Male Yeast Infection
In these cases medical help should be sought first of all to determine whether indeed a male yeast infection is present. You then have the choice of getting prescription medications to treat the infection or you have the choice of using a natural treatment.
Although most of the natural cures are designed for the cure of a vaginal infection, and not a male infection quite a few, if not all of the remedies can be adapted to suit the male form.
There is also the choice these days of looking into over-the-counter cures for a male infection. Again here as well, most of the medication is aimed at vaginal infections but that doesn't mean that it won't work, especially if the medication comes in cream, or pill form.
These are easy to take and don't involve the use of such things as vaginal suppositories or boluses which are slightly difficult to take as treatment for a male infection!
If in doubt however about these over-the-counter medications you can always ask your doctor whether any of them are right to cure male infection symptoms.
And if you don't feel fully comfortable using any of these over-the-counter cures or natural remedies, you can always stick with good old fashioned prescription medications which also work just as well.
Again, although the medications are aimed mainly at women they are also good in the case of male infection, and if they come in pill or cream form, can be used in much the same manner.
One particular medication which bears some looking into is called Diflucan. It's a prescription medication but you only need to take one tablet. This one dosage is all that's needed to clear yeast infections, and it should work the same for a male infection as well. Again, if in doubt, ask your doctor about this particular medication.
Then again, a few common sense measures can also help to cure, and in some cases prevent male yeast infection from occurring at all.
These include but are not limited to, abstaining from sexual contact and intercourse until the infection has cleared up, and changing your diet to reflect a healthier lifestyle like staying away from refined foods, carbohydrates, sugars, alcohol, fermented foods, yeasty foods such as breads, and red meats.
It might sound tough at first but it can be done, and these measures along with whatever remedy you're taking can help in the fight against male yeast infection.
Article Source: http://www.articlenorth.com
Graham Winmill has written a series of articles on the treatment of yeast infections. Find further information on this subject at Male Yeast Infection
Home Remedies for Vaginal Yeast Infection
Vaginal Yeast infection in women is very common. Yeasts or Candida fungus are minute organisms that live in small numbers on human body. Yeast infection occurs when the number of these organisms increases beyond a certain level.
Typically, the acidity in the vagina keeps the level of yeast low. But with the drop in the acidity level due to various conditions like menstruation period, pregnancy, diabetes or birth control pills, yeast grows and causes the infection.
Symptoms - Mild to intense bouts of itching and burning in the vagina, vulva - the skin surrounding the vagina becomes tender, itchy, burns and sensitive to even the lightest of contact. White, thick and odorless vaginal discharge, burning sensation in and around vagina during and after urination. Pain and discomfort during sexual intercourse.
Causes - Reduced body immunity levels, use of strong antibiotics, physical and mental stress, use of birth control pills, menstrual periods and diabetes are some of the common causes for vaginal yeast infection.
Wear loose fitting undergarments and panties as it allows for air circulation, avoid being in wet clothes for a long time. Dry your affected body parts before changing into fresh dry clothes.
Stay away from deodorant sanitary pads and tampons, sprays such as deos, perfumes, bubble baths, coloured toilet papers that could cause irritation to the vaginal tissues
Take a tampon and dip it into yoghurt. Insert in the vagina at least twice a day and continue a day or two more after your symptoms have gone away.
Few drops of tea tree oil poured on tampon and inserted in the vagina, provides relief.
Eat plenty of foods that are high in vitamin C, such as potatoes, citrus fruits and broccoli.
Fill a bathtub with warm water enough to cover the affected area. Add ? cup or so salt, enough to make the water really salty and ? cup vinegar. Immerse your self into the bath tub for approx 20 - 30 minutes. This is easy cleansing solution for your vaginal area.
Mix 1 tbsp of apple cider vinegar in 2 cups of water with 1 clove of garlic. Let it stand for sometime and use it for douching.
Insert 1 or 2 boric acid capsules in the vagina, keeping it overnight for several days. Boric acid may cause burning and discomfort, but will also bring relief.
