About.com and Cathy Wong- here's some advice on those pesky yeast infections

Date:   12/20/2005 11:01:43 AM ( 19 y ago)

Natural Treatments
Vaginal yeast infections are caused by a fungus called Candida albicans which is normally found in small amounts in the vagina but can overgrow when the vaginal pH balance changes from its normal acidic levels to a more alkaline one.

This can be caused by your period, pregnancy, diabetes, birth control pills, steroids, and antibiotic use.

Yeast infections are also more common after menopause due to declining estrogen levels, which thin the vaginal walls.

It's estimated that three out of four women will have a yeast infection in their lifetime.
What are the Natural Treatments for Yeast Infections?
The most effective natural treatment for yeast infections is boric acid capsules that are inserted into the vagina. Boric acid acidifies the vagina, which restores the natural balance of bacteria and yeast.

Boric acid treatment is especially useful for people with chronic yeast infections that haven't responded to over-the-counter or prescription anti-fungal medications. For example, one of my clients who had a chronic yeast infection for over a year and hadn't improved after taking over-the-counter creams, prescription drugs, and natural home remedies such as garlic clove suppositories, tea tree vaginal douches, apple cider vinegar, and acidophilus (good bacteria) douches.

After her third day of taking a boric acid suppository I suggested, her symptoms were almost completely gone. After 2 more days, she experienced no symptoms and the yeast infection did not come back.

Some pharmacies can prepare boric acid capsules for you. Ask to have size "0" gelatin capsules filled with 600 mg of powdered boric acid in each capsule.

Yeast infection treatment is typically 3 to 7 days. Chronic yeast infections may require a longer treatment, but it should be done under the supervision of a naturopathic doctor or holistic practitioner, because using boric acid suppositories for more than a week can cause irritation.

One capsule is typically inserted at night before going to bed. Some people may need to take it in the morning and evening. With a vitamin E gelatin capsule or vitamin E oil each night, to prevent irritation.

To prevent yeast infections from recurring, a common recommendation is to take one capsule a day for 3 days a month.

There is also a ready-made boric acid suppository called Yeast Arrest, manufactured by Vitanica, a supplement company based in Oregon. Yeast Arrest contains boric acid, the herbal antifungal oregon grape root, and calendula to reduce inflammation.

Important Precautions:

boric acid is toxic and should never be taken internally or placed on cuts or open wounds

side effects may include irritation and burning

boric acid should never be used during pregnancy

Symptoms of Yeast Infections
itching and burning around the vagina

white vaginal discharge that may look like cottage cheese

pain during sexua| intercourse

burning with urination[]
Getting Yeast Infections Diagnosed
Although there are many over-the-counter remedies and natural treatments, you should see a doctor to get properly diagnosed and evaluated, especially if:
this is your first yeast infection

you've had other types of vaginal or urinary tract infections

you've already tried treating yourself and symptoms persist

you have a weakened immune system due to cancer treatments or diseases such as AIDS

you have a fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, abdominal or back pain, bloody discharge, or difficult or increased urination. Go to the hospital immediately, as it may be a serious condition such as kidney infection, appendicitis, or pelvic inflammatory disease.

you're with a new sex partner or have had multiple sex partners. It's important to make sure you don't have a sexually transmitted disease, since the symptoms can be similar.
Vaginal yeast infections can be confused with these conditions:
Bacterial vaginosis - this common condition occurs when there is an imbalance between good and bad bacteria in the vagina, with an overgrowth of good bacteria. Bacterial vaginosis can spread through sexua| intercourse, but it can also occur in women who douche or use an intrauterine birth control device (IUD). It is also common in pregnancy. Symptoms include a gray, foul-smelling discharge with a fishy odor. The odor is often more noticeable after sexua| intercourse.

Noninfectious vaginitis - Douches, perfumed soaps, spermicides, bubble baths and feminine hygiene sprays can irritate the skin around the vagina. Symptoms include itching, burning, and pain. One type, atrophic vaginitis, is caused by lowered estrogen after menopause.

Trichomoniasis - Common sexually transmitted disease caused by the parasite trichomonas vaginalis. In men, it usually infects the urinary tract but often produces no symptoms. In women, symptoms can include greenish-yellow discharge that is sometimes frothy. People with trichomoniasis have a higher risk of other sexually transmitted diseases, such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, and HIV.

Complications
The most important reason to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis is that if it's not actually a yeast infection, the delay in getting treated can cause complications.

In pregnant women, vaginal infections can result in premature delivery and low birth weight.

Untreated vaginal infections can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, a condition which can scar the fallopian tubes and cause infertility.

Trichomoniasis and bacterial vaginosis have also been linked to an increased risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted diseases.


Prevention Tips
don’t douche

use a condom

wear cotton vs. synthetic underwear

avoid baths, hot tubs, whilpools

avoid scented products, including tampons and feminine hygiene sprays



Related Resources
The Candida Cleansing Diet
The Candida Screening Quiz

by Cathy Wong
Published December 20, 2005



 

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