Should I See A Doctor
If your yeast infection doesnt improve after treatment, you should consult your doctor. OTC antifungal creams can take up to 10 days to treat a yeast infection.
You should make an appointment if you get recurrent yeast infections, which refers to having four or more yeast infections a year. These usually require prescription treatment because yogurt and other home remedies arent effective for this type of yeast infection.
If youre still having symptoms after this point, you could have a different condition, such as bacterial vaginosis. This is a bacterial infection with symptoms very similar to those of a yeast infection. But because its not caused by a fungus, it wont respond to antifungal treatments.
Yeast Infection Treatmentreach For Monistat
Talk with your doctor about any drugs you are now takingyou are more likely to get a vaginal yeast infection if you are taking certain drugs such as antibiotics, steroids or birth control pills. Do not stop taking these drugs without first asking your doctor. A doctor may need to see you to make sure that you do not have other medical conditions such as diabetes or a weakened immune system.
How You Can Prevent A Yeast Infection After Antibiotics
If you’re prone to suffering from Candida after antibiotics you can start preventing a yeast infection when taking antibiotics by taking a good quality probiotic supplement. A good probiotic that fights off yeast infections is Bowtrol Probiotic. The Bowtrol Probiotic is a high quality probiotic that can survive the journey past your stomach acid which is something a lot of probiotics can’t do.
You can increase the effectiveness of your probiotics by taking Inuflora Powder. This powder is food for your probiotics so that they multiply at a faster rate once they are in your digestive tract.
Antibiotics cause yeast infections because they wipe out your good bacteria, but your diet could also be feeding the yeast and helping it grow in number and get stronger. The Candida yeast loves sugar and other poor quality foods that contain sugar and refined carbohydrates. All these foods need to be eliminated from your diet so you no longer feed the yeast.
Doing these two things can help you prevent a yeast infection after a course of antibiotics.
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Who Is At Higher Risk Of Developing A Yeast Infection
Any woman at any age can get a yeast infection and most will experience at least one in their lifetime, but it is more than likely to occur in women after puberty and before menopause.
Another risk factor is having higher estrogen levels.
You may have higher estrogen levels if you are pregnant, taking high-dose estrogen birth control pills, or undergoing estrogen hormone therapy.
Diabetes or a weakened immune system can also put you at an increased risk for yeast infections.
What Causes A Vaginal Yeast Infection
Most yeast infections are caused by a type of yeast called Candida albicans.
A healthy vagina has many bacteria and a small number of yeast cells. The most common bacteria, Lactobacillus acidophilus, help keep other organismslike the yeastunder control.
When something happens to change the balance of these organisms, yeast can grow too much and cause symptoms. Taking antibiotics sometimes causes this imbalance. The high estrogen levels caused by pregnancy or hormone therapy can also cause it. So can certain health problems, like diabetes or HIV infection.
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Why Does My Yeast Infection Keep Coming Back
By | July 30, 2013, 7:52 a.m.
Category:
Why does my yeast infection keep coming back? Will it ever go away?
Yeast infections are caused when a bacteria called candida grows too much. Most people have small amounts of yeast in their mouths and intestines. Healthy women also naturally have yeast in their vaginas. But sometimes this yeast grows too much and causes a yeast infection. Certain antibiotics, diabetes, a week immune system, and normal changes in your hormone levels can lead to yeast infections.
Many treatments for yeast infections, like creams, suppositories, vaginal tablets, or oral medicines have to be prescribed by a nurse or doctor. Some medicines for yeast infections are available without a prescription at drugstores. If youve been treating your yeast infection with medicine you got at the drugstore and it keeps coming back or hasnt gone away at all, its important to see a health care provider. They can prescribe a more effective treatment.
If youve already been treated by a nurse or doctor and your yeast infection still isnt going away, make sure you let your health care provider know. They can help you figure out exactly whats going on with your body and what you can do about it. Read more about yeast infections and vaginitis here.
Tags:going to the doctor, vaginitis, yeast infections
Prevent Yeast Infections While Taking Antibiotics
Yeast infections are caused by the Candida Albicans strain of fungus in the human body. Their growth is limited by the immune system and other microorganisms like bacteria that are found in the same areas of the human body where the fungus resides.
These infections can either be superficial, affecting the skin and mucosal membranes or slightly more serious causing diseases like oral thrush and vaginitis. They could also lead to systemic and potentially life-threatening diseases.
The most common yeast infection occurs during the time when a patient is taking antibiotics to cure other diseases. The drug destroys both the bad and the good bacteria in the digestive system, thereby letting the yeasts develop within the digestive tract.
The good bacteria that are usually found alongside the tract in large colonies get destroyed by the antibiotics. This results in the yeast population mushrooming within the digestive tract and causing major infections that manifest within and outside the body.
The general perception over the years has been that women are more prone to vaginal yeast infections after they complete an antibiotic dosage. However, recent studies have revealed that Candida infection could also impact men in a large way.
