Prevention is Better than Cure: Battling Candida

A little known fact about vaginal yeast infections is that condoms can actually create them too. The use of condoms which have spermicide on them known as nonoxynol-9, has been proven in studies to be linked to increased yeast infections. Some women however, are simply allergic to latex, so using any type of latex condom can start a yeast infection for them.

Although you can use over the counter products which contain anti-histamines or topical anesthetics for dealing with a vaginal yeast infection they do not actually treat they underlying problem and instead just mask the symptoms. Women who find that they are suffering from either recurring or chronic yeast infections may need to be treated with vaginal creams for extended periods of time, but just recently there are more effective oral medications now becoming available. But any woman suffering from either recurring or chronic vaginal yeast infections should consult their doctor in order to find out what the underlying cause of the problem is. Certainly HIV infected women may find that they suffer from severe yeast infections and in some cases they find that the problem is unresponsive to treatment.

Candida Albicans is a destructive yeast infection that begins in the digestive system and little by little spreads to other parts of the body. Candida is present in all of us not long after birth. Typically, this yeast remain in a healthful balance with the other bacteria and yeasts within the intestinal tract. Under certain conditions, such as excessive stress, lowered immunity or the long-term use of steroids, the candida yeast can multiply, thus disrupting the gastrointestinal "terrain". Candida overgrowth may also be a consequence of antibiotic treatment, as antibiotics not only kill pathogens but also a large number of those bacteria that are part of a healthy gastrointestinal flora. With the depletion of the beneficial protective flora in the intestinal tract and a weakened immune response, this opportunistic yeast can then spread and multiply beyond the intestinal tract affecting every organ in the body.

The chemicals in vaginal douches may irritate your vagina and change the normal balance of good bacteria. Douching also can spread an infection from your vagina or cervix up into the uterus, increasing your risk of getting pelvic inflammatory disease (also called PID). PID is a painful infection of the fallopian tubes that can cause you to be unable to get pregnant. Douching is not necessary to keep your body clean. Odors usually come from outside the vagina. Keeping this area clean with gentle soap and water can prevent odors.

To prevent the occurrence of a vaginal yeast infection, it is a good idea to wear loose fitting clothing and do not wear wet clothing such as a swimsuit for extended periods of time. Good oral hygiene, including daily brushing and flossing as well as using an antiseptic mouthwash, is a must. If thrush has developed, discard and replace any and all infected toothbrushes. In order to restrict the spread of infection, frequently wash hands. It is also important to rinse the mouth out with water after taking a liquid antibiotic to preserve the balance of bacteria in the mouth. It is important to take these common sense measures to prevent the contraction and spread of thrush and to maintain an appropriate balance of candida. Additionally, maintaining a healthy diet and limiting the use of antibiotics will encourage a balanced level of candida in the body and control the occurrence and severity of these fungal infections.

Another major cause of yeast infections are the external changes in the environment. Often women can catch a yeast infection simply from having excess moisture on or around the affected area. Wearing loose fitting clothes that breathe well and help keep the body dry can prevent this. If you exercise or perspire, try to wipe off any excess sweat from the skin as soon as possible and keep areas dry. Remember, fungus loves moisture and darkness, so try to keep your body as dry as possible.

There are a wide variety of creams, lotions and other products that claim to help in providing yeast infection relief and eliminate the problem. Monistat 7 is a very well known product, as is others such as Vagistat. The main ingredients in these products are designed to break up the fungus and provide relief as soon as possible. So, do they work? Yes, these types of over-the-counter products can help in fighting the infection, but keep in mind that none of these will treat the root cause of yeast infection.

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