Women
and Recurring Yeast Infections:
The Unwanted Feminine Mystique
What causes vaginal yeast
infections?
- Douching often ruins our body’s acid/alkaline
base (“pH+ balance”). Our good vaginal bacteria,
which are part of the immune defense mechanism, can be disturbed
when pH balance is off.
- Fragrances targeting the vaginal area can
irritate tissues and cause yeasty buildup. This includes perfumed
feminine sprays, talcum powders, bubble baths and beads, and
scented toilet paper and sanitary pads.
- Tight pants and non-porous silk or nylon
underwear breed the warm, moist environment that yeast loves.
We should always wear comfortable 100% cotton underwear (or
at least cotton crotches without over-layers of silks or nylons),
slacks and jeans with a little extra room.
- Athletic water sports involvement increases
chances of vaginal yeast infections due to constant wetness.
Many vaginal yeast infections are caused
by an overgrowth and spread of intestinal yeast bacteria (candida
albicans) and therefore sometimes called vaginal candidiasis:
- Antibiotic treatment kills off of the “good”
bacteria needed in our bodies, diminishes white blood cells
needed to fight infection, and then the candida grows freely.
- Steroidal medications for respiratory ailments
like asthma or bronchitis breed candida as well. Respiratory
yeast can travel into the digestive system, then cause vaginal
yeast infections.
- Candida-related vaginal yeast infections
can come from immune deficiencies caused by diseases like HIV/AIDS,
Diabetes, Lymes, Lupus, or chemotherapy treatments, also due
to lack of good bacteria and white cells. Women who are seriously
ill, maybe in wheelchairs, may get warm and sweaty in the vaginal
area. If unable to wash often this breeds yeast bacteria. Taking
various prescription medications for other infections builds
unwanted chemicals, yeast and toxins.
The most common vaginal yeast symptoms:
- Severe itching and/or burning
- Thick milky or curd-like and odorous discharge
- Swelling of vulva
Preventing Vaginal Yeast Infections:- Eat sugar-free yogurt with “active
cultures” (more good bacteria!).
- Follow the 100% cotton underwear and pants
rule.
- Give up dairy, sugar, yeast and wheat. All
of these foods encourage yeast buildup. Health food outlets
and some supermarkets carry excellent substitutes.
- Keep your pH balance and bacteria at bay.
Resolving Vaginal Yeast Infections:
- Do everything under Prevention, or start
if you haven’t been.
- A yogurt and water douche may be used to
resolve both itching and infection. Morning and night - use
¼ teaspoon yogurt mixed in 6 oz. of water, lie down on
a towel and place the solution well into the vagina with a douche
applicator. Remain reclined for several minutes, then move to
the toilet to relieve excess.
- Take yeast-cleansing, anti-fungal herbs and
natural medicinals: garlic, pau d’arco, caprylic acid,
licorice root, tea tree oil – sold in combined preparations
at health outlets. Tea tree oil vaginal suppositories will also
blast vaginal yeast.
See our article Women
and Urinary Tract Infections – there are additional preventions
and solutions mentioned which can be for vaginal yeast infections.
UTI’s and Vaginal Yeast Infections often go hand-in-hand.
NOTES:
- A sexual partner can transfer Candida albicans
back to you. They should take the anti-fungals too.
- Vaginal yeast infections may be mimicked
by sexually transmitted diseases like “Chlamydia”
which breeds the bacteria trichomoniasis. Additional treatment
should be sought.
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