Yeast Infection Treatment

Vaginal yeast infections are caused by a fungus also referred to as Candida. Other common forms of the Candida bacteria are thrush (oral Candida) and diaper rash. The Candida bacteria commonly occur in warm, moist body areas like the mouth, underarms and vaginal areas. Vaginal yeast infections are most common in teenage girls and women aged 16-35, but can occur in even younger girls and older women. In very rare instances, men have been affected by yeast infections. You do not have to be sexually active to have a yeast infection, but sexual activity can aggravate the condition.

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Causes and Symptoms of Yeast Infections

Yeast infections normally occur when a person is run down, suffering from an illness, physical/mental stress, or not getting enough rest. Other causes of yeast infections could be antibiotics, steroids or birth control pills, major diet changes, poor nutrition, diabetes, catheters, pregnancy (hormonal changes) or hot and humid weather. Scented douches, deodorants, tampons and soap can also cause a chemical unbalance, leading to yeast infections.

The main symptom of yeast infections is itchiness and redness in the vaginal area. Yeast infections can be painful, or a burning sensation may be experienced during intercourse or urination. Another symptom of yeast infections is an unusual white and thick vaginal discharge. Yeast infections can cause a lot of discomfort and they normally reoccur.

Yeast Infection Treatment

If you are experiencing a yeast infection for the first time, it is wise to consult your doctor. If a yeast infection then reoccurs, it will be easier to recognize the symptoms. If yeast infections reoccur on a regular basis (within a 2 month period), even after treatment, a doctor should be consulted to ensure it is not any other type of affliction like an STD, diabetes or more serious illnesses like Leukemia. Yeast infections or thrush are known to appear in women who are HIV positive.

Prescribed anti fungal treatments are available, the most common being Diflucan (fluconazole). Most women treat yeast infections at home with over the counter medication. Drug Treatments can be anti fungal tablets, lozenges, vaginal suppositories or vaginal creams. The best way of treating yeast infections is to eliminate the overgrowth of yeast and remove the Candida bacteria which cause them.

Some people advocate complete diet changes as a yeast infection treatment. Home remedies include using vaginal suppositories of yoghurt, gentian violet, garlic, boric acid or potassium sorbate. Drinking a lot of cranberry juice (unsweetened) is also good for yeast infections. Sufferers also douche with vinegar/water solutions, or drink/eat Acidophilus, either in powder form or as tablets. Warm baths infused with drops of teat tree oil have also been known to relieve the symptoms.