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How Can I Treat A Yeast Infection
Youll be glad to know that treating a yeast infection is pretty straightforward, but to make sure you get the right treatment, it is important that you speak with your doctor first to confirm the diagnosis of your symptoms.
Once the cause of the infection has been confirmed, there are a number of treatment options available:Your doctor may prescribe an oral anti-fungal pill called fluconazole for you to take alongside your course of antibiotics, which should effectively help to prevent the yeast overgrowth.
You can also use over-the-counter medications such as antifungal creams or suppositories that are either applied or inserted inside the vagina and act as a substitute for the good bacteria to keep the yeast in check.
Home remedies have also proven popular in effectively treating a yeast infection:
It is important to note that many of the above treatments are not suitable if you are pregnant, diabetic, have a weakened immune system, or experience recurrent yeast infections , as it can cause further complications therefore, you must always consult your doctor first.
How Do These Probiotics Help
Probiotics are packed full of healthy bacteria that not only help your GI tract, but also your vagina. Studies have shown that when taken, probiotics will improve symptoms for those who already have a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis.
Probiotics are also able to prevent a potential infection. These bacteria work to balance out the pH level of the vagina, which makes for a healthy and hospitable environment.
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How Can I Tell If I Have A Yeast Infection Or Bacterial Infection
If there is yeast infection, discharge can be thick, white, or odorless. In addition to white patches in and around your vagina, a white coating may be present there as well. When bacterial vaginosis causes vaginal discharge, it is pink and foamy, making it fishy. However, BV isnt usually accompanied by any symptoms .
What Is A Vaginal Yeast Infection
Yeast is a fungus that normally lives in the vagina in small numbers. A vaginal yeast infection means that too many yeast cells are growing in the vagina. These infections are very common. They may bother you a lot, but they usually aren’t serious. A yeast infection is not a sexually transmitted infection .
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Why Do Yeast Infections Happen
Think of the flora as little warriors that protect the bodys internal environment by making sure that all other organisms are kept in line. Now think of antibiotics as a bomb that explodes and throws off your bodys natural order while it may kill the bad bacteria causing the original infection, it also wipes out the flora, giving the candida free rein to multiply, which brings on symptoms of the yeast infection. It is important to note that not everyone who takes antibiotics will develop a yeast infection however, the longer you take them, the more susceptible you are to it. Furthermore, if you are already prone to recurring yeast infections, it increases your likelihood of getting one whilst taking antibiotics. Other factors that increase your susceptibility to a yeast infection include:
- Hormonal changes resulting from ovulation, menopause, pregnancy, birth control pills, or hormone therapy
- Underwear that is too tight or made from non-breathable fabric
- Douching or using perfumed soaps
- Underlying health issues such as diabetes, HIV, or cancer
- Steroid use
It is estimated that around 8% of females will experience frequent candida infections, with 5% experiencing them four or more times in a year, particularly during their reproductive years.
Diet For A Yeast Infection
The foods you eat may be contributing to your recurring yeast infections. Yeast loves sugar. Avoiding the following foods can curb the growth of yeast in your body.
- White flour and rice
- Foods or drinks fermented with yeast
- Foods made up of simple sugars
Although avoiding these foods may help you avoid a yeast infection, this diet can be difficult to maintain. Fortunately, you may not need to completely eliminate these foods to see positive effects in the number or severity of yeast infections you get. Cutting back in small amounts may help.
It may also help to increase your intake of healthy proteins and fats and increase your intake of low-starch fruits and vegetables. Eating a low-sugar diet doesnt mean you have to go hungry you just need to eat more from other food groups.
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Can You Treat A Yeast Infection And Bacterial Vaginosis At The Same Time
For an effective BV treatment, prescription medications such as metronidazole, clindamycin, and tinidazole can be effective. As a general rule, antifungal creams, ointments, tablets, and suppositories will do for yeast infections what they have for other infections: restore the balance of bacteria and yeast in a vaginal area, and eliminate symptoms usually.
Medically Reviewed By Dr Atmika Paudel Phd
It is verywell mentioned in the above article about how unnecessary and overuseof antibacterial agents can compromise our health by altering our gutmicrobiome. I would like to add here that the prolonged use ofantibacterial agents not only alters the microbiome by killing goodbacteria but also leads to a weakened immune system .
The overuse of antibacterial agents will harm macrophages, whichfight against pathogenic microorganisms by engulfing them. Themacrophages do not have the same ability to tackle with the infectingmicroorganisms when they are under the stress of antibacterialagents. Therefore there are two consequences: one is the opportunityfor the yeasts to outgrow in the absence of bacteria in the gut, andthe other is the opportunity for the yeasts to establish infection inthe absence of the competent immune system of the host.
