A yeast infection will usually cause a mild to very uncomfortable itching and burning sensation in the vaginal region. Irritation is also associated with an abundance of yeast. There will be more discharge than usual and it will have the consistency and look of cottage cheese. If the discharge is gray, thin and has a foul fishy smell this is not a sign yeast but bacterial infection and medical attention should be sought.

People who are taking antibiotics, have weakened immune systems, diabetics and are pregnant are at a greater risk of developing a yeast infection. Take action to protect yourself and reduce the chances of getting a yeast infection.

Vaginal Yeast infection in women is very common. Yeasts or Candida fungus are minute organisms that live in small numbers on human body. Yeast infection occurs when the number of these organisms increases beyond a certain level.

Typically, the acidity in the vagina keeps the level of yeast low. But with the drop in the acidity level due to various conditions like menstruation period, pregnancy, diabetes or birth control pills, yeast grows and causes the infection.

Vaginal yeast infections are caused by a fungus called Candida albicans. Yeast are tiny organisms that normally live in small numbers on the skin and inside the vagina. The acidic environment of the vagina helps keep yeast from growing. If the vagina becomes less acidic, too many yeast can grow and cause a vaginal infection.

The acidic balance of the vagina can be changed by your period (menstruation), pregnancy, diabetes, some antibiotics, birth control pills and steroids. Moisture and irritation of the vagina also seem to encourage yeast to grow.

Vaginitis is the most common gynecologic problem seen in primary care and gynecology settings. A vaginal yeast infection, also called vulvovaginal candidiasis, is one of three types of vaginitis. The other types are bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis. Yeasts are always present in the vagina in small numbers; however, symptoms only appear when overgrowth occurs. As with the other forms of vaginitis. a yeast infection is triggered by changes in the vaginal ecosystem. It's estimated that 75% of all women will have a vaginal yeast infection at some point in their lives.

The most common cause (about 90%) of a vaginal yeast infection is a fungus called Candida albicans. Other fungi that may also be responsible include;

• C. glabrata
• C. parapsilosis
• C. tropicalis
• Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

It's unknown exactly why some women are more prone to yeast infections. Even so, some predisposing factors have been identified. including: .

• antibiotic use
• hormonal contraceptives (oral and topical)
• corticosteroid therapy
• douching
• human immunodeficiency virus infection or other immunosuppressed states
• hormones
• increased frequency of sexual intercourse
• multiple sex partners
• oral or anal sexual intercourse
• obesity
• pregnancy
• sexually transmitted diseases
• stress
• tissue abrasion that allows yeast to infiltrate the vaginal epithelium
• uncontrolled diabetes mellitus
• vaginal medications.

Signs and symptoms of Vaginal yeast infection

The most common complaint of women with yeast infections is vulval and vaginal itching. They may also experience irritation and inflammation.

Other symptoms may include:

• dyspareunia (painful intercourse)
• external dysuria as urine passes over the inflamed labia
• burning sensation during urination
• cottage cheese-like discharge.

Women may notice a worsening of symptoms during the week before the onset of menses. with relief during and after menses. due to the hormonal changes that occur during the menstrual cycle. On physical examination. the clinician may note vulvovaginal edema and erythema. A thick. white. usually nonmalodorous discharge may be present. White flecks may be noted adhering to the vaginal wall. Excoriations may be observed due to scratching or irritation. and the vagina may look and feel dry.

Vaginal yeast infection treatment

Yeast infections can be treated topically or orally. Topical treatments are generally more effective and may be given as creams, suppositories, or a combination of both. Doses are given each night for 3 to 7 days, depending on the agent and concentration. Recurrent or refractory infections warrant longer therapy. Topical medications include:

• clotrimazole (Mycelex)
• miconazole (Monistat)
• butoconazole (Femstat)
• terconazole (Terazol).

Oral treatment is commonly preferred because it isn't as messy and patients are more likely to comply. However, the adverse effect of hepatotoxicity must be kept in mind. One oral dose of fluconazole (Diflucan) can be given. For those with vulvar itching and burning, a topical anti fungal may be prescribed to relieve the discomfort when applied externally. Several over-the-counter treatments are available and can be recommended for clients with previously diagnosed yeast infections who have recurrence of the same symptoms.

