Simple Steps to Avoid Vaginal Yeast Infection

Almost three quarters of the entire female population of the world suffer at least once from vaginal yeast infection during their lifetime. So it is always helpful to know how this basically innocuous but surely painful and embarrassing infection can be avoided by following certain simple procedures.

You must first know that yeast multiplies rapidly under warm moist conditions where there is hardly any air flow. Though yeast is an important constituent of the ecosystem inside a human body, if it starts growing uncontrollably the delicate balance of the ecosystem is disturbed and we start suffering from the ill effects of such an imbalance. So, a general rule is to try and keep the body dry and clean a far as possible. It is needless to say vagina presents all the ingredients yeast would like to have in an environment. In fact, yeast is a natural cleanser of the vaginal canal and resides in large numbers in the canal, but once they increase beyond tolerable limits you start experiencing problems.

So, try to avoid tight pantyhose or any other tight fitting clothing and opt for cotton panties for they tend to absorb moisture and keep the area dry. Instead of full pantyhose you may try out high stockings and see whether your tastes and fashion sense permit such a change. If indeed it is not quite possible for you to shun pantyhose, get out of them as soon as possible. Make it a habit of changing underwear a couple of time in a day. If possible don’t wear panties in bed and try to get into the habit of sleeping in loose pajama bottoms. Also choose toilet paper without any designs printed on them and try to wipe from front to back to restrict any yeast residing in the intestine from entering into the vagina. I’m sure it is superfluous to say you should change your sanitary napkin and tampon as often as possible during your periods.

Also don’t wander around the swimming pool for too long a time in your wet bathing suit for yeasts prefer warm and moist areas for multiplying rapidly. Try to have a bath as quickly as possible after you come out of a swimming pool and change into something clean and dry.

There are a few more things which you should avoid if possible. Don’t use petroleum jelly to lubricate your vagina since this type of jelly encourages growth of yeast. You may try out water-based lubricants instead – they do not help in yeast growth. Ensure that your partner does not have any sort of yeast infection since in quite a few cases this infection is sexually transmitted from the partner. Last but surely not the least important instruction is never use douches since the natural mucus which protects the vagina tends to get washed away by these douches.

Diet plays an important role in controlling yeast infections in the vagina. Try to include a cup of yogurt with active cultures in your daily diet and keep a strict eye on blood sugar levels – never let it spiral out of control.

Yeast infection is really nothing so serious. If you simply follow the basic rules of hygiene you will be free from such attacks.

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Infants are Very Susceptible to Yeast Infection

As it is parents of a new born have a lot of things to take care of and they surely don’t want an attack of yeast infection to add to their worries. But most infants suffer a bout of yeast infection in their mouths as they gradually grow up. It is almost an unavoidable part of growing up. In everyday parlance it is called thrush and parents need not worry too much if their child becomes a victim to this form of yeast infection. It is essentially a minor affliction and generally disappears after a few days.

Thrush is caused by yeast called Candida which is found in every single human being. Actually this yeast performs quite a few important activities within the human body and is essential for normal functioning of the body. But when Candida starts multiplying beyond normally accepted levels, it starts creating real problems. One such example is thrush which is rather widespread in newborns and sometimes in elderly people also.

Actually yeast favors a warm, moist condition to thrive and multiply and the insides of a child’s mouth provide exactly those conditions which yeast likes. So, it is not surprising that infants almost invariably at some stage or the other suffer an attack of Candida. But mouth is not the only place where yeast infection occurs, it might occur in between thighs if diapers are not changed regularly. Any place which is conducive for yeast to multiply freely is a potential zone for yeast infection.

Parents on the lookout for a yeast infection in their babies must regularly inspect the insides of the mouth. When this infection strikes, a white film spreads over the tongue and might extend to upper palate, insides of the lips and might even extend to throat too. When this film is tried to be wiped clean with a moist swipe, irritated flaming red tissues lying underneath are exposed. A child loses appetite, cannot sleep properly and becomes extremely irritable. Since the immune system of a child is yet in its developing stage, parents should not waste any time and consult a pediatrician at the earliest.

