My Candida Story

Three out of four women will have a vaginal infection caused by an overgrowth of yeast at some point in their lives. Here’s what you need to know about these common infections.

If you’ve ever had a vaginal yeast infection , you’re probably very familiar with the burning, itching, and discharge that they cause. A vaginal yeast infection, also called candida vaginitis or vulvovaginal candidiasis, is caused by an overgrowth of yeast in the vagina.

What Is a Yeast Infection?
A yeast infection can develop in any part of the body. When it affects the feet, it’s called athlete’s foot. If it develops in the mouth, it’s known as thrush . A vaginal yeast infection is usually caused by a type of yeast known as Candida albicans . If yeast begins to grow out of control, it causes a vaginal infection, leading to symptoms that can make a woman extremely uncomfortable.

Keep in mind that a vaginal infection caused by yeast is not a sexually transmitted disease (STD) or a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

Why Vaginal Yeast Infections Occur
There’s nothing abnormal about yeast in and of itself. “Yeast normally lives all over our bodies; in our vaginas, mouths, intestines, and on the skin,” notes Rosanna Gray-Swain, MD, a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist in St. Louis, Mo. “Yeast usually lives in harmony with bacteria to establish a healthy environment and a barrier to more dangerous infections.”

Problems occur with yeast when the acid balance in the vagina changes. Your body needs a higher acidic level to help keep yeast in check. If the acidity level drops, yeast has a chance to grow and spread. When this happens, a symptomatic yeast infection develops.

Vaginal infections caused by yeast are very common. In fact, women who haven’t had a yeast infection are in the minority ” three out of four women will experience a yeast infection at some point in their lives. What’s more, 50 percent of women will experience more than one.

Common Causes of Vaginal Yeast Infections
These are the most common sources of a disruption in the vaginal environment that can lead to a yeast infection:

Your menstrual period

Birth control pills

Antibiotics

Weakened immune system

Douching

Feminine hygiene sprays

Perfumed pads or tampons

Tight, poorly ventilated underwear that promotes and retains moisture

Vaginal Yeast Infection Treatment
Vaginal infections caused by yeast usually need to be treated with anti-fungal medications. These medications are available in a cream or vaginal suppository form, or as a pill that is taken by mouth. Once available only by prescription, many yeast infection treatments are now sold over the counter in drug stores. However, it’s usually a good idea to be seen by your ob-gyn before you treat a yeast infection, especially if it’s the first time you’ve ever experienced yeast infection symptoms.

“There is no one ‘right’ therapy for everyone in every situation,” explains Dr. Gray-Swain. “The vagina is a great self-treating system and usually responds to temporary [irregularities] in the [vagina] without bothering us. If a woman is mildly symptomatic and generally healthy and the yeast overgrowth is mild, I’ll often have her wait a few days to a week before beginning [medical] therapy.”

Yeast infections are a very common problem for many women. Understanding the possible causes ” and the choices you can make to help reduce the chances of developing a yeast infection ” can help keep them to a minimum.

Discover The Permanent Cure for Yeast Infections Here —-

Also known as thrush or oral candiasis, oral yeast infection is a subtype of a fungal infection that grows in the mucous areas of the mouth. When neglected, oral yeast infection can spread to the throat and the esophagus and be the author of more serious complications. Oral yeast infection is often a temporary condition in babies, but can indicate malfunctions of the adult autoimmune system.

Oral surfaces can predispose the multiplication of the yeast and disseminated infections. However, a mouth with yeasts does not necessarily get oral yeast infection. Candida species, predominantly Candida Albicans, are normal oral bacteria that are to be observed in 30% – 60% of healthy people. These bacteria live off their host without impact. Conditions opening the door for systemic infection include:

