Yeast Infection Q + A

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Ask any woman who has had a yeast infection and she will tell you that it’s an even more unwelcome “down there” situation than her monthly friend. Although they are annoying and can be painful, yeast infections are very common, aren’t usually serious and can be easily treated. Here are answers to common questions about recognizing, treating and preventing yeast infections.

Q. What is a vaginal yeast infection? A.While yeast is a fungus that is normally present in a healthy vagina, sometimes the balance can be thrown off, causing too much of it to grow. Taking antibiotics, having high estrogen levels due to pregnancy or hormone therapies, or having health problems like diabetes or a compromised immune system can cause this imbalance.

Q. How do I know if I have a yeast infection? A.The most common symptoms are severe and almost constant itching. Other signs include painful urination and abnormal discharge. If you are experiencing these symptoms, it’s very important that you don’t diagnose the problem yourself, because the symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection are similar to those of a sexually transmitted disease. To be on the safe side, visit your doctor. He or she can make sure your symptoms aren’t due to anything serious.

Q. How do I get rid of a yeast infection? A.Most yeast infections can be treated with over-the-counter medications, which usually consist of a solution to be inserted into the vagina and a soothing cream for external use. It’s best to apply these medicines at bedtime. Be sure to complete the entire dosage to prevent the infection from coming back. Depending on which type you choose, treatment can take anywhere from one to seven days to complete. If the infection comes back or just won’t go away, ask your doctor about prescription medications.

Q. How can I prevent yeast infections? A.There are a few things you can do to maintain a healthy balance of yeast in your system. First, wear clothing that breathes – trapping moisture down there makes it easier for yeast cells to multiply. Second, avoid taking antibiotics unnecessarily. Antibiotics kill off “good” bacteria as well as infectious bacteria, altering the balance of yeast in the vagina. Third, stay away from feminine sprays, talcs, perfumes, douches, scented toilet paper and deodorized tampons, as they can disrupt the body’s natural cleansing process. One common misconception is that eating yogurt can help prevent a yeast infection because it contains healthy bacteria that can help keep yeast populations in control. Although there is no evidence to suggest this is true, non-fat yogurt can be part of a well-balanced diet, which is essential to maintaining a healthy immune system and preventing yeast infections.

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What others are saying.

BARBARA, 11/6/2009 6:38:25 PM
I WONDERED WHAT CAUSED YEAST INFECTION. YOU EXPLAINED IT PRETTY WELL. THANK YOU

julie, 11/7/2009 3:43:06 AM
I am glad to here that i am not the only one that has this problem.

kishori, 11/7/2009 8:23:54 AM
Very helpful article. the information is useful.

mill, 11/7/2009 9:00:35 AM
this was useful piece of information. thanks.

Jackie, 11/7/2009 10:41:20 AM
These are things that I already know, but they might help some younger person. I've been plagued with yeast infection for the last eight years. I've tried everything including what my ob&gyn suggested. These days I've been keeping it at bay with AZO Yeast and Waterworks tap water douche. If I skip to many days the smell and yeast will come back and trust me we've been through everything. Including me breaking down in my doctor's office. So thank maybe this can help somebody else.

PAT, 11/7/2009 10:55:37 AM
I AM 63 YEARS OLD AND HAVE BEEN BOTHERED WITH YEAST INFECTION SINCE I WAS A TEENAGER. I HAVE FOUND ALSO THAT YEAST INFECTIONS ARE AN ALERGIC REACTION TO MANY FOODS THAT I EAT. LIKE SOME DAIRY PRODUCTS AND DRINKS WHICH I USE. IF I WATCH MY DIET AND THE UNDERWARE (ONLY COTTON) WHICH I WEAR, I CAN PREVENT MOST OF MY OWN PROBLEMS. USE ONLY MILD LIQUID SOAPS WITH LESS PERFUMES IN THEM. REALLY THE ONLY TIME NOW THAT I HAVE YEAST INFECTION ARE WHEN I'M VERY SICK AND HAVE TO TAKE ANTIBIOTICS FOR AILMENTS THAT I HAVE.

sonia, 11/7/2009 2:55:12 PM
Very useful information. thanks

Aireal, 11/7/2009 4:47:54 PM
I find it odd that this says probiotics don't work when they do.