Peel a fresh clove of garlic, wrap it in cheesecloth and tie it with unwaxed dental floss and insert into the infected area. Leave it for several hours say overnight and remove it in the morning. If vaginal yeast infection is of a severe kind, do this twice a day. Repeat for day or two more after the symptoms disappear.
Dissolve a tbsp of potassium sorbate in 1 cup of water. Insert a tampon in the vagina and pour this solution inside to be absorbed by the tampon. Let it stay for overnight. Repeat this for several nights until the symptoms have resolved.
Mix olive leaf extract, grapefruit seed extract in a glass of water. This is a good curative tonic for this infection.
The reader of this article should exercise all precautions while following instructions on the recipes from this article. Avoid using if you are allergic to something. The responsibility lies with the reader, not the site, and the writer.
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Bacterial Vaginal Infection
A bacterial vaginal infection can also be known by the names of a yeast infection, candida, candidiasis, and vaginitis amongst other things. There are probably more names for this particular infection, but it all comes down to one thing. You have a bacterial infection and it's nigh on driving you insane.
The itching alone is something that you could do without, but when you throw in the other symptoms such as vaginal discharge, a burning sensation, rash, possible pain during sexual intercourse and an irritation of the vagina, it's really more than anyone should have to bear.
The problem with this though, is that if you have a bacterial vaginal infection, it is something that you're unfortunately going to have to put up with, at least until you can find a cure for it.
It should also be noted ladies, that even if you feel no pain during sexual intercourse, it might be best to abstain until you're well on the road to recovery. Although not classified as an STD (sexually transmitted disease), it can be transmitted from one partner to the other during sexual intercourse.
This means that your partner, even though might be a male, can still get a yeast infection. In this case of course it wouldn't be a vaginal infection, but instead it would be a male yeast infection, or a penile yeast infection.
It should also be noted that a bacterial infection can be recurrent. What this means, is that even though you might have cleared up your first encounter with this infection, there's a chance that you could get it again.
In fact of the more than 75% of the women who will get a bacterial vaginal infection in their lifetime, many of them will have recurrent bacterial infection symptoms.
That said, there's really no need to worry as in general a bacterial vaginal infection can be cured, or cleared up, with only minimal fuss or bother. There are as many cures for a bacterial infection as there are causes, with the scales balanced firmly in favor of the cures section.
It's only when the infection proves to be stubborn does it take the combined efforts of will power, medication and stringent preventative measures to help a woman with bacterial vaginal infection.
Prescription medications are of course the preferred treatment for many women suffering from a bacterial infection, but there are yet more women who will turn to the route of home remedies to help cure themselves.
By far the most popular of these home treatments happens to be that of applying natural unsweetened yogurt to the affected area. This is one proven method to beat off a bacterial infection.
Since a bacterial vaginal infection normally occurs only when there's a bodily imbalance, you should keep to a healthy lifestyle. Stay away from douches and other products that can create a warm inviting place for the Candid Albicans bacteria to thrive in your vagina.
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Male Yeast Infection Symptoms
Although male yeast infection isn't all that common it can happen and in these cases the infection symptoms are generally the same as vaginal yeast infection.
There'll be the same burning sensation when urinating, pain during sexual intercourse, itching of the infected area and in some cases a rash. This rash can either be along the shaft of the penis or on the tip of the penis. Male symptoms also include a burning sensation of the infected area, a slight swelling, and maybe even slight discharge.
If you suspect that you might have male yeast infection you should consult with your doctor. You could try to use the same over the counter medications which are available for vaginal yeast infections, but you might feel comfortable doing that.
There is nothing to say however that you can't use any of the creams or solutions which are used in the treatment of vaginal yeast infections. In fact, in the case of someone having male yeast infection they can even turn to such natural remedies as yogurt to help rid themselves of the infection.
The only problem with male yeast infection symptoms is that unlike for vaginal yeast infections there is no one particular treatment that is designed to treat you. There is also for that matter no one particular test that can be done on a regular basis to decide whether you might have a yeast infection.