1. Drug therapies diminishing host defenses and altering the oral cavity. 2. Diseases weakening host defenses by their systemic nature. 3. Antibiotic treatments that damage the equilibrium of the organisms in the intestines by eliminating beneficial gastrointestinal bacterial flora that typically hold Candida at bay. 4. Oral vulnerability to vectors of yeast infection, including medication, mineral or vitamin deficiencies, food allergies, mouth irritation, and so on. 5. Stress, anxiety or depression as contributing psychological factors. 6. Changes in physiological conditions such as growing old, having a baby, infancy, diet considerations, lack of iron, getting diabetes, hypothyroidism, hypoadrenalism etc. 7. Modification of salivary flow due to phenomena such as Sjogren’s syndrome and types of antidepressants, which then favors multiplication of Candida. 8. Local oral factors, such as wearing dentures and the difficulties of hygiene that they bring. These include bad hygiene from using porous dentures and lack of washing from saliva that unable to pass around the dentures. This explains why yeast infection median prevalence is at 85% for wearers of dentures with normal oral mucosa, compared to just 37% of users with natural teeth.

Most commonly, the following oral yeast infection symptoms are:

1. A tongue that is red with no bright spots, leading to peeling surfaces or patches on the surface of the tongue. 2. Contrasted colors in the inner surface of the mouth where a red background highlights white, cream colored or yellow spots that bleed if scrubbed. 3. Angular Cheilitis or red cracks at the edges of the mouth. 4. Extra tissue (hyperplastie) that it is impossible to wipe off the mouth.

Oral yeast infection can also manifest itself by a disagreeable burning feeling in the infected area, together with its visible symptoms.

Newborn babies are commonly under threat of oral yeast infection. If oral yeast infection is suspected, additional tests should be done. The first signs to look out for are restlessness and irritability during feedings, as well as refusal to accept a pacifier.

Oral yeast infection can be effectively resolved by certain anti-fungal drugs, like:

1. Nystatin (sold as mycostatin, mycolog and nilstat): an antibiotic used for different subclasses of fungal infections. After 2 days of using this medicament, oral thrush is typically eliminated. Without toxicity and bacteria and virus tolerant, it can be taken orally three to fives times per day in tablet or liquid form. However, because of the multiple doses that are required, lower patient compliance may result.

2. Ketoconazole (sold as mycelex, monistat and nizoral): antifungal drug changing the cell wall of the fungus to destroy it.

3. Triazole antifungal agents, such as itraconazole and fluconazole. Fluconazole is usually to be taken orally in tablet or liquid form every day for a minimum of several weeks. Itraconazole is used as part of a continuous treatment typically lasting a minimum of 3 months or until a laboratory test shows no further fungal infection. Despite oral and intravenous possibilities, inferior absorption and a number of secondary effects (nausea, vomiting, fatigue, pain in the abdomen) figure among the disadvantages of Itraconazole.

4. Amphotericin B (brand names: fungizone, adria and apothecon): a strong antibiotic for tackling fungal infections. As a polyene antimycotic drug, this is usually prescribed for in cases of severe Candiasis with hospitalization. It has toxic characteristics and may lead to multiple different side effects.

Although there are differences in usage, certain elements are common to all of these oral yeast medications. Firstly, medication therapy for oral yeast infection targets the external symptoms of yeast infection, like much other conventional medication, thus neglecting the internal reasons that bring on candida infection overgrowth. Secondly, alleviation brought by the medication is typically temporary, and all the more so for recurring oral yeast infection. Finally, long-term use of these drugs may cause secondary effects.

The holistic and all-natural remedy can address the internal reasons of oral yeast infection and also its immediate symptoms. Different to prescribed medicaments, oral yeast infection can also be cured using herbal or homeopathic remedies, changes in diet, detox and in lifestyle. Symptoms are thus eradicated and candida infection is prevented from recurring.

I have so far only encountered this yeast condition in different magazine and online articles. The thing is the articles I have read only discussed vaginal yeast infection. As this is something new, I asked around and searched online, trying to understand it even better. What I want to know most importantly, are the different ways of getting treatment for oral yeast infection.

My search began with trying to find out how this condition is different from the yeast infection which is familiar to me. It seems like there is not much of a difference, except for the location of the infection as well as the symptoms. Another similarity between these two conditions would be its causes. It was not a big surprise to find out that treatment for oral yeast infection was not so different either.