Natural Home remedies to cure vaginal yeast infection

• Peel a fresh clove of garlic and make a little tampon by wrapping it in cheesecloth and tying with unwaxed dental floss. You may leave a bit of floss to pull it out afterward. Insert it in vagina and leave there for several hours, say overnight, and remove it in the morning. For severe infection , try this in the morning and during night both. Repeat this until one day after the symptoms disappear.
• Drink at least two glasses of buttermilk a-day, whether infected or not. In fact making curds a part of the daily diet in take reduces the probability of vaginal yeast infection.
• Regularly daubing apple cider vinegar in the areas prone to this infection . Your can add some garlic to stop the itchy feeling; and water to dilute the vinegar concentration
• Dissolve 1 Tb sp of potassium sorbate in 1 cup water. Insert a tampon into the vagina and pour this solution inside to be absorbed by the tampon. Keep it there overnight. Repeat this for several nights. Helps to cure vaginal yeast infection.
• Pour a few drops of Tea tree oil (available from natural health stores) on a lubricated tampon & insert into the vagina. Helps to prevent vaginal yeast infection.

Care of the patient with a yeast infection includes teaching about treatment and prevention. Self-diagnosis, treatment, and prevention must also be addressed.

• For the patient who is self-treating, if symptoms persist or if they recur within 2 months, medical care should besought.
• Intercourse should be avoided until treatment is complete.
• Partner treatment isn't necessary unless symptoms appear, then topical treatment can be given.
• Patients who are pregnant should be treated for 7 days with a topical medication.
• Avoid brewer's yeast or foods rich in yeast .

Patients should be taught about vaginal hygiene, including the following:

• Avoid tight-fitting clothes.
• Wear cotton underwear.
• Dry the vaginal area well after bathing.
• Wipe from front to back after using the toilet.
• Change out of wet swimsuits or damp clothes promptly.
• Avoid deodorant sanitary pads, tampons, and toilet paper.
• Discourage douching or using feminine hygiene sprays.
• Decrease intake of sugar and yeast-containing foods and beverages.

If you or your partner have recently had an infection abstain from having sex until all symptoms have cleared. Yeast can be passed back and forth during sex. It is usually not considered a sexually transmitted disease but can be one.

Wear underwear that is loose fitting and breathable. Breathable underwear are those made of 100% cotton. If you’ve recently had a yeast infection soak your underwear in bleach water for at least 24 hours or boil them in a pot of water for 5 minutes. Bleach or heat will kill the yeast living in the cloth. Do NOT microwave your underwear. Some people have been told to do this as it kills yeast but it will also catch on fire! Wear skirts, dresses or loose fitting clothing. Avoid wearing underwear when wearing a skirt and avoid wearing anything while sleeping if possible.

After bathing or showering dry yourself well. Yeast loves and thrives in damp places. Keep yourself dry however refrain from using starch based powered because this feeds the yeast.

Avoid using any sort of chemical that comes in contact with the vaginal area. This includes perfumes, dyes, harsh soaps, spermicide and douches with fragrance. Avoid over douching and use only vinegar and water on occasion if you feel it is necessary. The vagina is a self cleaning organism and does not require douching. Refrain from using tampons and colored or perfumed toilet paper.

Limit your intake of sugar, yeast and mold. Avoid drinking beer and wine and avoid eating high amounts of carbohydrates. Maintaining a healthy immune system and sugar glucose levels will reduce the chances of developing yeast infections.

People taking antibiotics may have to use stronger preventive methods to prevent yeast infections such as medication or creams. The antibiotics kill bacteria including the bacteria that keeps yeast at a healthy level within the vagina. Some doctors will recommend using a vinegar and water douche while talking antibiotics.

Warnings:

If you suspect that you have something other than a yeast infection seek medical attention right away.

If you treat a yeast infection and do not see improved results for 3 days and/or still have symptoms after 7 days seek medical attention.

As doctors always say, prevention is better than cure, so there is nor reason why you shouldn’t try and reduce your chances of getting a yeast infection. Many women get a yeast infection at some point in their lives so although they are nothing to be ashamed of they can be very frustrating to have. In this article I’ll be going through some of the things you can do to avoid getting a yeast infection.

While some of these ways of preventing yeast infections have not been shown to work, they are all safe and can be tried to see if they have an effect for you. If you want to know the best ways to avoid getting a yeast infection for you specifically then it is always a good idea to talk to your doctor who will be able to advise you on the best method of yeast infection treatment.

First of all there are several things you should avoid. For example if you have very tight fitting underwear then that can sometimes be a cause of getting a yeast infection. You should also try and avoid non-cotton underwear for the same reason. If you take regular baths that are very hot and long then you may also be more disposed to getting a yeast infection in some cases.

Your overall health is also important when you need to think about stopping a yeast infection. For this reason you should try and stay active and do lots of exercise as well as drinking lots of water. While this probably won’t directly have an impact on yeast infections you will find that he healthier you are the stronger your immune system will be. This will help you to fight off all infections, not just from yeast.