There's also the fact you should take into account, that just because you suffer from male yeast infection, it doesn't mean that you have an infection. You can get yourself tested to rule out other causes, and doctors can test you to see if you have a yeast infection.
If you suspect that you might have male yeast infection you should try as far as possible to avoid sexual intercourse as you can pass the infection along to your partner. On the other hand if you got your infection from your partner, then it's still a good idea to abstain as you could pass the infection back and forth between you.
Also if you have yeast infection symptoms there are things that you can do by yourself at home to give you some relief until the medications start to work. The first order of the day is to wear loose fitting clothing.
That means that tight jeans are out. If you go swimming, find a way to change out of your bathing costume as soon as possible. Change your diet to exclude red meats, alcohol, and yeast containing or fermented products.
Try as far as possible to stay stress free as being under constant stress can put a strain on your immune system. And lastly if you feel that you have male yeast infection symptoms don't be ashamed to seek help.
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About the Author
Graham Winmill has written a series of articles on the treatment of yeast infections. Find further information on this subject at http://www.curingyeastinfection.com
A step ahead, preventing yeast infection
There are a lot of ways to avoid yeast infections. With just observing some basic hygiene and healthy lifestyles, you can avoid the embarrassment, anxiety and even anguish that are brought about by having an infection. That is why we emphasize the advantage of knowing and applying the different ways in preventing yeast infection. It is better to be prepared now than suffer the consequences later.
Several experts on the subject have recommended a number of procedures for preventing the overgrowth of yeast in our body. From changing your diet to adapting several health preferences, one can decrease the chance of having a massive growth of yeast.
Among the first advices would be maintaining a clean body. Yeast loves areas that are most. The more you tolerate having these areas, the more chance you’ll have an infection in your hands. So it would be a good idea to keep the vaginal area dry whenever possible. This includes after you had a swim, had a rigorous exercise, or had taken a shower. Dry the area thoroughly. Take off wet clothing immediately. You never want to give the yeast an opportunity to grow.
Speaking of clothes, a better chance of preventing such an infection would be to wear clothes that are made from light materials and provides enough ventilation. There’s a higher chance that the yeast grow excessively in the vaginal area due to wearing tight pants, jeans and other pieces of clothing. It would be better to wear cotton made clothes to allow the skin to breathe and helps with the prevention of yeast overgrowth. Cotton panties would be a better choice than nylon and lycra since the latter two can trap air which is an ideal environment for yeast growth. Panty hoses are also not recommended unless you wear cotton underwear underneath.
Maintain a healthy and clean body. That is a basic necessity and should be observed whether you have or don’t have an infection. Washing your heads every time you go to the bathroom would be a good start. Also be aware that scented tissues, pads or tampons, feminine spray products, and even deodorants can cause irritation to the vagina and can in turn increase the growth of yeast in the area resulting to a full yeast infection. And definitely avoid using douches since it washes away the natural protective membrane of the vagina. This leaves the vagina more susceptible to, not only yeast, but other infections as well.
Moreover, petroleum-based lubricants should be avoided during sexual intercourse. Water-based lubricants are a better option since it does not trigger the overgrowth of yeast in the vagina area.
Sugary foods might also trigger the growth of yeast. It would be a good idea then to watch your sugar intake. According to studies, yeast tends to grow faster with a higher level of sugar in the blood and in the digestive system. You might need to avoid sugary foods but plain yogurt is good for you. Yogurt contains microorganisms that help balance out the growth of yeast. It contains “friendly” bacteria so to speak. A cup a day of plain yogurt might help prevent the growth of yeast.
Prevention is definitely a great move against yeast infections. If more women learn to adapt a lifestyle that is not ideal for yeast growth, then they will have no problems with the physical stress as well as emotional effects the infection brings. Simple, small actions can do wonders in preventing yeast infection.
Facing the Facts of Vaginal Yeast Infection
Vaginal yeast infection, also known as candidiasis, is a brought about by the abnormal increase in the number of species of Candida, of which Candida Albicans is the most common culprit. A type of fungus, Candida Albicans is normally present on the human skin and in various areas of the body where it is generally warm and moist.