This kind of condition is commonly known as thrush, or oral thrush. As you may already know, it all starts with a fungus called Candida. The fungi are naturally present in our bodies. The fungus actually grows in small amounts in some parts like the crotch area, digestive tract, skin and the mouth. The growth of the fungi is kept under control by the presence of beneficial or good bacteria and microorganisms that are also in our system.

There are several contributing factors that may lead to an overgrowth of the fungi. Top on the list would be the medications we take. Although some of these medications help in addressing and managing the illness it is made for, it also somehow upset the balance in some bodily systems or functions. For one, it creates a growth imbalance of the good bacteria and microorganisms, which may lead to the yeast infection.

Aside from medication, there are some physical conditions that somehow predispose a person to an overgrowth of the fungi. These are medical conditions or illnesses that include HIV infection, dry or sore mouth, cancer, unmanaged diabetes, and pregnancy. Pregnancy is in the list because of the hormonal changes during this period. Also prone to the risk of thrush are smokers and people who have ill-fitting dentures.

What to look out for if you have yeast infection? Aside from a burning feeling in your throat and mouth, or an embarrassing bad breath, symptoms also include lesions in your mouth that are often creamy white in color. It’s seen on gums, inner sides of the cheeks, tongue, the roof of the mouth, tonsils or at the back of your throat. The lesions can be painful and if you brush your teeth and accidentally brush the lesion, it may even bleed slightly.

For the treatment for oral yeast infection, most people would go for the natural remedies. These would be people who have actually tried to address the condition by using prescribed medications which did not give any good results. Rather than stuff your body with drug medications, go at it the natural way. As the fungus is naturally existent, a natural attack would be most advisable.

A vaginal yeast infection is usually caused by a fungus called Candida albicans which is normally found in small amounts in the vagina.
It’s estimated that three out of four women will have a yeast infection in their lifetime. Factors that contribute to vaginal yeast infection include pregnancy, diabetes, and the use oral contraceptives, steroids, and antibiotics. Yeast infection is also more common after menopause due to declining estrogen levels, which thin the vaginal walls.

While yeast infections can often be treated successfully at home, it’s important to be sure that yeast is really the culprit. Infection with other types of organisms, which may require treatment with prescription medication, can often cause symptoms similar to those of a yeast infection.

This imbalance is caused due to varied reasons that include:
Use and in-take of broad-spectrum antibiotics, as well as steroids and certain birth control pills that tend to destroy the required abovementioned bacteria.
During pregnancy and prior to menstruation a woman goes through hormonal changes, which is also a contributing factor to yeast infection
When the vagina is frequently exposed to semen the acidic balance of the vagina is affected causing the infection.

Knowing the cause of yeast infection helps us understand why our body may exibit symptoms of diseases. And if this is so, then there is a good chance that we have too many toxins, and our body is not doing an effective job at eliminating them. Often this will happen when too many toxins are coming in and/or when our immune system is too weak to fight them off.

Home Remedies for Yeast Infection

Foods to avoid
Some foods encourage yeast growth such as alcohol, caffeine, junk foods, processed foods, sugar, products containing wheat and white flour, margarine, milk and dairy products.
Garlic
Garlic has strong antifungal properties and is a natural yeast killer. Wrap the garlic in either a piece of cheesecloth or gauze and insert the small pouch into the infected vagina overnight. The infection would die after a few applications. But make sure you are not allergic to garlic.

Vinegar
Vinegar is renowned for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. Fill a bathtub with warm water mixed with 1 cup of vinegar. Soak in this bath solution for about 20 minutes. Dry the vaginal area thoroughly using super absorbent paper. Any vinegar will do, but the best results have been found using apple cider vinegar.

Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has been used widely in some parts of the world. It is recognized as one of the best natural yeast infection remedies. Using a tampon coated with a lubricant before adding a few drops of tea tree oil, it becomes a potent yeast infection cure.

