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Help your body Rids itself of unwanted
Parasites, Bacteria and Fungi including Yeast Infections
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Chlamydia Gonorrhea - Genital
Warts - Granuloma - Hepatitis -
Herpes -
Lymphogranuloma - Molluscum -
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease -
Pubic Lice - Scabies -
Syphilis - Trichomoniasis -
Urinary Tract Infection -
Vaginitis - Yeast
Infection
Sexual
Health Resource -
STD
Clinics & Support - Safe Sex
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Discussion Forum
YEAST INFECTION
Yeast Infection Pictures | Support
| General
| Symptoms | Diagnosis
| Treatment | Transmission
| Prevention | Prognosis | Pictures
| Case Study | Candida Articles |
Yeast infections are generally caused by
an organism called Candida albicans or Candidiasis and there is no direct evidence that it is passed through sexual
intercourse.
Almost half of all healthy,
sexually active women, and one-third of all pregnant women tested had Candida albicans which may indicate that sexual activity itself may contribute to the growth of Candida albicans.
Certain types of yeast may be present in harmless amounts in the:
- bowels
- digestive tract
- mouth
- skin
- vagina
Under certain conditions, an overgrowth of yeast can occur.
Other yeast or fungal infections are:
-
Balanitis
- Intertrigo
-
Moniliasis
- Thrush
- Vulva-vaginal candidiasis
Yeast infections or fungal
growths usually develop in a moist environment, such as:
- finger and toe nails
- folds of skin
- genitals
- webs of fingers and toes
Symptoms
Candida albicans
In Women
Symptoms may vary from very mild to severe and include:
- burning of
the vagina
- burning when urinating
- discomfort during or after sexual intercourse
- odor (not unpleasant)
- irritation of
the vagina
- itching and burning of the female genitals
(vulva)
- itching of
the vagina
- painful urination
- painful intercourse
- vulva redness and swelling
Vaginal discharge is not always present and may be minimal, but when present may be:
- cottage-cheese-like in
nature
- thick, whitish-gray discharge
- watery to thick in
consistency
Women who have chronic or recurring yeast infections may need to be treated with vaginal creams for extended periods of time
In Men
Men may not experience any symptoms of the
infection, however, if symptoms are present they may include:
- burning sensation during intercourse
- burning sensation of the
penis
- symptoms after
intercourse if condoms not used
- transient rash
Balanitis
In Men
- red patches and blisters at the end of the penis and around the
foreskin
- severe itching and pain
Intertrigo
Skin Symptoms
- burning
- cracking
- itching
- moistness
- painful, red inflamed skin containing
pus
- peeling on the hands,
particularly between the fingers and swollen nail folds
above the cuticle
- shiny, pink rash with a scaly or blistered edge in the folds of
the skin
Moniliasis
- excessive thick, white
discharge
- pain during intercourse
- redness and swelling of the
vulva
- vaginal itching and
irritation
Oral Thrush
- Painless
white patches in the mouth or throat
Esophageal Thrush (a complication of AIDS)
- Painful swallowing
- White patches in the mouth and throat
Transmission
The source of chronic candida yeast overgrowth is usually the
gastrointestinal tract.
The vagina or urethra can pick
up the infection through sexual
contact, although sexual contact with an infected partner does not usually
spread the fungus.
Yeast overgrowth usually occurs as the result of:
In women
- Fatigue
- High stress
- Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle
- Increased warmth and moisture in the vaginal area
- Menopause
- Not drying the outer vaginal area thoroughly after bathing
- Oral contraceptives (birth control pills)
- Perfumed feminine hygiene sprays
- Poor diet
- Poorly ventilated clothing and underwear
- Poor personal hygiene
- Pregnancy
- Some
pharmaceutical prescriptions
- Tight-fitting
clothing or pantyhose
- Use of antibiotics, in particular 'broad spectrum' antibiotics
- Vaginal intercourse with inadequate lubrication
- Wearing a damp bathing suit or pantyhose for an extended time
Other Factors
- Douches wash away healthy secretions and normal bacteria and
dry the surface of the vagina
- Steroid medicines, such as
Prednisone
- Sweating
- Topical anti-microbial
agents
- Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, which raises blood sugar levels making a good environment for yeast to grow
Candida can be transmitted between people by sexual contact
In Men
Men also get yeast infections caused by:
- Condoms with nonoxynol-9 added to the lubricant which may contribute to anal yeast
infection
- Direct contact
- Unprotected sex
and can also be caused from:
- Diabetes (men with diabetes are more susceptible to yeast infections due to elevated sugar in the urine)
- Prolonged antibiotic use
Help Factors
- Abstain from vaginal intercourse until you are infection-free
- Keep sex devices clean
- Wash your hands or change your gloves in between touching sexual organs
Diagnosis
Types of Yeast Infections
Balanitis
Balanitis is an irritating infection of the penis
Candida albicans
Because the
symptoms of
Candida albicans, where present, often resemble those
of Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) and other forms of sexually transmitted vaginitis
correct diagnosis is essential to determine the infection or eliminate the possibility of other STDs.