Under a variety of conditions, a change in the environment where they live in causes them to increase in quantity beyond normal, causing the infection. Among the signs and symptoms of vaginal infection include: itching, burning and painful sensation in the vaginal area; redness and soreness in the affected region; a noticeable discharge. Encountering these may help you properly identify the signs and symptoms of vaginal yeast infection.
Itching, burning and painful sensation
For some women, the easiest way to identify if she is suffering from vaginal yeast infection is that she itches severely in and around the vaginal area. The itching may not be present at all times. But when it does, it itches so badly a lot she finds it difficult to perform normal daily activities, such as to ambulate.
Urination may also go together with a burning sensation, or be generally painful for her to do so. But this bothersome urination may also be present with other forms of infections, such as urinary tract infection (UTI). One good way to tell apart the burning sensation that is caused by a yeast infection from that which is caused by a urinary tract infection is to notice when exactly the sensation is experienced. The urine is acidic in nature. So if the burning sensation is felt when the urine reaches outside, then it is most likely brought about by a yeast infection. Urinary tract infection, on the other hand, causes a burning sensation as the urine passes through the urinary tract on its way out.
Redness and soreness in the affected region
A slight to severe redness localized in the vaginal and vulvar areas is another sign of yeast infection. Soreness and irritation of the said areas may also be presenting symptoms, which make sexual intercourse an extremely painful experience for the woman.
Unusual seepage down there
Most women associate a thick discharge that somewhat resembles cottage cheese with vaginal yeast infection. Its consistency may typically range from thick and not clumpy at all, faint yellow to white, and to thin and clear. The discharge may or may not have a starchy odor to it, something that resembles the smell of bread or beer. Yeast, by the way, is used in making bread as a leavening agent, and in the fermentation of beer.
Since not everyone who has vaginal yeast infection gets a discharge, still the best and easiest way for a woman to tell whether or not she is experiencing yeast infection symptoms is that she itches in and around the vaginal area.
Yeast infection in other body parts
As mentioned earlier, Candida is normally present in the skin and in most areas of the body that are warm and moist. This means that signs and symptoms of candidiasis may also appear in different areas of the body in many different ways.
Yeast infection may occur in the mouth, in diaper areas and skin folds. And in people with weakened immune system, such as those with AIDS, yeast infection may also affect the gastrointestinal tract, such as the esophagus and the stomach.
Male Yeast Infection
If your sexual partner has a yeast infection then there's a good chance that you could also get the yeast infection from them. Although yeast infections are not regarded as a sexually transmitted disease, they can be passed back and forth through sexual intercourse. That's why, although it's not all that common, a male yeast infection can occur.
In these cases medical help should be sought first of all to determine whether indeed a male yeast infection is present. You then have the choice of getting prescription medications to treat the infection or you have the choice of using a natural treatment.
Although most of the natural cures are designed for the cure of a vaginal infection, and not a male infection quite a few, if not all of the remedies can be adapted to suit the male form.
There is also the choice these days of looking into over-the-counter cures for a male infection. Again here as well, most of the medication is aimed at vaginal infections but that doesn't mean that it won't work, especially if the medication comes in cream, or pill form.
These are easy to take and don't involve the use of such things as vaginal suppositories or boluses which are slightly difficult to take as treatment for a male infection!
If in doubt however about these over-the-counter medications you can always ask your doctor whether any of them are right to cure male infection symptoms.
And if you don't feel fully comfortable using any of these over-the-counter cures or natural remedies, you can always stick with good old fashioned prescription medications which also work just as well.
Again, although the medications are aimed mainly at women they are also good in the case of male infection, and if they come in pill or cream form, can be used in much the same manner.
One particular medication which bears some looking into is called Diflucan. It's a prescription medication but you only need to take one tablet. This one dosage is all that's needed to clear yeast infections, and it should work the same for a male infection as well. Again, if in doubt, ask your doctor about this particular medication.