Honey

This is probably the most sticky and uncomfortable way of curing vaginal yeast infection, but it is said to work wonders. Take half a cup of honey into the bathroom. Pour a liberal amount of honey on all affected portions, while sitting on the toilet seat. Be seated this way for about 20 minutes. After this you can have a bath with warm water. Dry the vaginal area thoroughly using super absorbent paper. You will feel much better. Do this twice a day, morning and just before going to bed at night.

Naturally curing your yeast infection
You’ll learn what simple grocery items can cure your yeast infection naturally without the side effects that can come with over the counter topical creams and suppositories. You will also feel complete relief from your symptoms within 12 hours.

What are the Benefits of Douching?

Basically, there is no benefit in douching. Commercial and store bought brands of vaginal cleaners are a huge “No-no: According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), douching upsets the natural balance of acids, vaginal flora and other natural organisms in a healthy vagina. Surprisingly enough, according to WomensHealth.gov, douching is common among women in the United States. An estimated 20-40% of U.S. women aged 15 – 44 yrs douche regularly. Nearly 50% of said women douche every week. Research shows that women who douche regularly have more health problems than women who do not.

yeast infections and Douching

Douches should be avoided, period. Douching may make a woman more prone to vaginal infections. In addition, douching can spread existing vaginal -infections up into the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. This includes candida or yeast infection. Douching removes the natural yeast fighters the female body produces and may in fact worsen internal conditions that promote yeast growth.

What are the Dangers Linked to douching?

Health problems linked to douching include:

-vaginal irritation
-vaginal infections called bacterial vaginosis or BV
-sexually transmitted diseases (STD s)
-pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of a woman’s uterus, fallopian tubes and/or ovaries. It is caused by bacteria that travel from a woman’s vagina and cervix up into her reproductive organs. If left untreated, PID can cause fertility problems (difficulties getting pregnant). PID also boosts a woman’s chances of ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy in the fallopian tube instead of the uterus). Some STD s, BV, and PID can all lead to serious problems during pregnancy. These include infection in the baby, problems with labor, and early delivery. Douching may simply be more common in groups of women who tend to have these issues.

Douching Myths

Many women have misconceptions of the benefits of douching. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, douching does not prevent pregnancy after intercourse. As mentioned previously, however, it may prevent a wanted pregnancy later in life.

Douching does not prevent STD s after sex. Practicing safer sex will dramatically decrease your risk of getting these diseases. You can greatly reduce your chances of getting an STD in the following ways:

-using latex condoms or female condoms every time you have sex
-avoiding contact with sores on the penis or vagina
-preventing the exchange of semen, blood, and vaginal secretions

You can find out more about douching by contacting the National Women’s Health Information Center (NWHIC) at 1-800-994-9662.

The information provided above is not intended to substitute or disclaim medical care by a licensed health practitioner or physician. Information serves only as an educational tool. Much of the information was cited and based on information by the Office on Women’s Health in the Department of Health and Human Services.

Are you suffering from vaginal itching again? Is it that time of the month where you’d usually suffer from large white clumpy vaginal discharge? Is yeast infection the bane of your existence?

Many women suffer from yeast infection. They’d find themselves unable to work or do house chores. They find themselves obsessing over treatment, trying out whatever they read online. They find themselves constantly
worrying and wondering how to cure a yeast infection.

Some women would use garlic suppositories. Other women are hoarding oregano oil. There are women who have mastered making homemade boric acid suppositories. Who can blame them? Yeast infection can cause a lot of stress especially if it is a chronic yeast infection. It is even worse if you can’t pinpoint the cause of the infection.

When to Treat a Yeast Infection
Yeast infection is actually caused by the overgrowth of a candida, a fungus that actually resides in people’s bodies. However, there are factors that cause imbalances which lead to the overgrowth of the candida. Candida albicans is normally present in the human skin. In fact, you’d find this fungus inside your mouth and twenty percent of the fungus is present in the vaginal area.

Now, if the presence of yeast is fairly common in women’s bodies, when should you seek treatment for yeast infection? Should you treat yeast infection? Do you know how to cure a yeast infection?

