FitSugar

5 Ways to Prevent a Yeast Infection

FitSugar — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 10:00:21 -0700

Ugh, a yeast infection has to be one of the worst things a woman has to deal with. If you've ever had one, you'll do anything to prevent it from happening again. Although a yeast infection vaccine is in the works, it's not yet available, so here are some ways to prevent this irritating problem before it starts.

Don't hang out in wet bathing suits or sweaty undies. After a swim or workout, get out of those wet bottoms and into some dry undies that have a cotton crotch. Excessive moisture in that area can encourage yeast to grow.
Avoid going on and off hormonal birth control. The fluctuations can mess with the pH of your lady business, so every time you go on and off, you're likely to experience a flair-up in yeast, causing an infection.

Learn more tips.

Yeast Infection Vaccine?

FitSugar — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 03:00:00 -0700

If you've ever had to deal with the annoyance of a yeast infection, then you might be interested to know a vaccine to prevent them is in the works. Early lab tests of the vaccine performed on mice have been successful.

Female mice were given one of several variations of the vaccine, and then were exposed to a lethal dose of Candida albicans, the fungus responsible for yeast infections. Another group of female mice were given a placebo vaccine to create a control group. The mice who received the yeast infection vaccine had a 40 to 100 percent survival rate, while the control group sadly all died. I'm not sure why they had to give them a "lethal dose" of this fungus (since I wouldn't say a typical yeast infection is deadly - just horribly uncomfortable), but it seems that the vaccine has worked.

Tell me ladies, once this becomes safe for humans, would you get a vaccine to prevent yeast infections?

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Wet Bathing Suits and Yeast Infections: Not Fun

FitSugar — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 03:00:00 -0700

If you've ever had a yeast infection then you know how horribly uncomfortable they are. Since warm weather sends us flocking to the beach or the pool, you should know that hanging out in your wet bathing suit could cause major problems "down south."

Here's the deal. Yeast are tiny organisms that naturally grow in your vagina (in small numbers), and the acidic environment there helps to keep the yeast from overpopulating. If your vagina becomes less acidic, the yeast can multiply and cause an itchy and burning yeast infection. Not fun. The precious acidic balance of your vagina can be changed when you have your period, if you go on or off birth control, or if you take certain medications like antibiotics.

However, excess moisture or irritation can also encourage yeast to grow. That's why it is so important NOT to hang out in a wet bathing suit. If you won't be drying off quickly in the sun, make sure to change into a pair of dry underwear soon after you're done swimming. A pair that has a cotton crotch is best.

Along the same lines, as soon as you're done exercising, get out of those sweaty clothes. Take a shower if you can, and be sure to wash your clothes after each use. To be extra careful, think about getting some wicking undies to wear while exercising.

Fit's Tips: If you suspect you have a yeast infection, you can test yourself using Fem-V, or call your gyno just to make sure. You don't want to use an OTC medicine like Monistat if you don't have a yeast infection.

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Which is More Embarrassing?

FitSugar — Sat, 28 Apr 2007 03:30:00 -0700

I love that grocery stores carry so many necessary things, but buying certain products can give strangers insight into your personal life. With that in mind...

Spring Exercise Tip: Take a Shower

FitSugar — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 17:15:00 -0700

I know it hasn't quite felt like Spring yet, with the East Coast getting that Nor'Easter last week, but I think it's safe to say that She has arrived!

With this exciting warmer weather and sunshiny skies, everyone is getting the itch to get outside and enjoy it. There were hardly any people in my yoga class, and there were no lines for the machines at the gym - everyone's exercising in this amazing weather.

Since the temperature is warmer, you're going to be sweating more. Sweat can cause major problems in the skin department, because bacteria can get into your pores and cause pimples, even if you were never prone to body acne before.

Wearing clothes made out of fabrics that wick away moisture can help, but the best thing you can do is:

Get out of those sweaty wet clothes as soon as you're done working out (we all know that sitting in wet undies is a great way to get a yeast infection). Make sure to wash your workout clothes before you wear them again.
Change into a whole new dry outfit, or better yet, take a shower to wash off all that sweat and bacteria.
If you're prone to breaking out after working out, get yourself some acne-fighting body wash. After the shower, use a lotion that contains salicylic acid on areas where you tend to break out - this can help prevent pimples from starting in the first place.

