subject: You Have A Yeast Infection - Now What ? [print this page] . Yeast infections are a common occurrence particularly in women. Treatment is easy and for most cases completely effective, just make sure you act quickly rather than burying your head in the sand. The infection will not go away without treatment.
A yeast infection happens when a fungus that lives on your normally called Candida Albicans is able to over grow. This fungus likes the warm and damp areas of the body, such as the vagina, penis, anus, mouth, underarms and under folds of skin. The good bacteria also in our bodies usually controls the fungus and stops an overgrowth from occurring, but if something upsets that balance and the good bacteria are killed, then the fungus rapidly multiplies and leads to a yeast infection.
Symptoms range in severity and include itching, redness, and irritation. Further more general symptoms can also happen such as food allergies, depression, weight gain, pain when urinating and having sex, insomnia, migraines, and potential skin issue such as eczema and psoriasis.
One of the key triggers are antibiotics or rather prolonged use of antibiotics. By their very nature they are meant to kill bacteria, and some antibiotics cannot identify just bad bacteria, they will just kill all bacteria. This means the good bacteria levels are lowered allowing overgrowth of the fungus to occur. If you are on a long course of antibiotics try topping up your good bacteria by taking probiotic supplements or by eating plain live yogurt. Other things you can do to prevent an infection include avoiding things like feminine sprays, scented soaps, harsh detergents, perfumed softeners and douching. Swift treatment is important to prevent further health issues and because the longer you leave it the harder a yeast infection is to clear up.
Treatments include over the counter medications that come in pill, cream or suppository form and range from 1 , 3, 5 and 7 day courses. For an infection that is severe your doctor can prescribe a stronger drug. Natural remedies are also an option and are on the rise in popularity nowadays. Whilst taking your treatment remember to identify and deal with the root cause, the thing that made the fungus overgrow. Also make some changes to help prevent infections by drinking plenty of water, eating a healthier diet, sleeping enough, avoiding tight clothing and managing stress.