Pediatricians often enquire about mother’s health while treating yeast infection in a child. Many a times, infants pick up this infection from their mothers during birth as the mother might be suffering from vaginal yeast infection. It has also been found that babies who are breast fed have a greater chance of picking up this infection if mother has yeast infected nipples. So, a pediatrician often times treats both mother and child in an attempt to deal with yeast infection.

It is not a cause of extreme worry if your child has got a yeast infection. Maintenance of proper hygiene and, in some cases, small doses of medication as prescribed by the pediatrician is more than enough for this infection to subside. Ensure the pacifiers are regularly sterilized and change diapers as soon as they get wet so that yeast does not get any chance to multiply. Also parents and other family members must make it a habit to wash their hands with anti-bacterial soap before touching the child. It will also be a good step to start using paper napkins instead of cloth towels as these are also a happy hunting ground for yeast infections.

Sometimes parents confuse a yeast infection with diaper rash. If you find no improvement in the situation even after 48 hours of application of the cream meant to tackle diaper rash, waste no more time and rush to a pediatrician – your child might be suffering from yeast infection.

Drugs Which are Commonly Prescribed by Doctors While Treating Yeast Infections

Fluconazole, Itraconazole and Keronconazole are the most common drugs which doctors prescribe while treating yeast infections. Let us take a quick look at these drugs and their side effects.

The favorite drug of doctors is Fluconazole which has minimum side effects and most people can take this drug without feeling unduly weighed down by mild headaches, dizziness, diarrhea and stomach pains this drug may induce. In certain rare instances of severe reactions, extreme fatigue, rash, dark urine, unusual bruising and bleeding, difficulty in breathing and seizures may also occur. You should immediately inform the doctor for necessary remedial action if you feel any of these severe side effects.

Fluconazole is usually ingested orally and is not very costly either. A full two weeks of dosage would cost somewhere around three hundred and fifty dollars. It works slightly slowly, since it restricts reproduction of yeasts instead of killing them off. This prevents other helpful bacteria also being killed in the process and upsetting the natural ecosystem in the body. Hence it is surely a very good option to treat yeast infections and the best part of it is nursing mothers can safely take this medicine without any fear of transferring the drug to the child.

Itraconazole is another drug which needs to be taken for three months to combat yeast infections. The commercial name of this formulation is known as Sporanox and it comes in small blue 100 mg capsules which need to be stored at room temperature in airtight containers. Usually a daily dose of two capsules is enough but higher dosages may be necessary to combat infections of a more serious nature. Nursing mothers should avoid this drug since there is a fair chance of the drug being passed to the infant’s body from the mother. Other than the normal side effects of fatigue, diarrhea and edema, in severe cases there may be elevated blood pressure, liver enzyme elevation and even hepatitis too.

The other drug which doctors often prescribe is Keroconazole which is marketed under the brand name Nizoral and comes as a caplet, cream or a shampoo. The buyers can choose the form which suits them most. You can have this drug either on an empty stomach or when it is full but antacids should neither immediately follow nor precede a dose of Keroconazole. There must be at least a two hour’s interval between the two. The general side effects induced by this drug are headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, abdominal pain, low blood pressure, abnormal blood count, and in extremely rare cases, impotence.

When you visit your doctor never forget to inform the medications you are on at the moment for him to prescribe drugs accordingly.

The Consequences of Not Treating a Yeast Infection in Time

Generally yeast infections are not a serious ailment and if proper hygiene is maintained along with a moderate diet control, an over-the-counter medication is enough to get rid of yeast infection. But if yeast infection is left untreated, it might spin out of control and cause serious repercussions. At least that is what a sizeable number of medical practitioners believe.

Candida albican is the fungus which is responsible for yeast infection. It usually resides in lower intestine and is a small fungus which multiplies asexually through budding process. To the naked eye it bears an uncanny resemblance to cottage cheese and is also found in vagina. If the population of Candida albican is within tolerable limits, the body experiences no problem. Troubles start only when this fungus starts multiplying at an alarming rate and if not treated in time could lead to a potentially hazardous situation called Candidiasis. Most acute cases of vaginal yeast infection are examples of advanced stages of Candidiasis.

