Yeast infection? Not Again!

Vaginal yeast infection, or some people know it as vaginal thrush, is one of the most dreadful and common disease known amongst women that occurs to three-quarter of all women or more, at least once in their lives, for instance during menstruation, pregnancy, menopause, use of contraceptive pills, antibiotics, steroids. It could also be a result of soap sensitivities, sexual transmission, poor personal hygiene, and diabetes. Some women suffer from frequent bouts of it. Candida albicans, a fungus permanently found in small amounts inside of the vagina is responsible for the infection. When the normal acidic environment inside the vagina goes out of balance, the Candida fungus multiplies rapidly and causes an infection. Lactobacillus acidophilus is a type of good bacteria that helps keep Candida in check. For instance, in the case of taking antibiotics to treat some sickness, acidophilus are inevitably killed together with the bad bacteria, thus giving Candida the chance to flourish. One way to introduce more acidophilus is to eat live-culture yogurt. Acidophilus is also available in supplement form.

Ranging from mild to severe, the symptoms of yeast infection can be distressing and drive many women nuts.

� redness and itching surrounding the vagina

� pain during sexual intercourse

� burning sensation during urination

� thick, white discharge from the vagina

Prevention:

The Candida yeast thrives in moist and warm environments, hence avoid:

� Wearing tight clothing, synthetic fabrics. Use absorbent cotton underwear.

� Damp bathing suits. Keep area dry. Stop swimming.

� Douching or using scented feminine hygiene products. � Taking too many bubble baths or using harsh soaps. Stick to mild, hypoallergenic products.

� After using the toilet always wipe from front to back, never back to front.

Home Remedies for Treating Yeast Infection

When infected, while many women head for the local drugstore and buy antifungal cream over-the-counter treatment and some go to the doctor to be prescribed ointments, oral medication, some continue to rely on home remedies and believe that honey from the bees works wonders for such infections.

Honey Remedy: Take half a cup of honey into the bathroom. Sit on the toilet and apply honey liberally over the affected area. Let it stay for five to ten minutes and then bathe to clean up. Do this twice a day, morning and just before going to bed at night.