Friday, November 16, 2007

Yeast Infection - Natural Remedy For A Yeast Infection

You've probably seen countless commercials and ads for vaginal yeast infection treatments. You've probably also suffered the intense itching, redness, burning, vaginal discharge, painful urination and painful sexual intercourse associated with having a yeast infection.

But how much do you actually know about a yeast infection? What causes it and where it comes from?

In fungal vaginitis, most often caused the bacteria Candida albicans, raised grey or white lesions surrounded by red areas are formed. These lesions can produce a thick white curd like discharge. What most people don't know or understand is that this bacteria is relatively common and is present in the natural microflora of 20% of non-pregnant women and 30% of pregnant ones. It normally doesn't cause any problems until something upsets the balance of good bacteria to the bad Candida albicans bacteria. When this happens the Candida bacteria overwhelm the body's natural good bacteria and a yeast infection is born.

So what can cause this disruption in the balance between the good and bad bacteria? There are a number of causes, some of which can be avoided more than others.

1. Antibiotics - using antibiotics to fight one type of infection can also kill the good bacteria that keep the yeast bacteria in check.

2. Clothing - Tight or non cotton clothing such as your underwear creates the perfect warm moist environment for yeast to grow in.

3. Chemicals - Such as those found in laundry detergents or on scented toilet papers can upset the bacterial balance.

4. Condoms - Recent studies have found that condoms with nonoxynol-9, a spermicide, can kill off the good bacteria.

5. Hormones - Changes in hormone levels can cause yeast infections, particularly in pregnant women.

6. Sexual transmission - Candida can be transferred between sexual partners. Yes, men can get it too.

7. Weakened Immune System - The body's natural defenses are incapable of dealing with an outbreak of yeast. This is more apparent in women with HIV or Lyme disease.

There are some natural remedies for a yeast infection. They normally involve restoring the balance of good bacteria to bad bacteria and can be an effective way to counter the affects of the causes of a yeast infection.

1. Acidophilus and Bifidus - These are bacteria that kill yeast and are normally present in healthy women. You can get them by eating yogurt with live cultures. You can also take a lactobacillus/acidophilus supplement found at any health food store. You can also find acidophilus suppositories which are effective in killing the yeast.

2. Decrease your sugar intake. Sugar creates a yeast growing environment.

3. Douche - There are two types you can try. One is a solution of 1 to 3 tbsp of vinegar per quart of water. Use this once a day for no longer than a week. The second type is a herbal douche. Use equal parts of raspberry, comfrey and sage mixed with ? part goldenseal and mixed with a cider vinegar.

4. There are over the counter yeast infection medications. If you use one of these make sure they contain Nystatin or imidazole.

If you have never had a yeast infection before it is important that you see your doctor for an accurate diagnosis before trying any type of treatment. You don't want to be treating a condition you don't have. You also will need to see your doctor if your symptoms persist, as they will be able to make an accurate diagnosis of your condition and suggest the proper treatment.

Andrew Bicknell is a writer and Webmaster. For more information about a Natural Remedy for a Yeast Infection Click Here.

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Bicknell

Saturday, November 10, 2007

Yeast Infection - The Most Popular Natural Cure For Yeast Infection

Cures for yeast infections can come in many forms. With all the problems and side effects that can arise from taking medications I can't say that I blame you for seeking out a natural cure for yeast infection. But, if for nothing else than you never know if the natural cures will work for you, you should really learn about some prescription medication, even if it is only superficially.

You never know when knowledge of these will come in handy, and since the section below isn't that long either, you have more to gain than lose by reading it. And really, the only reason for it was that the use of medications to cure yeast infections, although not considered natural remedies, also do come in handy sometimes.

By going through this section you will be better equipped to make that crucial decision: Prescription or Natural?

Prescription Medication

You might not be aware of it but until very recently, prescription medications were the only remedies that were available to those suffering from yeast infections. Over the counter medications were virtually unheard of, and the only other solution that women were taking was that of the home-remedy path.

It also wasn't until very recently that even prescription medications for yeast infections were something other than what amounted to generic anti-fungal medicines. To go at it from the point of view of history there are a number of prescription medications for yeast infections, but not all of them are what you might want inside your body.

That being said, if it works and clears up your infection then that's all that you really want isn't it? The list of the prescription medications that I've made below starts off with one medication that's supposed to be able to clear up yeast infections with only one dosage. The rest of the list comprises of only a very few of the prescription medications that exist for the control and cure of yeast.

By no stretch of imagination can any of the prescription medications or any of the over the counter medicines be classed as natural.

? Diflucan - taken orally

? Mycostatin - vaginal tablets

? Terazol - vaginal cream

? Gynazole - vaginal cream

Acidophilus - The Most Popular Natural Cure for Yeast Infection

Acidophilus is basically good bacteria and can be found naturally in yogurts, which is why yogurt is such a popular home remedy for curing yeast infections. However, acidophilus can also be taken by itself without the aid of yogurt, and the mess that sometimes accompanies using yogurt as a cure.

The way that it works is that the Lactobacillus Acidophilus bacteria (the good bacteria), fights the Candida Albicans bacteria (the bad bacteria) by producing lactic acid. Since the Candida bacteria, definitely does not thrive in an acidic environment, the Acidophilus will win the battle.

Unless of course you give reasons for your vagina to reduce its acidity levels once again! It is said that the lactic acid produced by the Acidophilus bacteria acts like a natural antibiotic for your body.