The first negative impact of Candidiasis is it upsets the delicate balance of various bacteria and fungus which form the fragile ecosystem within a human body. This upsets the normal functioning of the body and it becomes less immune to attacks from various harmful bacteria, fungi and viruses. In really critical cases of Candidiasis, the mucous lining of intestines tends to get eroded and gets punctured in places. This brings the gastrointestinal and blood stream of the patient perilously close to each other. If dangerous toxins and allergens escape into the blood stream, the situation can become grave and degenerate into a life-threatening condition.

But this situation will suddenly not crop up overnight. Your body will give you enough warning signals that all is not well. You will start suffering from abnormal constipation, blurred vision, mood swings, depression, headaches, anxiety and a perpetual sore throat. If you do not pay heed to these disturbing indications you are sure heading for some big trouble.

It has been found that some people are more susceptible to Candidiasis than others. Women who have had multiple pregnancies or suffer from diabetes or are undergoing chemotherapy for treating cancer are particularly vulnerable to this disease.

There are certain simple things which you should do to prevent the situation from aggravating further. You should avoid alcohol and starchy food because both alcohol and starch favor rapid multiplication of yeast. If possible, avoid canned or bottled fruit juices too. Fresh fruit juice is however an antidote to yeast infection so go for it whenever you can. Take some over-the-counter antibiotics and have plenty of sleep. Your body recovers in leaps and bounds when you are sleeping.

Symptoms of Yeast Infection found in Males

There is a general perception in many people that yeast infections occur to women only. But this is as far from truth as can be possible. Yeast infection occurs when yeast, which is found in every healthy normal human being, starts breeding in an uncontrollable manner, so much so that the ecological balance within a human body gets disturbed, and, the body starts suffering from symptoms of yeast infection. So, this infection can attack any human being irrespective of sex or age.

Men having diabetes are practically sitting ducks against an infection of yeast. So also are those who guzzle bear at the slightest opportunity. If a man has been administered severe doses of antibiotics to cure another infection, or has had an organ transplant and is taking prescribed drugs which suppress natural immunity to prevent rejection by the body of the recently transplanted organ, he might suffer a bout of yeast infection. So, you see, men getting affected by yeast infection is not an unusual phenomenon at all. There could be yet another reason for a man to catch yeast infection. If he has unprotected sex with a woman who is suffering from vaginal yeast infection, there is a big chance that he may become affected too. In some cases men get affected because of disturbances in their digestive system.

If yeast infection in males is not taken care of in early stages, the consequences might be disastrous. The excessive growth of Candida, the fungus which causes yeast infection might move upwards through urethra and reach his prostate gland, and once it becomes affected, it’s the beginning of a number of really serious problems.

Usually in males, the uncontrolled growth of fungus takes place under the foreskin of penis and it’s indeed a painful situation, no doubt about it. This obviously leads to a highly hampered sex life. But this is not all. It might also cause loss of memory and violent mood swings. In lesser instances of yeast infection it results in fatigue, diarrhea, bad breath and dry skin. It also becomes the main cause of athlete’s foot or jock itch. Patients suffering from yeast infection suddenly discover a mad desire to consume sweet and starchy foods and become big fans of potato chips and pasta.

Men can and usually use the same local application creams which are used by women to get rid of yeast infection. It is but natural since the infection and its nature remains the same and goes away through application of same medicines. The popular medicines are Lotrimin, Acetum, and Gentian Violet. But, men beware of using Gentian Violet. This cream leaves a purple patch on your clothing and can become a real embarrassment if not taken care of in advance. A homemade remedy to tackle yeast infection and widely favored by women is to apply white vinegar dilute by water on the affected area. Men can also benefit from this.

There are two drugs which have immense power to tackle a yeast infection and are sure shot remedies for problems of this type. They are Fluconazole and Ketaconazole. But be very careful before you take these drugs. They have a host of awful side effects especially Ketaconazole is known to inhibit secretion of testosterone and other steroids which body produces naturally. Any imbalance of natural steroids produced by the system can have really devastating and long lasting side effects. These drugs also have a negative impact on the normal functioning of liver.

Men should increase their intake of vitamin C and try to avoid sweets and starchy food as long they are not completely cured of this infection.

Pets and Yeast Infection

Humans get yeast infection when growth of a fungus called Candida goes out of control. Candida loves a warm and moist area where there is very little air circulation and wherever it finds such a location in human body it starts multiplying wildly. Usually humans get attacked by yeast infection inside their mouths or around the crotch. Women are also very susceptible to yeast infection in vaginal canal, around or on the nipples and below breasts. Generally these are the areas where Candida finds conditions conducive to rapid growth.

