A yeast infection occurs when there is an overgrowth of naturally occurring yeasts in the vagina to the extent that it is severe enough to cause the patient to have symptoms. A yeast infection (also referred to as "candida" and "thrush") is a common occurrence amongst females, with medical authorities estimating that at least three quarters of all women will experience a yeast infection at least once during their lives.
Yeast organisms are always present in all people but are usually kept in balance by some of the body's other naturally occurring micro-organisms. It is when the Candida albicans organism, which is to be found in the vagina of nearly all women, gets out of balance with the body's other natural flora that an overgrowth of yeast can occur resulting in unpleasant symptoms.
Tight-fitting jeans, wiping from back to front, wet bathing suits, pregnancy, the use of oral contraceptives, engaging in vaginal sex after anal sex in an unhygienic manner, and the use of lubricants containing glycerine have all been known to cause yeast infections. Douching can also result in a yeast infection as it may actually kill off organisms in the vagina that suppress the growth of the yeast. In the same manner, women who are taking antibiotics for a long period of time are at high risk of developing a yeast infection because the antibiotic suppresses the other flora in the vagina and allows the yeast to overgrow. If a woman has diabetes, she is more susceptible to yeast infections of the vagina. Women taking birth control pills or steroids to treat a medical condition are also more prone to suffer a yeast infection.
Symptoms include severe itching, burning, and soreness, irritation of the vagina and/or vulva. The itching is not always present but can get really bad to the point where it can become difficult to even walk. For the most part the discharge looks like clumpy white stuff with most medical descriptions comparing its appearance to that of ricotta cheese. But it can also range from thick and not clumpy to faintly yellow to thin and clear. Not too surprisingly, a yeast infection actually smells like yeast (like bread or beer).
There are other infections which can affect the vagina and it is helpful to know the symptoms of these so that you don't go and treat yourself for a yeast infection that you don't necessarily have. Bacterial infections, urinary tract infections and trichomoniasis all have symptoms which could be confused with the symptoms of yeast infection, yet they require different treatments. It is important therefore when you are experiencing symptoms for the first time to get an accurate medical diagnosis to make sure that you don't commence an incorrect course of treatment which could exacerbate the symptoms you already have.
When it comes to treating yeast infections there traditionally have been three avenues available: do-It- yourself; over-the-counter and prescription remedies. It is important to stress again that if you are a first or second time sufferer you should not start any course of treatment without first confirming with your doctor that you are suffering a yeast infection. Women who have had had yeast infections before will recognise the symptoms and will be able to treat accordingly.
Do-it-yourself or home remedies include the direct application or consumption of yoghurt, acidophilus tablets or salves, probiotics and you can even use lightly crushed cloves of garlic, which yield allicin, an antifungal agent. Boric acid can also been used to treat yeast infections (by inserting gelcaps filled with boric acid powder into your vagina at bedtime for three to four consecutive nights). Eating a diet consisting primarily of green, fresh, raw vegetables also may give you relief.
Over the counter treatments are specifically designed for the treatment of yeast infection, so once again you need to be absolutely sure you have a yeast infection before purchasing these treatments. If you use one and you don't really have a yeast infection, you run the risk of creating a strain of drug-resistant yeast in your vagina, meaning that next time you have a yeast infection these drugs won't work
The best thing to be said for prescription medications is that they involve a trip to the doctor who will first confirm that you actually have a yeast infection. In some cases prescription anti-fungal medications may be the only effective cause of treatment.
Another method of treating yeast infection which has just started to come into vogue is that of treating it holistically - which is aimed at curing the condition in such a manner so as to ensure it doesn't return.
Susan Sondfelt is a former yeast infection sufferer who now no longer experiences the condition. To learn how she was able to permanently cure the condition go to How I Was Able To Cure Yeast Infection Once and For All
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