For the most part acidophilus is available freely in most pharmacies, and if you can't find it, just ask the staff. They should be able to point you in the right direction. And if you don't find that the capsules are helping you, you might want to try switching over to the powdered form, or even as a suppository.

Freshly Applied

This remedy is found to be the best way to get the yogurt where you need it when you need it, but it can be very messy. The way to go about this is to coat the outer lips or the labia, the vulva, and inside the vagina with the yogurt.

To insert yogurt into the vagina you might want to use a speculum or maybe even try one of the other methods that I've mentioned in the next sections. You will find that you get immediate relief from the itching and the burning sensation.

However, and this applies for the remedies where you need to introduce the yogurt into the vagina, don't keep the yogurt for a long period of time. This can irritate you as much as not having applied the yogurt in the first place. So be sure to wash it off after it's done its job and apply a new coating only when you need it. That said you can continue with this cure until you're completely better.

Yogurt Tampon

This is simply what it says it is. All you need to do is take a tub of the unsweetened yogurt and dip a tampon into it. Then you can insert the yogurt covered tampon into your vagina for instant relief. Don't keep this yogurt tampon in too long however as any good effects will be wiped out and you might find yourself back to square one.

Are you looking for information about a natural cure for yeast infection? If you are looking for a safe, 100% natural yeast infection cure that can provide relief within hours, visit http://www.naturalyeastinfectioncure.info for more information.

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jack_Landry

Yeast Infection - Yeast Infection In Man - More Common Than You May Think

Despite the lack of publicity that this health topic receives, yeast infection in man is much more common than most people realize. The pain and unpleasant sensations from a penile yeast infection can often be overwhelming. Here's a closer look at male yeast infections and what you should know about them.

Penile yeast infections are not only embarrassing to talk about, but painful as well. The reddish spots and soreness that accompany this infection are miserable. This is followed up by severe itching and burning.

Unfortunately, most men believe that a yeast infection is something that only a woman gets, but the truth speaks otherwise. Although not nearly found as often in men, yeast infection in man occurs nonetheless.

Medical research has shown time and time again that yes, man can get yeast infections. The most common type of infection for men will always be a penile yeast infection.

What are the symptoms?

If you find yourself with a reddish type of rash on your penis along with a white discharge, then you definitely have a penile yeast infection. This can lead to blisters and sores forming, but not in every case.

What is more frightening is that unless you know anything at all about yeast infections you may believe that you have a serious sexually transmitted disease or something else just as bad.

Although a yeast infection is not as serious as a sexual disease, you will still need to treat it or you may find yourself with recurring yeast infections.

If you find yourself with the symptoms described above, take it seriously. Yeast infection in man happens. By being knowledgeable about this health issue and learning how to treat yeast infection you will be able to cure it and prevent it from returning.

By the way, you can find out more about Yeast Infection In Man as well as much more information on everything to do with male yeast infections at http://www.MaleYeastInfection.InfoFromA-Z.com

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Terry_Edwards

Yeast Infection - Is Sex a Cause Of Yeast Infection In Man?

How can you resist the incredible, subtle, yet intoxication smell of a beautiful woman? After she moans her approval from the locking of your lips, you move to her neck and gently kiss it. You pause for a moment as you get lost in her eyes and understand her message; it's time to move to the bedroom. You rip off the covers of the bed and jump under the sheets and once you are finished you feel content and as if you are in a wonderful dream. Thankfully you will not have to worry about pregnancy or STD's as you remembered your protection, but what about yeast infection in man? Days later, reality sets in.

Your penis has developed a reddish irritation and is constantly itchy. Your mind recalls an article you read identifying these symptoms as those of a yeast infection in man. With the itchiness and irritation you are now suffering from you realize your imagination was nothing compared to the realities of these horrors.

You allow some time to pass, trying to ignore your yeast infection symptoms, hoping they will go away. But then as you are showering, you look down and can only stare at the morbid manifestation, the penile yeast infection you are suffering from has made itself grimily more apparent. Now with soreness, white discharge, blisters similar to those of genital herpes; almost every known symptom of yeast infection in man has made itself known right there on your penis. Beneath the endless screams of profanity, you can clearly hear the question being asked over and over again in your mind; How, and why me?

It makes little to no difference in the fact that you are among the few men who not only know it is possible but can recognize the symptoms of yeast infection in man. As important as that knowledge is seeking remedy for the condition, a much greater importance comes in the knowledge of the causes and ways to prevent yeast infection in man.

As an example, sex is one of the biggest causes of yeast infection in man, specifically penile yeast infection. This is caused by a man having intercourse with an infected woman. Although not a guarantee that a man who sleeps with an infected woman will contract a male yeast infection, one must understand that it is much better to be safe than sorry, especially when dealing with yeast infection in man.

Infection through intercourse is not just one-sided either. A man who has a yeast infection can very likely infect an unsuspecting woman. This fact alone should suffice as proof that man must be just as aware of their yeast infection as a woman is, not just to look out for his own health, but that of his partners as well. In all actuality, men should actually be more vigilant in this manner as the symptoms of yeast infection in man are not always visible.

In the end, yeast infections will continue to just as much of a threat to men as they are to women. But, with a little awareness, members of both sexes can go a long way in warding off the disease. Coming to terms with, and spotting the symptoms of yeast infection in man are simply not enough. One must educate themselves on knowing exactly what can expose you to, and how you can avoid, the terrible ailment of yeast infection in man.

Yeast infections never "just go away". Click here to discover the best ways to cure yeast infection in man forever Go to http://cureyeastinfectioninman.blogspot.com

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brian_I_Park