When you think of female yeast infection, thoughts of Monistat commercials probably
run through your mind and with good reason as this is the most common type of
yeast infection in women.
Taking care of yourself and keeping your immune system strong will help to
keep this type of female yeast infection at bay since the fungus that causes
the infection is more likely to grow and cause a problem when your body is not
prepared to fight it off.
Though not the most pleasant topic you’ll ever discuss—understanding
the female yeast infection will help you to not only learn how to do your best
to prevent them, but also learn to spot the early signs so that you can treat
them easily and with mild natural remedies as opposed to the drug based treatments
on the market.
Yeast infections in women happen when there is an overgrowth of yeast in the
body which is then encouraged to grow into mold form because of favorable surroundings.
These favorable surroundings for the infection are created by things such as
a lowered immune system, or change in the vaginal environment caused b y excessive
heat or moisture or an increased pH balance. Other factors like elevated sugar
levels, allergic reactions and hormonal fluxes can also encourage yeast infections
in women.
Keeping yourself healthy will help you to keep your pH levels where they should
be as will some other simple precautions like avoiding tight clothing or non-cotton
underwear which can create unnecessary heat and moisture. Avoiding excessive
use of antibiotics which can kill your good bacteria will also help to keep
female yeast infection at bay.
A common culprit of yeast infections in women is hormones. Fluxes in hormone
levels are already typical in women, but things like oral contraceptives, hormone
replacement therapy and steroids can also cause changes in hormone levels which
can lead to a yeast infection.
Chafing or any type of skin damage in the vaginal area puts women at increased
risk for this type of yeast infection because it gives the fungus (Candida albicans)
an entry point allowing it to invade beneath the skin and grow into the fungus
that is a yeast infection. Injury to this sensitive area is not difficult and
can be caused by sex, irritants like certain soaps and bath products and wearing
wet bathing suits or panties for a prolonged period of time.
Finally, knowing the signs and symptoms of yeast infections in women will help
you tend to them as soon as they occur. Things to look for include: redness,
swelling, irritation, itching and a cottage cheese-like discharge that has an
odor similar to yeast or beer.
Remembering these simple things will help make life a lot easier and far more
comfortable should a yeast infection come your way!
Posted on November 2nd, 2007 by admin
Filed under: Yeast Infection in Women
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