
-  Consider using condoms for recurrent infections to avoid re-infection
-  Avoid repeated intercourse in a 24 hour period - vaginal pH will not return to normal for 24 hours, and you may be more prone to an infection during this time
-  Consider taking acidophilus tablets daily - maintains pH in the vagina and prevents the overgrowth of yeast
-  Be aware that vaginal discharge is your friend - discharge is evidence of daily cleaning of your vagina and will change throughout your menstrual cycle
- Wear cotton underwear and/or sleep without underwear - helps promote circulation of air around the vulva - Your vulva sweats more than any other body part
-  Keep your sexual aids clean to avoid re-infection
-  Practice good stress management



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