Then again, a few common sense measures can also help to cure, and in some cases prevent male yeast infection from occurring at all.
These include but are not limited to, abstaining from sexual contact and intercourse until the infection has cleared up, and changing your diet to reflect a healthier lifestyle like staying away from refined foods, carbohydrates, sugars, alcohol, fermented foods, yeasty foods such as breads, and red meats.
It might sound tough at first but it can be done, and these measures along with whatever remedy you're taking can help in the fight against male yeast infection.
Source: Free Articles
Author: gwinmill
Male Yeast Infection or Penile Yeast Infection?
Penile yeast infections rarely come and go with the frequency your question implies; and a penile yeast infection would not show up immediately after sex, it would take several days. In some cases, male yeast infections will be noticeable as a penile yeast infection that has dry cracked skin although the infection can occur most anywhere on the skin.
Men are also susceptible to penile yeast infections, as well as an oral form of yeast infection. Prolonged antibiotic use can also cause you to develop a penile yeast infection, although this form is far less common than sexual transmission. Yeast Infection Symptoms in Men It is true that men can get yeast infection and it is not just thrush but also penile yeast infection which is not a very pleasant thing to have.
Signs that a man may have contracted a penile yeast infection include redness or itchiness of the penis, or discomfort during urination or sexual intercourse. Just remember, that if you’ve never experienced a penile yeast infection before, it's a good idea to visit your doctor, get checked out, and take his treatment advice to experience effective relief.
However, penile yeast infections in men usually demonstrate no symptoms at all if they're sexually transmitted. Since vaginal and penile yeast infection irritations can be very discomforting it would greatly help to use the super soothing Yeast Rescue that will provide instant relief. If you believe yourself to have a penile yeast infection, you and your partner should consult a doctor immediately and both of you would have to be tested.
In some cases the doctor is more benefit than a home remedy, learn how in Yeast Infection Site.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alejandro_Bustos
Pinpointing Vaginal Yeast Infection Symptoms
Not so normal sensations
The easiest way for a woman to make out if she has yeast infection is that she itches severely in and around her vaginal area. The itching may not be present at all times. But when it does, it itches a lot so badly she finds it difficult to walk. It may also be accompanied by a burning sensation or be generally painful for her to urinate.
Separating the issues
One good way to make a distinction of the burning sensation that is due to a yeast infection and a urinary tract infection is to take notice when exactly the burning occurs. If the burning sensation is felt when the urine reaches outside, then she is most likely having yeast infection. This is due to the acidic, coming into contact with the irritated of the vulva. Urinary tract infection, on the other hand, causes a burning sensation as the urine passes through the urinary tract on its way out.
A contained redness
Another yeast infection sign is the slight redness localized in the vaginal and vulvar areas. Soreness and irritation of the said areas are also present, which makes it for the woman to experience pain and discomfort during sexual intercourse.
As mentioned earlier, Candida is normally present in the skin and in most areas of the body that are warm and moist. This means that signs and symptoms of candidiasis may also appear in different areas of the body in many different ways.
A nasty clump of white stuff
Most women bracket together a thick discharge that looks like cottage cheese with vaginal yeast infection. However, not everyone gets a discharge. In fact, only about 20% of infected women experience it. The discharge may have a starchy odor to it – something that resembles the smell of bread or beer – or sometimes none at all. Its consistency may typically range from thick and not clumpy at all, faint yellow to white, and to thin and clear.
Since not everyone who has vaginal yeast infection gets a discharge, still the best and easiest way for a woman to tell whether or not she is experiencing yeast infection symptoms is that she itches in and around the vaginal area.
Aside from the vaginal infection
Oral candidiasis, or oral thrush, is characterized by white, lacy patches that can form on the palate, tongue, or elsewhere in the oral cavity. These patches sometimes appear resembling curdled milk. Candidiasis may also appear as red flat rashes with scalloped edges in diaper areas and skin folds. Satellite lesions – smaller patches of rashes nearby – usually are also present, which may cause itching and pain in the area. Male yeast infection, although less common, include symptoms such as red patch sores of the glans penis and the foreskin.