Moniliasis
Moniliasis is a painful vaginal yeast infection which may occur during:
- antibiotic treatment
- pregnancy
Intertrigo
Intertrigo is a skin irritation
caused by friction between moist adjacent surfaces, and often accompanied by
bacterial or fungal infection
Oral Thrush
Oral Thrush is a painless infection of the mouth and
throat which can often recur.
It can affect all ages, but is most common
in:
- babies
- the elderly
- young children
Systemic yeast Infections
Systemic yeast infections can occur
in persons with:
- AIDS
- Ailments or drug treatments that suppress the immune
system
- Diabetes
Method of Diagnosis
Laboratory Tests
To correctly diagnose a yeast infection a culture is needed. An examination of vaginal secretions is looked at under a microscope for evidence of:
- common skin changes of the vulva and vagina
- yeast forms
Research
A rapid simple test for yeast infection is being developed
Conditions Commonly Confused as Yeast Infection
Treatment
Various anti-fungal vaginal medications are available to treat yeast infection in the form of:
- anti-fungal creams
- anti-fungal suppositories
- anti-fungal tablets
These include:
Regimen
- Use 1-2 times a day for up to 7 days
- Symptoms helped within 3-4 days of treatment
- Continue treatment for the entire course even if symptoms have ceased
Do not use any of the above products without seeing
a doctor or health professional if you:
- are a female under the age of 12
- are not sure that your problem is a yeast infection
- are nursing a baby
- are pregnant
- are sensitive/allergic to any of the ingredients in Mycelex-7 or to any other Mycelex product
- have never had a yeast infection before
Caution
Mycelex-7:
- and all other medications should be kept away from children
- is for vaginal use and not for use in the eyes or mouth
Note
- If your symptoms persist after 7 days, or return within 2 months see your doctor or health practitioner
- Products containing antihistamines or topical anesthetics mask the symptoms and do not treat the underlying problem
- Rarely is a yeast infection confined to the
vagina, so just
treating the vaginal yeast infection often does not prevent recurrent infections.
See your doctor or health professional immediately if any of the following symptoms occur:
- back pain
- fever
- foul-smelling discharge
- lower abdomen pain
- shoulder pain
Natural Treatment
Dietary changes are essential in the
treatment of yeast infection
Dietary Recommendations for Acute Candida
Whole Foods Diet
Include:
- Fresh vegetables and
fruits
- Fish and poultry
-
Flax seed (Linseed)
- Whole grains
- Organically raised foods
where possible.
- Other essential fatty acids,
such as olive oil and nuts
- Plenty of
fresh water
- 1 tablespoon Psyllium seed husk fiber and/or 6 to 8
tablespoons flax seed meal and/or ¼ cup Oat bran daily
-
Pau D'arco
-
Vitaklenz
Avoid:
Animal fats
Caffeine
Dairy products
Fast foods
Hydrogenated oils and margarine
Processed foods
Junk foods
Sugar
White flour products
Suppository Treatment
Boric acid suppositories:
-
600mg Boric Acid suppositories inserted vaginally
every night before bed for 3-5 nights
Dietary Recommendations for Chronic Candida
Diet is a very important contributing factor in chronic Candida infections. It
is very important to treat the digestive tract as this area can re-infect the
vagina if left untreated.
Whole Foods Diet
Include:
- Fresh vegetables and
fruits
- Fish and poultry
- Flax seed oil
- Other essential fatty
acids, such as olive oil and nuts
- Plenty of
fresh water
- 1 tablespoon psyllium seed husk fiber and/or 6-8
tablespoons flax seed meal and/or ¼ cup oat bran daily Organically raised foods
where possible
- Whole grains
- P
-
Vitaklenz
Avoid:
- Alcohol
- Animal fats
- Caffeine
- Dairy products and, for some
patients
- Fast foods
- Junk foods
- Hydrogenated oils and
margarine
- Processed
foods
- Sugar
Wheat products
White flour products
Suppository Treatment
- Insert Boric Acid suppositories twice a day,
in morning and again before bed
- Repeat for 2-4 weeks
depending on severity of
infection
External Treatment
- Warm sitz baths infused with several drops Tea Tree oil (Melaleuca
alternifolia).