Antibiotics can also sometimes cause yeast infections so you should talk to your doctor about this if you are taking them and are worried. You should never just stop taking them though until you have talked it through thoroughly with your doctor as this could cause more problems than you had originally.

Yeast infections are hard problems to deal with because many women are embarrassed to go and see a doctor. If you do think you have a yeast infection, make sure you visit your doctor straight away so that you can get some good medical advice on what to do next. Don’t delay in doing this as often a yeast infection is easy to solve if you talk to your doctor.

Symptoms

1.   Profuse  vaginal  discharge—thick   curdy  white.

2.  Intense vulval itching.

Signs

1. Redness of the entire vaginal and vulval mucous mem­brane.

2. Adherent curdy flakes may be seen on the vaginal wall which shows petechial haemorrhages on removal of these flakes.

3.  Curdy white or thin watery vaginal discharge is present.

Diagnosis   is confirmed by microscopic demonstration of fungus as refractile long thread-like fibres with bamboo shoot like buds (mycelia) when exudate is examined mixed with 10-20% Pot. hydroxide in wet film mount. Gram staining is helpful. Culture in Nickerson or Saboraud glucose agar media is also useful.

It is caused by overgrowth of monilia albicans—a fungus of yeast group ; its growth is favoured with vaginal pH below 4.5 and rich supply of carbohydrate. The incidence is increased during pregnancy which can be as high as 40 per cent. Taking of the progestogen-containing oral cantraceptive pills also predisposes to monilial vaginitis. Glycosuria favours its growth. There may be associated T. vaginalis. Mode of infection is also not clear and considered like those for T. vaginalis. The era of antibiotics parti­cularly tetracycline (reducing acid forming bacteria in vagina) has brought in its increased incidence. In some women this can be found in the vagina without symptoms. This fungal infection can be also seen in skin of axilla, groin and nail beds.

1. Thorough cleansing of the vagina should be done with cotton swab even under anaesthesia.

2. Imidazole agents-Canesten or Surfaz or Candid V6 vaginal tablet is inserted deep into vagina for 6 consecutive nights.

For vulval itching Canesten or Surfaz or Candid V6 cream is also applied. Repeated courses are given. Alternatively ageold Mycostatin Vaginal tablet (Squibb) is inserted twice daily into vagina for 14 days.

For recurrent cases 1% aqueous solution of gentian violet can be painted daily for one week. This is a messy treatment.

Menorrhagia - Home Remedies

Given that the menstrual cycle in a woman’s physiological health is an extremely difficult period, the occurrence of complications to the period can be a completely unnecessary burden. While there are a number of women that suffer from irregular periods, not many try to seek out the root cause of the problem and try to increase their comfort levels. Since the period occurs for about a week after every 28 days, most women will forget about the pain until the next onset. At which time, they will again wish they had taken some action. The occurrence of excessive menstrual bleeding is extremely common and affects about one in every five women.

Home Remedies for Leucorrhoea

Leucorrhoea treatment using Amaranth Root

Amaranth is considered an excellent home remedy for leucorrhoea. The rind of the root of this plant should be rubbed in 25 ml of water. It should then be strained and given to the patient daily in the morning as well as in the evening. The root of this plant is, however, very susceptible to moths. Hence, care should be taken to see that it is not moth-eaten. In case the root is not available, its leaves and branches may be similarly processed and used.

Leucorrhoea treatment using Lady's Fingers

The use of lady fingers is another effective home remedy for this disease. A decoction of this vegetable is prepared by boiling 100 gm of the fresh vegetable, cut transversely, in half a litre of water for twenty minutes. It should then be strained and sweetened. This decoction, given in doses of 60 to 90 ml frequently, is beneficial in all irritable conditions of genito-urinary organs, including leucorrhoea.

Leucorrhoea treatment using Fenugreek Seeds

Fenugreek seeds are valuable in leucorrhoea. They should be taken internally in the form of tea, and also used as a douche. For a douche, the solution should be much stronger than tea. Two tablespoons of fenugreek seeds should be put into a litre of cold water and allowed to simmer for half an hour over a low flame. The decoction should then be strained and used as a douche.

Natural Cure for Leucorrhoea

1. Sudden drop in temperature of about 1 degree F but with individual variations.
2. Pulse rate and blood pressure tend to drop.
3. Gain in weight occurs during premenstrual fortnight upto about I Kg. due to retention of water and salt; it occurs in about half of women. There is loss of weight with the onset of flow.

Details Mechanism of Menstruation