An animal can get affected by yeast infection in much the same manner as a human being can get affected by it. But the reasons are not always the same as to why an animal might catch an infection.

Let us first discuss the reasons which are common to both humans and animals. One very common reason is use, rather overuse, of antibiotics. Antibiotics are a double-edged sword. Because of their ability to control a vast majority of infections, they are hugely popular, but while getting rid of one type of infection it either reduces the general level of immunity in the body or kills friendly bacteria and fungus which normally reside in our system. This causes an imbalance in the delicate ecosystem within our bodies and it becomes open to a large number of other infections, yeast infection being one of them.

The other reason which is common to both humans and animals is stress. Yes, animals also suffer from stress much the same way as we humans do. The only difference is that they are unable to express themselves as we can. But the bad effects of stress are much the same in animals as in humans. It can create an imbalance in the volume of yeast that is optimal in the system. When that level is breached, both you and your pet become vulnerable to an attack of yeast infection.

Now let us discuss the reasons which are specific to animals only. It could be heartworm medications, vaccinations, medicines administered to rid your pet of fleas, or, toxic gut syndrome which is the end result of lack of digestive enzymes and poor quality minerals. These are some of the reasons for your pet to become affected by yeast infection.

You may at times feel perplexed as to why your pet is not responding well to treatment being done for some other ailment. Before blaming your vet find out whether your pet is suffering from yeast infection. This infection often prevents other medicines from having full effect. If indeed your pet gets affected by yeast infection you may try out a simple change of diet instead of rushing to a vet. Many a times pets develop an allergy to readymade animal foods available in the market and a change of diet is all that is required to clear unwanted yeast infection from the animal’s body.

Before we end, we should take a quick glance at the symptoms to look for in your pet to find out whether it has been affected by yeast infection or not. If you find it to be chronically lethargic or there is excessive redness between toes and other skin folds on the body, or, it is suffering from bloating and excessive gas, or, it licks or scratches excessively its private parts or rubs its nose abnormally, you might be reasonably sure that it has been affected by yeast infection.

You can order for a yeast removal kit but don’t get carried away by catchy advertisements. It can take anything between two to eight months for your pet to get completely rid of a yeast infection. At times your pet might feel very uncomfortable while this detoxifying process is carried out but unfortunately is unable to express itself. So, pay special attention to find out whether it is feeling comfortable or not.

You may try out another simple remedy also. Bathe your pet regularly with a medicated shampoo and thoroughly dry it after each bath. You may be pleasantly surprised to find that the yeast infection has vanished within a week to ten days.

Tell Tale Signs of Yeast Infection

Yeast infections have no special gender or age group preference while they attack a human being. Anybody can be afflicted by a yeast infection. Since yeast resides in our bodies, these infections have every possibility of recurring over and over again. It may be termed chronic if there is a recurrence of minimum of four times during a period of twelve months.

If your baby has what is commonly called diaper rash or the child’s tongue gathers a white coating which does not go away when wiped with a moist cloth and the insides of the mouth remain inflamed (generally known as oral thrush) or gets rashes in folds of skin in other areas of the body and constantly cries the whole day while refusing to eat, there is a big chance that the infant is suffering from a yeast infection.

If you are a woman and suffer painful rashes on nipples and under breasts or feel pain while urinating or having an intercourse with occasional white sticky discharge during the whole day, chances are you have contracted a yeast infection. The white discharge and painful intercourse is often confused with vulvitis so it is always better to meet your physician if you suffer problems of this kind.

Normally it is easy to get over such infections through some simple alterations in lifestyle. Please remember yeast thrives in moist and warm conditions especially where there is hardly any air circulation. So, underwear that does not absorb moisture or too tight trousers or pantyhose along with perspiration present a golden opportunity for yeast to grow and multiply beyond normal levels and the moment that threshold is breached we start feeling uncomfortable.