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Over Active Yeast

FitSugar — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 02:00:00 -0800

Here's the deal. A few years ago, the U.S. changed the rules so we didn't need prescriptions to get cures for yeast infections. The drug companies started bombarding us with hype about their yeast infection products, and suddenly everyone was hyper-aware.

Women started to assume that every time they got an itch "down there," they had a yeast infection. So they rushed to the store to buy the strongest anti-fungal cream they could find.

But not every itch equals a yeast infection. And when you expose your naturally-occurring vaginal yeast to these drugs, some of the yeast may be resistant. Only the resistant ones thrive and multiply, so the next time you get a yeast infection, you've got a panty full of drug-resistant yeast, and you can't just run to the pharmacy and shell out $20 for a cure - you have to go to a doctor and get something much stronger.

This is bad news because as much as 25-30% of yeast infections may now be resistant to your basic Monistat. That's why you may have found that these over-the-counter cures don't really work.

Fit's Tips: You can test it yourself using Fem-V, or call your trusted gynecologist and get their advice. It will save you from the King Kong of yeast infections down the road.

Itchy Down There?

FitSugar — Thu, 14 Dec 2006 09:45:00 -0800

The bad news: Not all vaginal infections are yeast infections -- it could be something way worse. Great.

The good news (well as good as it's going to get): Fem-V ($7.99) has created a pantyliner yeast infection test that only takes 10 minutes. If the indicator strip on the pantyliner has a blue or green color stain you should consult your health care provider as your vaginal symptoms may need a doctor's attention. If the indicator strip remains yellow or fades back to yellow your symptoms are more likely caused by a yeast infection and you may choose to use an over-the-counter anti-fungal treatment.

To get a $2 rebate, visit the Fem-V site. It's available at most major drug stores or you can get it online here.

Tampons and Yogurt: Perfect Together?

FitSugar — Fri, 19 Jan 2007 02:20:00 -0800

If you feel a little weird about putting chemicals on your privates to deal with yeast infections, check out these home remedies (some are a little wild):

Douche with apple cider vinegar: Mix 1 tablespoon vinegar with a quart of water.
Tea tree oil suppositories: You can buy them at health food stores. Just insert one at bedtime (make sure to wear a pantyliner). They are supposed to be quite cooling.
Use PLAIN yogurt (no flavors or fruit - just PLAIN) that contains active cultures. Dip a tampon into the yogurt and insert it inside you. Leave it in for an hour or so. It's cool and soothing, and gets the "good" bacteria right where you need it. Do it once or twice a day, until the situation resolves itself.
Mix a teaspoon of baking soda with 8 ounces of lukewarm water and drink it (not a good idea for those with weak stomachs). It tastes disgusting, but supposedly works like a charm.
Take cranberry extract or cranberry blueberry extract pills - they are a great preventative measure and contain antioxidants for your overall health.
Bring a squeeze bottle of honey in the bathroom with you. Sit over the toilet and pour a liberal amount into your hand. Spread it all over the infected area and sit there for at least 5 minutes (or as long as you can). The bad bacteria cannot survive due to the "good" bacteria found in the honey. Take a nice bath to wash off the honey.

Let me know if you've got any more home remedies, or tried any of the above remedies. I'd love to hear about them.

Vaginal yeast infection

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 18:47:01 -0700

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

This is a vaginal infection caused most commonly by the fungal organism Candida albicans.

Alternative Names

Yeast infection - vagina; Vaginal candidiasis; Monilial vaginitis

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Candida albicans is a widespread organism found throught the world. It exists in small amounts in the vagina, the mouth, the digestive tract, and on the skin without causing disease or symptoms (approximately 25% of women without disease symptoms have this organism present).

Symptoms appear when the number of Candida albicans becomes larger in relation to the other microorganisms that normally inhabit the vagina. Candida albicans grows when the vagina has certain favorable conditions or when it is difficult for other microorganisms to survive. This causes the imbalance that leads to a yeast infection.

Yeast infection may follow a course of antibiotics that were prescribed for another purpose. The antibiotics change the normal balance between organisms in the vagina by decreasing the number of protective bacteria.

