Thursday, February 10, 2011

What To Do About Recurring Yeast Infections

Women who experience multiple yeast infections throughout the year are suffering from "recurring yeast infections" and should be under the care of a doctor. Recurring yeast infections may be a sign of something more serious (such as diabetes or immune system deficiencies) and treating the root of the problem can reduce the number of yeast infections.

Studies show that only 5 percent of women actually suffer from recurring yeast infections, although many more women think they do. Because so many women misinterpret their symptoms, it is very important to see your doctor and ask him/her to perform a diagnostic test if you have more than two yeast infections in a year.
According to the National Women's Health Information Center (NWHIC), vaginal yeast infections are very common. About 75 percent of all women have a yeast infection during their lives. Almost half of all women have two or more yeast infections in their lives.

A vaginal yeast infection is an irritation of the vagina and the area around the vagina, called the vulva. It is caused by an overgrowth of the fungus or yeast called candida, which is one of the organisms that naturally occurs in a woman's vagina. The overgrowth occurs when there is an imbalance of the acidity of the vagina or in the body's hormones. In addition to intense itching, another symptom of vaginal yeast infections is a white curdy or thick discharge. Some of the symptoms of a yeast infection include itching, burning or soreness, burning during urination, pain with sexual intercourse, vaginal discharge, rash or redness and odor.

The Food and Drug Administration now allows medications that used to be prescription only to be sold without a prescription to treat recurring yeast infections. If you've never been treated for a yeast infection you should see your doctor before you purchase over the counter medications. Yeast infection symptoms are similar to the symptoms of other, more serious, vaginal infections so it is crucial to get an accurate diagnosis. Your doctor will either recommend some over the counter products or may prescribe a drug called Diflucan. The FDA recently approved the drug, a tablet taken by mouth, for clearing up recurring yeast infections with just one dose.

Some women prefer to use natural remedies to treat recurring yeast infections. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are using natural remedies because some remedies do not mix well with prescription drugs.

To help prevent recurring yeast infections, try the following:

o Don't use douches

o Avoid scented hygiene products like bubble bath, sprays, pads and tampons

o Change tampons and pads often during your period

o Don't wear tight underwear or clothes made of synthetic fibers

o Wear cotton underwear and pantyhose with a cotton crotch

o Change out of wet swimsuits and exercise clothes as soon as possible.

o Eat one serving of plain yogurt every day.

o Take one or two acidophilus capsules every day.

A recurring yeast infection can be uncomfortable and may be a sign that your body's immune defenses aren't working properly. It is important to see the doctor to test for yeast infection and the exact cause for recurring yeast infections.

Learn more about Yeast Infection Symptoms on our site. You'll also find other information such as Diaper Cream And Yeast Infection YeastInfectionTreatment.org is a comprehensive resource to help individuals with yeast infection to identify symptoms, prevention and treatment options.

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