Vaginal douching with tea infusion of one or both of the following dried herbs:
- Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)
- Oregon Grape Root (Mahonia
aqjuifolium)
Other Natural Treatments
Boric Acid/Borax
Boric Acid/Borax kills severe or persistent yeast infections
Method
- Fill 00 capsules with
Boric Acid to use as vaginal suppositories
- Insert 2 capsules filled with
Boric Acid into your vagina every night for a week
Caution
Boric Acid may cause:
- large amounts of vaginal discharge
- superficial burning and discomfort
for the first few days
Note
- Discontinue use if the burning is severe
Cranberries
Cranberries are often used in treating urinary
tract infections as they:
- are a rich source of Vitamin C
- contain
substances that inhibit
bacteria from clinging to the walls of
the urinary tract
- lower the pH of your urine helping combat yeast infections
Garlic
Garlic
contains natural anti-fungal substances that kill off yeast and should be added to the diet. It may also
be used internally.
Method
- Wrap an unpeeled clove of garlic in gauze or
cheesecloth tying the ends with unwaxed dental floss, leaving a
bit of string dangling to pull it out afterward
- Leave it in for several hours at a time
- Use nightly until after symptoms cease
Note
- Care should be taken not to cut the clove of garlic as the juice may sting and cause irritation
- Garlic capsules may be used instead
Caution
- May not work on stubborn infections
- Occasionally people are allergic to garlic
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen Peroxide is produced naturally by bacteria in your
vagina and kills yeast.
If
you wish to
increase Hydrogen Peroxide:
Method
- Mix 1 teaspoon of ordinary 3% hydrogen peroxide from your market or pharmacy with 1 cup of water and use as a douche once a day until after symptoms cease
Pau D'arco
Pau
D'Arco is a rainforest remedy made from the inner bark of the large native South
American tree. Indigenous South American tribes have traditionally drunk tea
made from the shredded inner bark to boost their immunity. In 1882, one of Pau
D'Arco's constituents was isolated and identified as lapachol, an antimicrobial
and potentially tumour-fighting chemical. Besides lapachol, Pau D'Arco contains
at least 20 other active ingredients. Modern scientific evidence shows that
extracts of Pau D'Arco can protect against a wide range of bacterial and fungal
organisms, including Candida albicans. The herb is also useful for treating
athlete's foot and fungal nail infections. Pau D'Arco is not recommended during
pregnancy.
Method
- For
adults: take two capsules with a meal three times daily.
- Five capsules are equivalent to two
cups of Taheebo tea.
- For
children age 6-12 years: take one capsule with a meal twice daily.
Caution
- Always read the label.
- If symptoms persist consult your
healthcare practitioner.
More
information on
Pau D'arco
Potassium Sorbate Potassium Sorbate is a potent fungicide usually used in preserving
foods and brewing beer to stop the growth of the yeast at the correct time.
Method
- Make a 3%
solution by adding 8 gm (about 1 tablespoon) potassium sorbate to a cup of
water
- Dip a cotton tampon in the solution, inserting it at bedtime and
removing it in the morning
- Continue treatment for a few days until after the symptoms
To relieve vulva itching Method
- Make a paste of Slippery Elm powder and a little
water and apply as needed
- Soak a cotton pad in Aloe vera
juice and apply as needed
Note
Teatree Oil
Teatree Oil is widely used for yeast infections.
Method
- Soak a tampon with a lubricant, such as KY jelly or
Olive Oil, and add a few drops of pure Tea Tree Oil and insert
Caution
- Teatree oil can sting if it comes in contact with the vulva
Vitaklenz
The double action of the
powerful Vitaklenz formula assists in the elimination of parasites
as well as Candida and Yeast infestations.
Vitaklenz is the result of
thousands of years of accumulated knowledge from traditional medicines around
the world that have successfully treated parasites and yeast infestations in
humans.
The 12 active herbal
ingredients in Vitaklenz are well known for their anti-parasitic, anti-candida
and cleansing effects on the human system.
More information? -
Vitaklenz
Yoghurt
Yoghurt contains Lactobacillus acidophilus, a bacterium found in healthy vaginas, which
kills yeast by producing hydrogen peroxide.