Jackie, 11/7/2009 7:46:59 PM
This infomation should be taught to all girls in high school. High school "health" teachers should be funded to distribute this important information to young girls, along with a "free" Kotex sample pack with a marketing brochure full of info of Kotex Web Extras!

Mary, 11/7/2009 8:01:10 PM
I started getting frequent yeast infections while on birth control pills. This is something to keep in mind as birth control pills are a common cause of yeast infections.

subee, 11/8/2009 12:50:22 AM
What about yeast infections under the breasts. What can one do to prevent them? How can it be treated?

Breezy, 11/8/2009 1:56:00 AM
Yougurt really does nothing.. With years of my mom telling me that for nothing ehh

ami, 11/8/2009 3:56:56 AM
Its awesome to have a room where woman can share our thoughts and problems

Brittany, 11/8/2009 10:28:06 AM
Good info, but how often can you get a yeast infection???

Cindy , 11/8/2009 12:51:46 PM
This is very useful information. I no that when eating too much suger it can also cause a yeast infection. For the most part I did not know most of the information on this page

Melissa, 11/8/2009 7:49:42 PM
I've had at least 6 yeast infections per year for 16 years ( since I had my first child). I finally found a Dr that put me on Diflucan one pill/ week for 6 months. I had no infections while on it even when on antibiotics for ear infection. I'm waiting to see if it comes back now I'm off the diflucan, so far so good.

Penny, 11/9/2009 2:57:03 AM
Thanks for the info concerning yogurt. I had always heard that it was a way to prevent yeast infections if it consisted of live cultures.

Chris, 11/9/2009 5:52:37 AM
I've only had one yeast infection in my life (from taking antibiotics). The cure was worse than the condition and I knew I never wanted a yeast infection again! Whenever I need to go on antibiotics (I rarely do--I always try OTC first), I ask my doctor for a diflucan prescription as well. Diflucan prevents antibiotic-related yeast infections.

WENDY, 11/9/2009 7:53:19 AM
THIS INFORMATIOTION WAS VERY HELPFUL THANKS FOR SHARING.

Jane, 11/9/2009 8:21:37 AM
My doctor told me yogurt would help me to avoid getting yeast infections.

Marie, 11/9/2009 8:41:22 AM
I have diabetes and asthma. I tend to get bronchitis and have to take antibiotics and steroids and sometimes my sugar gets too high. I take acidopholus tablets and eat greek yogurt and I can confirm that taking these do work. I very rarely get yeast infections and when I feel one coming on I take two tablets of acidopholus a day.

Janet, 11/9/2009 12:49:25 PM
I do believe that yogurt does help in preventing yeast infections. When I eat yogurt often I do not get any infections, but when I stop and it is out of my diet I do get frequent yeast infections.

Olena, 11/9/2009 1:35:19 PM
You can easily get a yeast infection if you wipe yourself the wrong way.
The best stuff that treats the infection is sold in the pharmacies - homeopatic.

Margaret, 11/9/2009 1:38:17 PM
I'v also heard of using yoghurt during infection. But how exactly do you apply this remedy in order to stop or control infection(s).?

Sherry, 11/9/2009 7:33:19 PM
All good ideas, but I cannot bring myself to wear cotton panties.

Yvonne, 11/10/2009 5:34:50 AM
I just been through one this month, and two month ago. I've been battle this since my son was born 8 yrs ago. before that, I has only 2 or 3 times. would this relate to hormone changes? I tried everything, but it seems it has it mine of it own, come and go as it wishes, dirve me insane.

mona, 11/10/2009 2:29:08 PM
cranberry juice is the best for pain of this type...i dilute the juice with water - i find it actually works better diluted!

also try uristat over the counter medicine.

Mom, 11/11/2009 1:42:59 PM
I'm wondering how many "yeast" infections are simply regular discharge. I alway seem to have something coming out of me, although not necessarily itchy or smelly, it does resemble yeast. I recently treated myself for a yeast infection and my symptoms stayed away for about a week and then the discharge came back. Is it yeast or is it normal?

Lisa, 11/17/2009 12:51:37 AM
I have noticed that when I eat too many foods high in sugar or even too many bread items & I don't burn off the calories, I get an itchy discharge. Once I start drinking a heavy amount of water & eat plain yogurt for about a week & stay away from any sugary foods & all breads, I tend to go back to normal. So I guess that the key is too burn those calories & don't eat or drink too much sugars! and speaking of cotton panties....they do make cotton thongs that are very pretty & sexy!

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