subject: Preventing Chronic Yeast Infections [print this page] Something is definitely wrong if a woman has chronic yeast infections. Not only is it uncomfortable, but it is a medical condition that should be closely monitored by the gynaecologist. When does one know if a woman has chronic yeast infections? It is when the symptoms of a yeast infection occur more than three times in a year, with or without contact with a partner.
The seriousness of this type of infection may signal a diabetic disease, or a reaction to oral contraceptives, steroids, or antibiotics take during that time. A vaginal swab may have to be taken if there is suspicion that the infection may be other than that of yeast. With the swab, two diagnostic procedures can be performed, a wet test where the swab is immediately placed under the microscope to look for organisms other that yeast as the cause or a culture of the sample taken from the swab. A culture test may take longer for results, but it is the best chance for a diagnosis if the wet swab comes out negative.
This chronic type of infections can also happen because of previous yeast infections that had either been left undiagnosed or untreated. It is important to consider antibiotics if there is yeast infection, however there are some women who do not bother to go to the gynaecologist and simply resorts to yeast infection home remedy alternatives. There is also a chance that the medication was not taken for the prescribed amount of time and it only fed the immunity of the yeast from the antibiotics.
Sexual partners can also cause the chronic yeast infections if the partner is an untreated yeast infection sufferer. It would be prudent to bring the partner along when going to the gynaecologist for a treatment as both could infect and re-infect each other as long as they share sexually activities. If the partner is not willing to be treated and is also suffering from yeast infection, it is only best to discuss the situation thoroughly and to take priorities on top of precautions.
There are some chronic yeast infections conditions when the usual short time medications will no longer work. Depending on the severity of the contagion, the doctor may or may not prescribe a long term treatment. Some fungal infections can be pretty tough to get rid of and there are times when a six month therapy may not be enough. Some patients look to this in fear because of the length of time. However, this is only usual with any yeast infection as these do not react to antibiotics the same way as ordinary bacteria does. The treatment is further compromised when the menstrual flow disturbs the balance in the ph of the genital tracts.
To prevent chronic yeast infection, some measures can be taken: avoidance of douches, using menstrual pads instead of tampons, using cotton breathable panties instead of nylon or synthetic materials, changing clothes right after a workout or any activity that can cause excessive sweating. Taking a shower more than twice a day also helps. And the best thing to use in a shower that can prevent acute or chronic yeast infections is using soap that is dye and perfume free.