Yeast, although normal, should be treated when there is an overgrowth which causes the symptoms of the infection. Most of the symptoms of yeast infection cannot easily be ignored. It’s highly doubtful if you could ignore the severe itching. Yes, it does itch so bad that women suffering from it cannot help but scratch the area. Scratching, of course, aggravates the soreness because yeast infection does cause soreness and vaginal rashes.

You’d also experience pain with urination and sexual contact. On top of all these symptoms, you’d also grimace at the large white chalky vaginal discharges. And these are the least of the symptoms because other women experience migraines, depression, back ache and so on.

If you are not experiencing any of these symptoms, there is no need for you to undergo treatment. However, if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should definitely seek treatment.

How to Cure a Yeast Infection
There are actually various treatments for yeast infection available in your local drug stores. You can find antifungal creams which you can apply directly to the vaginal area. You can also opt for oral antifungal medications or vaginal suppositories. Butoconazole is great for chronic yeast infection because the various candida strains rarely develop resistance to butoconazole.

If OTC or prescription meds do not work, do you know how to cure a yeast infection that has become resistant to treatment? Are there any alternative treatments to treating yeast infection? Many women have turned to natural remedies to treat their yeast infection.

Boric acid supplements have been proven to be quite effective in treating chronic yeast infection. Some people have tried garlic suppositories or garlic oil and oregano oil as alternative remedies. Of course, the effectivity of treatment varies with each individual.

There are over 75% of women that suffer from vaginal yeast infections. There should be a general consensus about the best way to treat a yeast infection. However, the fact of the matter is, that many of us struggle to find a long-term cure for yeast infections.
We spend too much time visiting the doctors office and the drug store to try to find natural cures for yeast infections. We realize that the conventional treatments used to fight yeast infections only give temporary relief from symptoms without getting to the root of the problem. Natural cures for yeast infections promise relief where we can live a yeast free existence on a permanent basis.
Thankfully we know from years of experience that many of these natural cures for yeast infection turn out to be very successful. The idea is to use a holistic approach when using natural treatments in order to attack the infection. Some people may change their diet or implement herbal remedies in hopes that this is all that is needed.
If you would like to take a more natural route with your treatment, then it would be very beneficial if you can find someone experienced in tackling yeast infections with natural cures. Someone with the required experience will help you gain a deeper knowledge of what is required and you will find that you will have a greater chance of success.
Are you not feeling your best? Are you dealing with the sort of every day aches and pains that you believe most of us have to deal with as we get older? Weird as it might seem, you could possibly be suffering from the symptoms of yeast infections! If you think that yeast infections are nothing more then those nasty rashes and unpleasant odors you have heard about, think again. The reality is that over 75% of us will have to deal with some form of a yeast infection in our lifetimes, and many of those will show up in ways that have nothing to do with the usual signs.
By ignoring these signs, you run the risk of encountering much more serious problems if the bacteria have the opportunity to mutate. When this happens, the disease becomes much more difficult to treat. You need to avoid this at all costs!
The actual medical term for this is a “serious yeast infection”. If you were expecting a much fancier medical term, I was too. Don’t let the simple name fool you. This really is a serious problem if it gets to this stage. It’s a good thing medical science isn’t perfect, because there are ways to get rid of a serious yeast infection for good.
You most definately can wipe out your yeast infection problems permanently! If your symptoms are major or minor, I can recommend the right plan of action. Eventually, and with a lot of patience, I’ve discovered a number of long lost methods for getting rid of the problem for good.
Be Warned- there is some Very Bad advice on the Internet. Some internet remedies recommend using Boric acid. This toxic substance is a POISON and has caused deaths. It has no place in anyone’s home much less inside you!
I will share what works, what is safe and what is effective in treating yeast infection. And I will point out the dangers of other recommended treatments. GOOD Advice is hard to find, but look for some one who has done their research, can prove it, and will stand behind their recommendations. The good news is you have found it!
I can tell you honestly that there is a Safe and Effective, All-Natural way to treat yeast infection. I will show you how to SAFELY rid yourself of yeast infection without the use of drugs. Permanately!