Infection is common and most women will have a vaginal yeast infection at some time. Other causes of a vaginal yeast infection are being pregnant, having diabetes, or having conditions that affect the immune system (such as AIDS or HIV).

Vaginal candidiasis is not a sexually transmitted disease. However, 12 - 15% of men will develop symptoms such as itching and rash on the penis following sexual contact with an infected partner.

Multiple vaginal yeast infections may be a sign of other health problems. Other vaginal infections and discharges can be mistaken for a vaginal yeast infection.

Repeat infections that occur immediately following treatment, or a persistent yeast infection that does not respond to treatment, may be the first or, at least, an early sign that an individual is infected with HIV.

Both men and women with HIV infection who have developed AIDS may be subject to Candida albicans infection throughout the body, including oral candidiasis (in the mouth), esophageal candidiasis (in the esophagus), and cutaneous candidiasis (on the skin).

Symptoms

Abnormal vaginal discharge
- Ranges from a slightly watery, white discharge to a thick, white, chunky discharge (like cottage cheese)
Inflammation of the vulvar skin
Pain with intercourse
Painful urination
Redness of the vulva
Vaginal and labial itching, burning

Signs and tests

A pelvic examination will be done. It may show inflammation of the skin of the vulva, within the vagina, and on the cervix. The health care provider may find dry, white plaques on the vaginal wall.

A wet prep (microscopic evaluation of vaginal discharge) shows Candida.

Treatment

Generally, the first incidence of yeast infection should be treated by your health care provider.

After the first infection, if you develop another infection and you are absolutely certain it is a yeast infection, you can treat it at home with over-the-counter vaginal creams such as miconazole or clotrimazole. Symptoms that don't go away should be evaluated by your gynecologist or primary health care provider.

Medications for vaginal yeast infections are available in either vaginal cream/suppositories. Oral medication should be avoided during pregnancy.

Expectations (prognosis)

The symptoms usually disappear completely with adequate treatment.

Complications

Chronic or recurrent infections may occur. This may be from inadequate treatment or self-reinfection.

Secondary infection may occur. Intense or prolonged scratching may cause the skin of the vulva to become cracked and raw, making it more susceptible to infection.

Calling your health care provider

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if this is the first time that you have vaginal yeast infection symptoms, or if you are unsure if you have a yeast infection. (If you are sure that you have a yeast infection, you can treat the disorder with over-the-counter medications.)

Call your health care provider if symptoms don't go away after using self-treatment vaginal creams, or if you have or develop other symptoms.

Prevention

Avoid persistent and excessive moisture in the genital area by wearing underwear or pantyhose with cotton crotches, and loose-fitting slacks. Avoid wearing wet bathing suits or exercise clothing for long periods of time, and wash them after each use.

References

Eckert LO, Lentz, GM. Infections of the Lower Genital Tract: Vulva, Vagina, Cervix, Toxic Shock Syndrome, HIV Infections. In: Katz VL, Lentz GM, Lobo RA, Gershenson DM, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Mosby Elsevier; 2007: chap 22.

Review Date: 5/12/2008

Reviewed By: Linda Vorvick, MD, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Redmond, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

A.D.A.M. Copyright

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-2009 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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Yeast infections and yogurt

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 18:50:03 -0700

Overview

Information

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Information

Question:

Does yogurt help prevent yeast infections?

Answer:

Several studies have suggested that one cup of yogurt a day (only the kind that has acidophilus bacteria) may reduce the frequency of vaginal yeast infections. Check the label for the statement "contains live cultures" or similar text.

Review Date: 11/9/2007

Reviewed By: Peter Chen, M.D., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

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FitSugar

5 Ways to Prevent a Yeast Infection

Yeast Infection Vaccine?

Wet Bathing Suits and Yeast Infections: Not Fun

Which is More Embarrassing?

Spring Exercise Tip: Take a Shower

Over Active Yeast

Itchy Down There?

Tampons and Yogurt: Perfect Together?

Vaginal yeast infection

Overview

Illustrations

Definition

Alternative Names

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Symptoms

Signs and tests

Treatment

Expectations (prognosis)

Complications

Calling your health care provider

Prevention

References

Yeast infections and yogurt

Overview

Information