There will be some differences to its vaginal yeast infection symptoms counterpart, but for the most part they are similar. In people with weakened immune system, candidal infection may also affect the esophagus and the stomach.
A Guide on How to Confirm a Yeast Infection
It is always a good idea to confirm that you have a yeast infection before finally deciding to treat it with over the counter medications. You may end up doing even more harm to your self if you treat a condition that you do not have. A yeast infection is a bothersome condition, to say the least. However, self medicating a suspected yeast infection may disrupt the normal pH balance of the vaginal area, causing the proliferation of microorganisms which may lead to actual infections.
The trouble with resorting to over the counter yeast infection medications right away is that women are using them for the treatment of something they do not actually have. A woman who goes through certain signs and symptoms in and around her vaginal area may immediately think she is experiencing a yeast infection. But the truth is there are many other infections that also demonstrate the presenting signs and symptoms of a yeast infection. These may include bacterial vaginosis, Chlamydia and even gonorrhea.
However, there are three specific signs and symptoms of a yeast infection: discomfort, appearance and odor. If you are experiencing the stated signs and symptoms, you are most likely suffering a yeast infection.
The most obvious symptom of a yeast infection is the discomfort in the affected area. This is certainly one of the revealing and most common symptoms of a yeast infection. The kind of discomfort is often described as an intense burning or itching sensation. Pain in urinating is experienced because of the irritated lining of the vaginal area. In severe cases the infected individual may experience extreme discomfort in the area that carrying out normal daily activities such as walking is impaired. Sexual intercourse too becomes painful for most affected women.
Another way which will help you consider the likelihood of a yeast infect ion is by taking note of the appearance of the affected area. Most individuals afflicted with a yeast infection describe in their private area – specifically, in the vaginal area – in terms of an unsightly white clump of material that resembles curdled milk. Redness and soreness is evident in the affected area. A discharge may or may not be present, depending on the case. Note that only about 20% of women afflicted the infection report the presence of a discharge in the vaginal area. The discharge may be clear to whitish or slightly yellowish, and may be anywhere from thin to thick consistency.
Lastly, another sign that may help how to confirm a yeast infection is the distinct odor. The discharge may or may not be accompanied by a starchy odor, the kind that resembles bread or beer. Notice that yeast is used in bread making as a leavening agent, and in beer making for fermentation. That is because the infection basically is a fungal infection – commonly caused by Candida albicans, a form of yeast.
Examining Yeast Infection Causes
Common Yeast Infections
Yeast infection can happen to anyone. In fact, it affects men, women and even children. The most common types if yeast infection are, vaginal yeast infections, thrush, diaper rashes and nail bed infections.
Vaginal Yeast Infection
The most frequent yeast infection in women is vaginal yeast infection when there is abnormal growth of yeast in the vagina that causes vaginal burning, itching and discharge. This type of infection is usually caused by taking antibiotics and steroids but it can also be prompted by pregnancy, sperm, diabetes and taking birth control pills. Vaginal yeast infection happens more to women after menopause.
The first symptom of vaginal yeast infection is noticing a white cheesy discharge from the vagina that causes the area to itch. Experiencing pain during sexual intercourse and urination is another symptom.
Thrush
Thrush is a yeast infection of the mouth. Thrush can occur to people who take anti-inflammatory medicines, antibiotics or birth control pills. A person is likely to get thrush if they are a smoker or wear dentures that are either too loose or too tight. Mothers can also get thrush from their babies through breastfeeding.
An indication that of thrush infection seeing white creamy cuts that appear slightly raised anywhere in the mouth. These cuts can sting especially if they are scratched off. Other symptoms of thrush include having trouble swallowing and fever especially if the infection has spread to the throat
Diaper Rash
Diaper rashes can also be caused by yeast infection and it happens to babies not older than two years old and to adults who use diapers. Since the candida fungus thrives in moist places, it’s not uncommon that it would infect the area where the diaper meets the skin. Diaper rashes appear as bright red splotches in the skin and it can occur after taking antibiotics.