Method
- Apply directly to the vulva and into the vagina 1-2 times a day until
after symptoms clear up
Prevention
Help Factors
Physical Hygiene
-
Abstain from sexual activity during treatment
- Always wipe from front to back after bowel movements
- Change underwear and workout clothes immediately after exercising
- Change tampons and sanitary pads often
- Dry the vaginal area thoroughly after you shower or bathe
- Get plenty of rest to help
the body fight infections
-
Practice good hygiene by regularly washing the inside folds of the vulva where germs breed
-
Shower after swimming in a pool to remove the chlorine from your skin
- Use unscented tampons or sanitary pads
- Wear all-cotton underpants and panty hose with cotton crotches
Dietary
- Eat well, including food products, such as yogurt containing live
cultures of lactobacillus acidophilus
- Limit your intake of sugar and foods containing sugar as it promotes the growth of yeast
-
Try to keep blood sugars under control if you have diabetes
Risk Factors
Avoid using:
- bath oils
- bubble baths
- deodorant soaps
- feminine hygiene sprays
- perfumed soaps
The growth of yeast colonies increases if
using broad spectrum antibiotics, such as:
The following
may be made less effective if
they come in contact with Mycelex-7
- Condoms
- Diaphragms
- Vaginal spermicides
Prognosis
When one partner is severely infected and continuous
re-infections occur the problem can become troublesome and chronic.
If a fungal infection has taken hold in the
body it can become a recurrent problem
that is more difficult to treat with conventional anti-fungal agents. This can turn a simple infection
into a chronic, tenacious condition that can seriously affect your immune system
and overall health.
Other Factors
- Repeated use of over-the-counter and prescription medications can create
imbalances in the healthy vagina allowing for resistant strains
of Candida fungus or bacteria to take hold
Recurring vaginal yeast infections may indicate a serious or underlying medical problem including:
- Diabetes
- HIV
- Immune system disorders
Note
See your doctor or health professional immediately if vaginal yeast infections:
- Do not clear up easily with proper treatment
- Recur (recurrence within a
2 month period)
or the following
symptoms are experienced:
- abnormal
genital irritation
- discharge
- pain
Candida Case Study
Susan had
been suffering from recurrent thrush on a monthly basis when she first
consulted a natural health practitioner. Further investigation revealed
that she had been taking the oral contraceptive pill for years and
averaged four courses a year of antibiotics for minor infections such as
sinusitis and tonsillitis. She worked full time and was always on the
go. Her diet was adequate but could be improved, particularly as she was
rather partial to a regular glass or two of wine to relieve her stress.
Susan
decided to discontinue the oral contraceptive pill and was prescribed a
course of herbs to rebalance her hormone levels. Once her cycle was
regular, it was time to address the issue of frequent thrush episodes. A
finger prick blood test confirmed the presence of Candida. Her natural
health practitioner began to treat this with the herb Pau D'Arco at
3,000 mg per day, and placed Susan on an anti-candida diet eliminating
all foods containing yeast and sugar for a period of two weeks and
gradually reintroducing some of these foods. Susan focused on a
maintenance diet of foods which have minimal or low sugar content such
as fresh fruit and vegetables, wholegrain breads and pastas. She also
included probiotic supplements daily to help rebalance the
micro-organisms in her gut.
As the
candida symptoms improved Susan was treated with herbs such as Garlic
and Golden Seal to boost her immune system and reduce the chances of her
developing sinusitis or tonsillitis in the future. This eliminated the
need to take antibiotics which made her body susceptible to candida in
the first place.
Susan continues to follow the maintenance diet and drinks only the
occasional glass of wine and says she feels much healthier. Best of all
she has not experienced any thrush or sinusitis since.
This story has been reproduced with the
permission of Herbs & Health Lifestyle Magazine -
www.herbsandhealth.com.au
Candida
Articles
A
staggering one in three adults suffer from Candida overgrowth, or thrush
as it's more commonly termed. And what's more surprising is the fact
that many men get it too!
Soon after birth, the fungus Candida albicans develops in the intestinal
tract of healthy individuals in its yeast-like ‘friendly' form. Under
certain conditions, however, Candida organisms can convert to a more
menacing form, with root-like growths penetrating into the intestine
wall. When this happens, toxins can be absorbed from the bowel into the
bloodstream, with debilitating consequences ......
Read more
Yeast Infection Pictures | Support
AIDS -
Bacterial Vaginosis - Chancroid -
Chlamydia Gonorrhea - Genital
Warts - Granuloma - Hepatitis -
Herpes -
Lymphogranuloma - Molluscum -
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease -
Pubic Lice - Scabies -
Syphilis - Trichomoniasis -
Urinary Tract Infection -
Vaginitis - Yeast
Infection
Sexual
Health Resource -
STD
Clinics & Support - Safe Sex
- STD Dating
Ask your questions on the
Sexual Health
Discussion Forum
Help your body Rid itself of
unwanted Parasites, Bacteria and Fungi including Yeast
Infections
|
