Yeast infections are very common. For many people these infections are a constant irritation. The first action for people who suffer recurrent yeast infections is to have a doctor evaluate you for proper diagnosis and to make sure that there isn't an underlying health condition causing the problem. The doctor should take a medical history and discuss any past problems. Once the doctor informs you that you don't have a health problem, you should start looking at other causes of the recurrent yeast overgrowth.
An allergic reaction to certain chemicals can cause a Candida overgrowth in some people. For example, women who wear scented sanitary napkins may experience irritation that can eventually lead to a yeast infection. The chemicals in bubble bath are another example of what can cause a yeast infection. The key to uncovering the problem is to look through your bathroom cabinets and start eliminating items. When your irritation decreases, you have more than likely discovered the problem.
Some medications can cause constant Candida flare-ups. The most common of these include birth control pills, steroids, and antibiotics. These medications can cause yeast infections because they tend to kill healthy bacteria in the system. Medications that are used to treat yeast infections can be a problem as well. In these cases, it is usually the situation that the yeast has developed a resistance to the medication. Trying a different medication is the remedy for this situation. Butoconazole is an antifungal medication that is available over-the-counter and that is not known to cause the yeast organisms to develop a resistance. Other effective measures are to use boric acid and vaginal suppositories. There are other natural treatments that are considered effective for eliminating yeast infections. Although side effects are not generally associated with natural treatments, you should check with your doctor before using any type of medicinal products.
Recurrent problems with Candida overgrowth may be as simple as changing your behavior. Yeast love warm, moist environments. If at all possible, you should practice the following behavior:
Wear loose-fitting clothing
Wear tampons Do not wear wet clothes for an extended period of time
Wear cotton panties
Practice good hygiene (i.e. wipe front to back)
Diet plays a significant role in a yeast infection because there are certain foods that can spark an overgrowth of Candida. Sugar is at the top of the list of agitators of a yeast infection. If you have recurrent yeast infections, you should evaluate your diet to determine if you are consuming excessive amounts of sugar. If you are, a low-carb diet is recommended. In cases where the infections have been long standing, you may need to eliminate sugary foods completely. These include alcohol, pastries, and processed foods. A diet of whole foods works best for sufferers of recurrent yeast infections. Your diet should consist mainly of fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grains, and foods containing fatty acids.
Recurrent yeast infections are not generally life threatening, but can lead to severe immune system problems since harmful bacteria outnumber the healthy bacteria in your system. It is a good idea to work along with your doctor to discover why you are experiencing the ongoing problem.
Copyright (c) 2008 Hailey Harris
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