It’s easy to spot a diaper rash. The irritated area of a diaper rash can spread all over a baby’s bottom, their genitalia or in specific areas. It can also appear in the folds of the skin.
Nail bed Infections
Yeast infection can also occur on the skin under the nails. Aside from the common causes of yeast infection, nail bed infections also happen when the hands are exposed to water frequently or when a manicure had been badly done.
Nail bed infections are painful and the area around the nail will appear red and swollen. The worst kind of nail infection can cause the fingernail to separate from the skin so that the nail bed turns into an ugly shade of yellow or white.
Yeast infection is a treatable disease and it goes away without any complications. These common types of yeast infections get cleared up in one to two weeks. The best defense against yeast infection causes is having a strong immune system that will protect you from the recurrence of the disease.
Helpful Tips in the Prevention of Yeast Infection
- Always put on underwear that allows the area to breathe. The best material for underwear to be made of is cotton. Synthetic materials, such as Nylon or Lycra, may trap moisture in and around the vaginal area. So use panties made of all cotton, not just around the crotch area.
- As much as possible, avoid wearing tight clothing such as tight pants or pantyhose. Don’t use pantyhose alone; wear cotton underwear beneath it. Try to stay away not only from skin tight clothing, but also from those that are made of synthetic materials. A tight and moist environment provides for growth of yeast.
- Wipe from front to back every time after using the toilet. Yeast normally dwells in the intestinal area. Wiping otherwise than the prescribed front to back will only transfer the yeast from the rectum to the vaginal area.
- Dry the vaginal area thoroughly with a clean towel after showering or swimming. Remember that a moist environment only encourages the growth of yeast which may lead to infection. Try to remove your wet bathing suit after swimming as soon as possible.
- Try not to use any perfumed products in the vaginal area. Spare yourself from irritations which may eventually lead to infections by avoiding the use of scented or colored toilet paper, tampons, pads or panty liners. The chemicals used especially for such products can be irritating to the vaginal area.
- Staying away from the douche may do you no harm. Douching is not good for you because it washes away the naturally existing protective mucous of the vagina and it upsets the normal pH balance of the vagina. Imagine if the good bacteria in your vagina, like Lactobacillus, is washed out of it by douching – it only causes the bad ones to multiply and cause infections.
- Remember not to use petroleum based products as substitute lubricants for vaginal lubrication when engaging in sexual intercourse. Always opt for water based lubricants instead. Using lubricants such as petroleum jelly is an oil by-product; not only is it bad for latex condoms, but it also provides an environment suitable for the proliferation of yeast.
- Try not to wear any undergarment, underpants or pajama bottoms to bed. Remember that a moist environment encourages growth of yeast. Letting your vaginal area exposed to natural air keeps it dry, thus inhibiting yeast from multiplying. Wear a night gown instead, or you may also go bare.
- Research has shown that daily consumption of yogurt also helps in the prevention of yeast infection. Yogurt contains the bacterium Lactobacillus acidophilus, which aids in counterbalancing the multiplication of yeast whenever a disruption in the balance of microorganisms in the body occurs. However, eating yogurt alone will not cure a vaginal yeast infection.
Prevention of yeast infection is simple once you abide by the list above. The fundamental approach is to create and maintain an environment which inhibits the growth of yeast in the vaginal area.
How to Fight Yeast Infection At Home
You can use Cranberry pills. This is sold over the counter in the drug store. What makes it so effective is that the ingredients help the body’s immune system to fight back the spread of the fungus until this once again reaches normal levels.
Another option will be to use apple cider vinegar and applying some on a cotton ball. Those who decide to try it should expect to feel a slight sting after applying but this can be countered by mixing it with a little garlic. Naturally, this vital organ will also smell. You can fix this by diluting in some water.
Yogurt is another alternative. You will only need to get a teaspoon and then apply this directly in the affected area or on a tampon first. If you don’t have yogurt, use curds. This should be applied twice a day until the infection is gone.