So you need not get overly worried if you suffer from such an infection – a few basic steps in hygiene in most cases is enough to get rid of a yeast infection. Neither should you feel embarrassed if you are suffering from a yeast infection. Though it is highly irritating it is not dirty or abnormal in any way. It is just the result of an overgrowth of an organism which is a normal constituent of our bodily ecosystem. Don’t hide it and suffer in silence, simply discuss with your companion and go for some over-the-counter drugs and better still visit a doctor and get some prescription drugs, soaps and shampoos.

If you maintain proper hygiene and strictly follow the doctor’s advice it will hardly take a week’s time to get over this infection.

Yeast Infections – What they are

Yeast is a type of fungus which normally resides in our body and performs several important functions, as for example; it performs the much needed job of cleaning the vagina of a woman. But too much of anything is obviously bad and if yeast starts multiplying at an alarming rate, the balance in the ecosystem within a human body tends to get disturbed and we start suffering from the effects of an overgrowth of yeast and term it as a yeast infection.

Normally yeast infection occurs inside mouth, below breasts, inside vagina and sometimes on the skin. From the description of areas which are prone to yeast infection, it is absolutely clear that women are more prone to get infected by yeast infection than men. But this obviously does not mean that men are immune to this infection altogether. They also get affected at times but as this disease is usually more found in women, men tend to hide from others the fact they have been affected.

Actually yeast tends to multiply in warm, moist areas where there is limited air circulation. So, mouth, vagina and other areas where there are fatty folds and tend to remain moist with perspiration or other forms of secretion are happy hunting grounds of yeast.

As is common with any other form of fungal infection, yeast infection attacks those with lower levels of immunity. So, babies and elderly people and also those who have lower immunity levels either due antibiotic medication or due to diseases like AIDs are also vulnerable to attacks of this fungal infection.

But there are other reasons for a person to fall prey to an infection of yeast. It could be diabetes, obesity or the fondness of wearing tight clothing and working in conditions which are hot, humid and lead to excessive perspiration.

There are other reasons also. People who prefer underwear made from synthetic fabric instead of cotton and don’t make it a habit to wear fresh underwear everyday also lend themselves easy prey to yeast infection. Also, an apparently harmless activity as strolling around the swimming pool in wet bathing suit can lead to yeast infection.

It is only normal that some women are more susceptible than others to yeast infection. It might occur repeatedly to some people while some might escape from just one bout of the infection. It is no doubt an irritating and in some cases an embarrassing situation but it in no way proves that the patient is ‘dirty’ and there is absolutely no reason to feel ashamed about it.

Any woman who gets affected by a yeast infection must realize that it is nothing obnoxious but only a case of minor imbalance in the ecological balance within the body. Yeast cells which normally reside within the body and perform certain vital functions have temporarily multiplied beyond normal levels and could be brought under control quite easily.

But it is always advised to visit a doctor whenever there is a suspected infection of yeasts. There are certain serious diseases like gonorrhea, gardnerella, trichomonas or Chlamydia whose symptoms appear very similar to yeast infection to an untrained eye and it is always better to get yourself examined by a qualified medical practitioner to remain on the safer side. A simple pap smear at a doctor’s chamber can clear quite a few doubts.

Sometimes when the doctor is not very sure, a culture might be recommended but that must be done to clear the mind of any nagging doubts forever.

In some cases, even when there is a simple yeast infection, qualified medical attention and care become absolutely essential. It happens when the infection becomes immune to commonly available over-the-counter anti-fungal medications. A doctor’s prescription for those extra potent medicines which you can’t buy over the counter becomes essential.

Prevention, as they say, is always better than cure. This is true for two reasons. If you prevent the infection from attacking you, you are spared the pain, trouble and irritation it inflicts. Not only that, but also every time you are infected, the resistance level of yeast towards prescribed medication increases and you need ever increasing doses of medicine to overcome successive bouts of yeast infection.

So, keep a strict control on what you eat and avoid excess alcohol, sweets or bread and maintain a hygienic lifestyle to keep yeast infections at bay.

If you have Diabetes, can Yeast Infection be far behind?

Diabetics have increased levels of glucose in their normal body secretions as sweat or urine and are usually much more susceptible to yeast infection than others. In most cases it has been observed yeast infections disappear on their own once diabetes is brought under control. Controlling the level of sugar in blood is the all important factor and it cures all irritations associated with yeast infection automatically.

