Yeast Infection Causes - Part 2

Yeast Infection Causes - Part 2

Any discussion of the causes of yeast infections is bound to spark debate, and not just in the medical community. People who suffer from this relatively common malady also have their own opinions. Though not necessarily based on solid medical research, these opinions are based on something that in many cases is equally convincing, and that is their own personal experience. Here are a few of the known main causes of yeast infections.

Yeast infections are one of the most common culprits when it comes to vaginal burning, itching, and discharge. Yeasts are commonly found in the vagina. It's natural and some level of yeast growth is perfectly normal. The problem arises when yeast overgrowth occurs because of changes in the environment in the female body, particularly changes in the natural chemical balance in the vagina. Antibiotics and use of steroids are two common reason for abnormal growth of yeast. However, pregnancy, menstruation, sperm, diabetes, and birth control pills also are contributors when it comes to getting a yeast infection. It is known that yeast infections are more common after menopause.

In people who have a weakened immune system because of cancer treatments, steroids use or diseases such as AIDS, it is possible for yeast infections to occur not just in the vagina, but throughout the entire body. In these cases the yeast infection can be a life-threatening concern. The most frequently affected parts of the body include the blood, the brain, the eyes, the kidney, and the heart. But the candidal fungus has also been known to grow in the lungs, liver, and spleen. So you can see that for people with lower levels of the body's natural immune factors, a yeast infection can potentially be far more serious than just temporary discomfort. It's important to note that candida is the leading cause of esophagitis ( an inflammation found in the throat) in people with AIDS.

Approximately 15% of people with weakened immune system (caused by the above mentioned factors) end up developing a systemic illness caused by Candida. The infections generally enter the bloodstream directly through cuts in the skin and/or mucous membranes. Candidal organisms also may increase in volume in a particular area because of frequent use of antibiotics, which kill "good" bacteria in the body that normally keep the organisms under control.

Another cause of yeast infections, although less common than those mentioned above are the use of medical devices implanted into and under the skin. These include such things as urinary catheters and intravenous tubes that provide easy access for the yeast to enter the body. An example of a non-medical primary cause of a major yeast infection could be an intravenous drug user who shares dirty needles and injects the yeast directly into their own bloodstream and/or deep tissues.

So that covers some of the less common, but potentially more serious yeast infection causes. Of course, any discomfort in the vaginal regional should be brought to the attention of one's doctor, even if you are a chronic yeast infection sufferer. An infection of any sort can easily become a far more serious issue than simple itching or burning discomfort. The old saying "better safe than sorry" certainly applies to ones own treatment of yeast infections.

If you are a chronic sufferer of milder yeast infections that don't require medical intervention, yet affect your lifestyle, you may want to check out this all natural method of controlling yeast infections and living a better overall lifestyle. Till next time...

Home Remedies for Yeast Infection

Before we look at any remedy for yeast infections, it's important that you understand more about yeast infection causes. Like most things, much fear and discomfort can be alleviated by simply taking the time to know your situation better.

Yeast infection is primarily a women's issue. Men can get it but that is almost always the result of sexual activity with an infected woman. According to medical statistics, between 70% - 80% of yeast infections are caused by "candida albicans", which is a type of yeast. This strain of yeast, as well as others naturally crop up in a woman's vagina, in very small amounts. Normally, candida albicans is kept in check by a bacterium called lactobacillus acidophilus, which naturally arises in the woman's vagina. A yeast infection occurs when there is an imbalance in the natural proportion of these organisms in the body.

This natural imbalance can be caused by a variety of factors including:

• The use of a broad-spectrum of antibiotics, steroids and certain birth control pills that tend to destroy the lactobacillus acidophilus bacteria
• Hormonal changes during pregnancy and prior to menstruation
• Frequently exposure to semen which affects the acidic balance in the vagina
• Products used to keep the vagina clean may have ingredients that are harsh enough to adversely affect that body's natural balance
• Wearing tight clothing that does not give that area enough room to breathe can contribute to the infection

There are other causes in addition to the above but those are the most common ones. The important thing is to be aware of the most common causes so that preventative measures can be taken to prevent the infection and also reoccurrences.

While some women rely on quick-fix medications, the fact is that "home remedies" can often have a longer lasting effect, with the added bonus of not having as many side effects.

Here is a list of some of the home remedies that have been proven successful for prevention of yeast infections.