You can also mix olive leaf and grape fruit seed extract together with water and then apply this using a cotton bud. You can also get the same result using raw garlic juice. Just rub this over your fingers and then rub it over the affected area.
Whichever you use, you must never have sexual intercourse because this is an STD or sexually transmitted disease that could also cause problems for your male partner. If treatment for yeast infection takes about a week, this could lasts longer than you anticipated.
If treatment for yeast infection is not working, then it is time to try something that can be given by your doctor. There are creams, tablets or suppositories which are often recommended rather than using oral medication.
One thing women should keep in mind about yeast infection is that although this is caused by a fungus known as Candida, this is normally present in the body. If you are not experiencing any symptoms that are associated with it such as itching, soreness or burning then it should not be treated because it is not a disease.
Aside from the fact that yeast infection is treatable, there are also ways to prevent this from ever happening. The best is to drink a glass or two of milk daily as this ensures that there will never be an overgrowth of yeast down there. You must also avoid wearing tight pants or underwear. If you go swimming, get out of the wet swimsuit right away. Do not also use douches, feminine sprays, scented toilet paper and deodorant tampons.
You can fight yeast infection at home or with the help of your doctor because treatment is different for women who are pregnant. Sometimes you don’t even have to anything as this will clear up on its own. However, if this should happen again, then the doctor should do a more thorough examination and use hormone therapy to reverse or treat it.
Look Out! Ten Signs You Might Have Yeast Infection
First, there are five general symptoms which will almost always come together no matter which kind of candidiasis a person may be afflicted with.
1. The affected body part itches severely. Yeast infections will actually prefer to grown in locations where scratching would be next to impossible, such as the mouth or the vagina. Human skin affected by yeast infection will have red rashes, which may be more pronounced in skin patches with hair growing on them.
2. On one hand, the body part feels like it burns, or is sore to the touch. This may not necessarily cause blisters or include itchiness. On the other hand, the body part can feel tingly or numb. This lack of sensation does not mean that the part is safe from yeast infection.
3. Sensitivity to certain chemicals is heightened. Triggers include antibiotic formulas, sugar, refined carbohydrates (also known as most processed food), and of course, yeast.
4. Mental and physical coordination are also affected. Sufferers cannot balance themselves or move the way they want. They cannot focus on tasks, and become lazy through no fault of their own. Mood swings and heightened negative emotions are other indicators.
5. For genitalia and the digestive system, there is a white or whitish mucous discharge. In the mouth, there are white or whitish patches. Both the discharge and the patches have the consistency and smell of bread or a light cheese, though the smell can also be associated with beer.
There are also symptoms specific to the body parts affected by candidiasis, five of which are discussed below:
1. In gastrointestinal candidiasis, the digestive system is upset. The stomach in particular either bloats with constipation, or it acts up due to diarrhea or abdominal cramps (or, at times, both). Bowel movement is not spared either, because yeast infection causes the irritable bowel syndrome.
2. Women are the primary victims of genitourinary candidiasis. But men are also susceptible, and not just through sexual intercourse. Speaking of which, intercourse is painful and urination becomes more urgent for sufferers of yeast infection. Ladies may have unusual menstrual cramps while gentlemen may have prostatitis.
3. Oral candidiasis causes dryness inside the mouth. The tongue cracks while the gums bleed. Fissures appear at the corners of the mouth. Swallowing becomes difficult.
4. In respiratory candidiasis, persistent coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath can manifest. Another indicator is when the chest constantly tightens or is in pain.
5. Candidiasis causes chronic inflammation and irritation of the eye and the conjunctivae (the mucous that covers the white area of the eye). The retina (the nerve-ended part which captures images for the brain) may defend itself against yeast infection by collecting pus inside an inflamed tissue pocket. This may permanently damage the sufferer’s eyesight.
One last note of caution: despite the fact that you can name ten signs you might have yeast infection, you may actually suffer no symptoms at all. Or you may bear symptoms similar to those of other sicknesses. If you feel like something is wrong but cannot put a finger on it, be sure to consult a doctor.