The most important method of controlling blood sugar is not insulin – the only “medicine” for diabetes – but a stringent and strict diet control. If the intake is properly monitored and well regulated, levels of sugar in blood remain under control and all other associated symptoms of diabetes miraculously melt away.

A diabetic always feels weak and drowsy and finds it very difficult to lead a normal healthy life and usually tends to withdraw from normal social interactions. It is only natural for them to behave in the manner they do since a constant weakness makes them irritable and averse to robust interface with friends, relatives and acquaintances. They find more solace in retreating into their tiny reclusive cocoons.

Burdened as they already are with the heavy stone of diabetes around their necks, just imagine what an additional nuisance it would be to get an attack of yeast infection. Most of the diabetics tend to either hide or overlook yeast infections in the early stages since they feel too embarrassed to narrate their story of an additional ailment when they know that the listeners are already bored hearing to their daily whining about how diabetes has been gradually eating away into their normal lives. So, the infection generally tends to spread unhindered and unattended to till it really becomes too uncomfortable not to talk about it.

It would ideal for a diabetic to visit a doctor and take professional advice on how the yeast infection can be tackled. This is more necessary since common over-the-counter medications which may work perfectly for a person without diabetes might be a disaster for a diabetic causing some other serious imbalance in the body. And there is one important rule to be strictly adhered to. The affected area should not be douched in any way before the doctor has a close look of it. Any superficial tampering may mislead the doctor into a wrong conclusion.

Diabetics, fed up as they are with daily injections of insulin, tend to develop a strong antipathy towards all forms of medication. But they must complete the entire course of medication which doctor prescribes for curing yeast infection. These infections are very stubborn by nature and have a tendency to recur repeatedly. If the entire dosage is not ingested, it becomes that much more difficult to cure it when a fresh wave of infection attacks the system.

Yeast infections are usually nothing but excessive levels of natural activity, so much so that they tend to disrupt the delicate balance of the ecosystem within a human body. Generally moderate to strict diet control and mild to medium medication are enough to rid the body of this nuisance.

Medicines – do they too at times cause Yeast Infections?

Antibiotics are incapable of identifying helpful bacteria from the harmful ones. If you are down with a bacterial infection, antibiotics will sweep your system clean of all infections but in the process might clean out helpful bacteria too. This disruption of internal ecosystem in most cases lead to yeast infections.

But why blame antibiotics only? Steroids, more so when they are ingested for longer durations, can also trigger yeast infections.

Patients often face, as they say, the dilemma of choosing between a rock and a hard place. Medicines are imperative to cure an ailment but prolonged usage of medication causes another disease to sneak in.

Cancer patients, on the edge as they already are, have to undergo chemotherapy to get rid of cancerous cells. But the therapy steamrolls healthy cells too and as a bonus of sorts “gifts” yeast infection to the patient who is already struggling with other serious side effects of the dreaded therapy as hair loss and vomiting.

Same is the case with vaginal yeast infections. Yeast cells are normal cleansers of vaginal canal but if their numbers increase beyond acceptable limit they become an embarrassing nuisance.

You must be eager now to know what happens if yeast infection is not controlled. Generally it starts interfering with digestive system and also impairs your body’s capability of absorbing medication and in more serious instances causes swelling of the affected area which, if not promptly attended to, may lead to a lot of suffering.

The medicines you take to kill yeast infections have their side effects also. They kill yeast cells indiscriminately and body loses even the optimum amount yeast cells necessary to function properly. So you need further medicines to restore the flora and fauna of the body, specially the digestive system. Removal of remains of dead yeast cells becomes a big issue also. It seems to be a perpetual vicious cycle where you throw out the baby with the bath water and scamper to retrieve the child only to find that a bath has again become necessary.

Medicines are, however, not the only source of yeast infection. These cells thrive under warm moist conditions and if you perspire more or work for long periods under hot humid conditions, excessive growth of yeast cells is quite possible. Moreover, as in case with any other form of infection, if your natural immunity system is not robust you are susceptible to yeast infections more than other persons.

If you are wary about taking any more medicines you may try out yogurt with active cultures especially acidophilus. People have got reprieve from mild to medium yeast infections by consuming such specially treated yogurt.

All said and done, normally yeast infections are not something to panic about and it is only in extremely rare cases have these infections blown up into something really serious.