Yeast Infections: Fact vs. Fiction

Are you a regular shopper in the feminine hygiene aisle? You may think you're doing everything you should to keep your vagina clean and healthy. But if you're stocking up on products like douches and deodorant sprays, you should think again.

Products like these are often marketed to women who want to stay fresh and clean. But it's a myth that you need these feminine products to practice good hygiene.

The lowdown on douching

Douching is washing out the vagina with water, vinegar, or other special rinses. Many women douche because they learned about this practice from their mothers. But moms don't always know best. Today, most doctors advise against douching as it can do more harm than good.

Douching upsets the careful balance of bacteria and organisms inside the vagina. It's normal to have small amounts of yeast and certain types of friendly bacteria in your vagina. But if friendly bacteria are wiped out by douching, your yeast levels can quickly get out of control. When this balance is out of whack, you may experience the symptoms of a yeast infection. So go ahead… ditch those douches, unless, of course, your doctor has suggested them!

The scoop on scented products

Feminine and hygiene products often come primed with perfumes, fragrances, and dyes. You can buy scented sprays, toilet paper, tampons and pads, soap, bubble bath, lotion, laundry detergent, and fabric softeners. But the same chemicals that colour or scent the products can also cause irritation in your vaginal area. And if your skin is already inflamed, you may get a yeast infection.

So the next time you're shopping, leave the scented stuff on the shelves. Opt for unscented products, and avoid bubble baths and strong soaps.

Keeping it clean

Many women are surprised to learn that a vagina is self-cleaning. Its natural discharges help protect you from harmful bacteria. That means it's better to leave your vagina well enough alone. Here are some more hygiene tips:

• Wash the external part of your vagina with mild soap or even plain water. That's all you need to do to keep yourself clean.
• Always dry yourself thoroughly after washing, swimming, or exercising.
• On the toilet, wipe from front to back, not back to front.
• Give your vagina some breathing space! Avoid tight pants. Wear underwear made of cotton rather than nylon, which can trap dampness.

Practicing first-rate hygiene means you're one step closer to preventing a yeast infection. If you do experience the symptoms of a yeast infection, see your doctor.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Yeast-Infections-Fact-vs-Fiction

You may not think there's much of a connection between your top and your bottom, but what you put into your mouth can sometimes affect the health of your vagina.

Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of the normal yeast in your body. So foods that affect your yeast levels may help prevent – or even kick-start – a yeast infection.

Then again, some of the foods you eat make no difference. While it's easy to find claims that foods like legumes, grains, and dairy products can cause yeast problems, what's more important is sorting out the fact from the fiction. Read on for the facts.

Sugary foods
Those sweet treats you crave are like supervitamins for the yeast inside your body. High levels of sugar in foods can promote yeast growth and lead to an infection. That doesn't mean you have to give up completely on chocolate bars or pop. But do limit your intake.

Alcohol
Drinking alcohol may also put you at greater risk for yeast infections. So if you're worried about yeast infection symptoms, consider curbing your cocktails.

Yeast-free diet
Eating only yeast-free foods is one way some women try to control yeast infections. But before you turn your back on breads, you should know that researchers have not yet found any clear benefit from yeast-free diets.

Yogurt
Eating yogurt can help prevent a yeast infection. But check the label before you buy. Be sure to choose yogurt containing active Lactobacillus acidophilus. These are helpful bacteria that can keep your yeast levels in line. And make sure you're not buying yogurt packed with sugar – choose plain yogurt that dose not contain added sugar, or choose low-sugar options.

Overall healthy diet
A healthy, well-balanced diet high in fibre will boost your body's ability to resist any kind of infection. Make sure your meals and snacks include choices from all the food groups. If you struggle with eating well, consider taking a multivitamin. Talk to your doctor about what's right for you.

If you're experiencing yeast infection symptoms or would like to know more about the connection between food and yeast infections, visit your doctor.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Yeast-Infections-Fact-vs-Fiction

Be wary about do-it-yourself miracle cures. There are scores of natural products and alternative therapies on the market today that claim to fight yeast infections. Some may help, while others will only help empty your wallet.

While many products proclaim that they will do away with yeast infections, most have not been proven to be effective. Natural supplements and home remedies that have not yet been shown to help yeast infections include:

• tea tree oil
• garlic

Acidophilus, the same friendly bacteria that's in yogurt, are available in pill, powder, or liquid form. However, they can be expensive and may not contain enough active Lactobacillus acidophilus to be effective. Currently, there is not enough evidence to show that acidophilus, taken by mouth or as a vaginal suppository, is effective for treating or preventing yeast infections.

Boric acid administered as a vaginal suppository may be effective for treating yeast infection for some women, but more research is needed. When used as a vaginal suppository, boric acid may cause skin irritation. Boric acid may be fatal if swallowed – keep it out of the reach of children and do not use it if you are pregnant.

Talk to your doctor or health care professional about what supplements they recommend. And remember, natural supplements can have side effects just like medications, so you should always consult your doctor before using them.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Yeast-Infections-Fact-vs-Fiction

Think you have a yeast infection? It may be tempting to try to diagnose yourself. But it's important to see your doctor to find out for sure, especially if it's the first time you've suffered these symptoms.

Symptoms of a yeast infection can include vaginal and vulvar itching or soreness; a reddish, inflamed, or dry vagina; a thick, white, cheesy discharge; and pain during sex or urination.

But unless you have a medical degree, you may want to leave off diagnosing your own yeast infection. You could be making a big mistake. In fact, it is quite common for women to misdiagnose themselves with yeast infections.

Why should I see a doctor?

• Many conditions can cause symptoms that mimic yeast infections. Some of these conditions, such as urinary tract infections or vaginal bacterial infections, will need to be identified and properly treated as soon as possible. If you don't see a doctor, you won't get the treatment you need.
• Something as surprising as detergent or menopause can cause vaginal itching or irritations, in which case a yeast infection treatment you buy for yourself at the pharmacy won't make you feel any better. In fact, up to two-thirds of these treatments are bought and used by women who don't really need them. Overuse of these drugs is leading to resistant yeast infections that are harder to treat.
• Your doctor can confirm the presence of a yeast infection with a pelvic exam or a vaginal swab. That's something you can't do at home. If you do have a yeast infection, your doctor can help you choose the best treatment for you.
• Your doctor can monitor you for possible complications, like secondary infection caused by irritation and scratching of the vaginal area.
• If you experience yeast infections regularly, you may think you're an expert on your own symptoms by now. But if you seem to be getting a lot of yeast infections, it is even more important to visit your doctor. Recurring infections can be a sign of an underlying condition such as diabetes or a weakened immune system.

What treatment is available?

The good news is that yeast infections are easy to treat. Antifungal treatments taken orally or applied directly to the vagina are safe and have a high success rate of curing yeast infections. See your doctor for the treatment that is right for you.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Yeast-Infections-Fact-vs-Fiction