The bacterialcell and fungal/yeast cell are quite different fungi are eukaryoteswhile bacteria are prokaryotic microorganisms. While most of theantibacterial agents target bacterial cell walls or specificstructures conserved among bacteria, fungal cell wall structure isentirely different, so the antibacterial agents cannot interact withthe cell wall, cannot pass through it, and fungi are not affected bythe antibacterial agents. In fact, many of the antibacterial agentsare produced by fungi and purified for use as medicine to treatbacterial infections.
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Vaginal Yeast Infection Other Therapy
The following are common home-care techniques, although scientific studies have not proven their effectiveness:
- Vinegar douches: Many women douche following menstrual periods or intercourse. However, doctors discourage such routine cleaning. The vagina is naturally designed to clean itself, and douching may remove healthy bacteria that line the vagina. Attempting to treat an abnormal vaginal discharge by douching may worsen the condition.
- Eating yogurt that contains live acidophilus cultures : Yogurt acts as a medium for certain good bacteria to thrive. Despite popular belief, studies about the benefits of eating yogurt with lactobacillus acidophilus cultures as a way to prevent yeast infection have yielded conflicting results. The scientific benefit of consuming yogurt cultures has not yet been proven.
- Antihistamines or topical anesthetics: These are numbing medications that may mask the symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection. However, they do not treat the underlying cause.
Yeast Infection During Pregnancy
Vaginal yeast infections are common during pregnancy, likely caused by elevated estrogen levels. If you are pregnant, don’t assume you have a yeast infection until it is diagnosed, and don’t use non-prescription medicines without discussing your symptoms with your doctor.
Vaginal medicine is the recommended treatment for vaginal yeast infections during pregnancy.footnote 1
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What Are The Symptoms Of A Yeast Infection
If you are not familiar with the symptoms of a yeast infection, consider yourself lucky as they can be quite uncomfortable. While every woman will experience them in varying degrees, the most common symptoms include:
- An intense itching sensation in and around the vagina
- A burning sensation around the vaginal area
- An increase in vaginal discharge that may appear white, lumpy and odorless
- Pain or discomfort whilst urinating
- Painful intercourse
Because the above indicators can be related to several issues, it can become difficult for many women to establish whether they are actually suffering from a yeast infection. Often, the same symptoms may be indicative of other ailments such as a urinary tract infection , bacterial vaginosis, or something else. If you find that your treatment for yeast infection is not working, it is best to see your doctor to determine which other factors may be causing your symptoms.
Yeast Infection Myths And Misconceptions
When it comes to dealing with intimate health issues like yeast infections, young women are relying on advice thats plain wrong and even harmful.
More than half 53% of young women say they dont know how to deal with a yeast infection, and two out of three women dont know it can be cured with an over-the-counter treatment. With all the information out there, finding the right answers can be confusing and overwhelming.
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Antibiotics For Yeast Infection
The primary use of antibiotics is for the treatment and prevention of bacterial infections. Some antibiotics may also have also antifungal properties. Using these antifungal antibiotics for yeast infection however, is not well studied or practiced. According to the available research data, antibiotics are well known to affect the gut flora and to lead to candida and yeast infections.
How Is A Vaginal Yeast Infection Treated
If you’re not pregnant and you know you have a yeast infection, you can treat yourself with over-the-counter antifungal medicine. If you’re pregnant, don’t use these medicines without talking to your doctor first. If you have more than four infections in a year, see your doctor for testing and treatment.
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Lifestyle Changes For Preventing Yeast Infections
You can do several other things beyond dieting to help prevent yeast infections. In fact, good genital hygiene is one of the best ways to prevent this type of infection. This includes:
- Keep things clean. Use mild, unscented soap and water to keep your vaginal area clean.
- Choose the right underwear. Your underwear should keep your genital area dry. Cotton underwear is a good choice. Sleeping without underwear can also help.
- After using the bathroom, wipe from front to back to avoid spreading yeast or bacteria between your anus, urinary tract, or vagina.
- Dont wear swimsuits longer than necessary. Wearing a wet swimsuit will foster the spread of yeast because it keeps things warm and wet.
- Dont wear tight clothes. Tight-fitting clothing also keeps your genitals warm and moist.
- Change tampons and pads regularly.
- Avoid douches and any kind of perfumed sprays, powders, or tampons.
Whats The Relationship Between Probiotics And Yeast Infections
Probiotics are friendly bacteria that protect you from yeast infections in many ways. First of all, they colonize the mucosa in your body leaving no space for harmful and yeast and bacteria to grow.
Some probiotic strains produce lactic acid that helps maintain a healthy pH in your vagina which creates an unfavorable environment for yeast and bacteria.
Apart from that many probiotic strains have been scientifically shown to boost your immune system so that its more efficient in defending your body from infections.
Once you start taking Penicillin, the levels of probiotics in your intestines and vagina gradually go down. First symptoms of low probiotic levels include upset stomach and diarrhea.
After a while, when more probiotics that reside in your vagina die, you may develop a yeast infection.
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