• Occasional (once a day) application of apple cider vinegar in the areas prone to this infection. Garlic can be added to alleviate the itchy feeling and water can be used to dilute the vinegar concentration
• Application of curds or yogurt is a home remedy that has proven successful in many cases. A tampon can be soaked in curds and place in the infected region for at least an hour. What happens is that the healthy bacteria from the curds will replace the unhealthy yeast bacteria. This procedure can be used 2 or 3 times a day for best results.
• Buttermilk - drinking 2 or 3 glasses of buttermilk a day, whether infected or not can be helpful. This also introduces curds to the body and helps fight off the possibility of yeast infection.
• Finally, a mixture of olive leaf extract and grapefruit seed extract added to a glass of water can help prevent yeast infection in many women.

It is important to keep in mind that none of these remedies are guaranteed to work. They are simply natural ways to restore the body to the balance needed to fight off the infection on its own. You should always consult your doctor before trying to treat a yeast infection on your own as there are simply too many variables involved to properly diagnose and treat this problem. And the symptoms of yeast infection can also point to more serious conditions that cannot be properly treated with home remedies. Always get proper medical advice!

Here is a guide to natural home remedies for yeast infection that gives you more details on treating this affliction yourself.

Yeast Infection Causes - Part 1

What are the major yeast infection causes? Well, yeast grows naturally in the vagina, rectum, and mouth. In a healthy body, the presence of some yeast is usually not be a problem. When the body is out of balance, yeast-like organisms can grow profusely and cause a viscous white discharge. A yeast infection is not necessarily an STI, however, treating a woman and her sexual partner can help prevent recurring yeast infections, which is a major problem for some women.

Yeast infections are the second most common type of vaginal infection (bacterial vaginosis is the most common). Over 70% of women will develop at least one yeast infection during their life and over 40% of women will have recurring episodes.

What causes yeast infections?
As mentioned, yeast infections are caused by an imbalance of the natural amount of yeast present in the human body. Some common causes of this imbalance include:

• Antibiotic treatments
• Oral contraceptives
• Hot weather or non-ventilating clothing, which increase moisture and warmth, fostering fungal growth
• Repeated intercourse over a short period of time
• Stress
• Suppressed immune system (including HIV)
• High carbohydrate intake, especially refined sugars and alcohol
• Pregnancy
• Diabetes

Other common causes include irritants such as soaps, powders, detergents and other products that come in contact with the skin

How do you tell if you have a yeast infection? Symptoms of a typical yeast infection may include:

• Vaginal itching
• Vaginal irritation
• Thick, white, possibly curd-like vaginal discharge
• Redness, swelling, and/or cracking of the vulvar skin
• Burning sensation during urination
• Itching of the rectal opening
• Pain during sexual intercourse

And ladies, you'll be interested to know that men can also contract yeast infections. Most commonly they get yeast infections from having unprotected sexual activity with a partner who has a yeast infection. If both partners are not treated, they will keep re-infecting each other. Male sexual partners develop genital irritation and itching, especially if they are uncircumcised, but usually there is no discharge.

Of course, regardless of yeast infection causes and symptoms, the infections should be diagnosed and treated by a medical professional. There are over-the-counter medications available for women who have previously had professional guidance about yeast infections. But if you are unsure if what you have is a yeast infection, you should always seek professional advice. What you think is a yeast infection may actually be a more serious condition such as chlamydia or gonorrhea. Recent studies have found that many women misdiagnose their own yeast infections and treat it using use one of the over-the-counter treatments when in fact no yeast infection is actually present.

If you suspect that what you have is a yeast infection, whether based on symptoms or your past experiences with these infections, and there has been no change in your sexual history (no new partner, no unprotected genital contact), you may elect to try one of the over-the-counter yeast treatments first. If your symptoms do not go away, you should then see your medical provider for an exam.

Is there a way to prevent yeast infections?
There are some common sense ways to minimize your chances of getting a yeast infection. These include:

• Eat a balanced diet
• Get enough sleep
• If you go swimming, get out of your swimsuit as soon as possible
• Don't wear pads or panty-liners beyond the length of your period
• Don't use deodorant tampons
• Avoid feminine deodorant sprays and douches. They irritate the vulva and vaginal areas
• Wipe from front to back after urination and bowel movement
• Antibiotics can also cause a yeast infection, since they kill or decrease normal flora. If you need to take antibiotics, you can ask for an anti-yeast prescription, or you can buy over-the-counter creams or suppositories
• Avoid tight-fitting clothing and wear cotton, rather than synthetic, underwear

Here is just one of the many proven remedies for yeast infections that has helped thousands of women.