Prevent a yeast infection

Prevent a yeast infection

Do you know that out of four sexually active women three have a yeast infection? Half of this number suffers from a recurrent or chronic yeast infection too. A yeast infection also known as candidiasis is caused by an overgrowth of virus in the vagina. It commonly affects more women than men. 

The infection occurs when the virus known as candida multiplies and thrives in this part of the body. An overgrowth of the virus brings about symptoms associated with a yeast infection. It is important to learn what these signs are. Any one of them should have you see a doctor or get medicine so as to arrest the problem early. In this way you prevent the virus from growing and multiplying any further. You also get relief from the yeast infection symptoms which can be quite annoying and frustration.

Common symptom of candidiasis

• An itch that becomes intense with time
• Burning sensation in the vagina
• Irritation of the skin surface
• Redness
• Inflammation of the tissue
• Cheese like deposits in the vagina area
• Thick whitish discharge
• Pain when passing urine
• Pain or discomfort during and after sexual intercourse

It is possible to get all or some of these signs of a yeast infection. Women experience more symptoms than men. It is possible for males to suffer from the condition without showing any kind of symptoms. However if you have the infection then it is highly likely that your partner got it too. The both of you should seek medical attention to avoid re-infecting one another.

Possible causes of a yeast infection

• Tight clothing around the crouch
• Wearing undergarment that are too tight/rub against the vagina
• Putting on damp undergarments
• Bathing or using soapy, heavily scented or harsh body care products
• Taking steroids or antibiotics for prolonged duration
• Being in sexual contact with an infected person
• Sharing intimate personal effects with an infected person
• Low immunity as a result of pre-existing ailments such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, diabetes
• Pregnancy
• Taking birth control pills

See a doctor in case you notice any one of this signs. The health of your reproductive system is vital. Ignoring a yeast infection can make it get serious. It is possible for it to become resistant to treatment where you contract the condition as a chronic infection. It is possible for it to spread to other organs in your body such as your urinary system.

Visiting a doctor also helps you get a positive diagnosis of a yeast infection. There are other diseases that affect the vagina that exhibit similar symptoms. These might include herpes, syphilis or chlamydia.

Prevent a yeast infection

• Put lose fitting undergarments. Make sure they are clean and dry. Avoid daily use of thongs or G-strings
• Avoid having multiple sexual partners. Make sure you use protection in such situations
• Make sure your partner receives treatment in case you have an infection. You prevent re-infecting yourself in this way
• Use mild body care around the vagina. Perfumed, douches, medicated or deodorant products in this area can trigger a vagina yeast infection
• Avoid wiping this area with scented tissues paper
• Wipe from the front going back to avoid spreading any kind of germs
• Avoid foods rich in yeast, sugar or processed carbohydrates on the low
• Avoid stress
• Take lots of water
• In case of any signs of an infection then see a doctor

Diet for fighting a yeast infection

Fresh fruits and vegetables are useful in maintaining a healthy system. They also boost your immune system. You can fight such infections easily in this way. Take wholesome carbohydrates. Eat good sources of proteins such as lean meat, fish, poultry, eggs and dairy products. Take lots of water, organic tea and less of caffeine. Unhealthy junk foods increase your likelihood of contracting an infection.

More tips to fight prevent a yeast infection

• Exercise regularly to keep your immune system in good condition
• Choose to do something fun like dancing, swimming or walking in the park
• Make sure you get enough rest. A good night sleep everyday is important in keeping your body healthy
• Relax more by taking time out of stressful activities or situations
• Lack of rest and increased stress tend to increase your likelihood of contracting infections. This is a result of a lowered immunity against disease

Medication for yeast infection

Anti-fungals medication is used to treat a vagina yeast infection. They are available in form of ointments, creams, suppositories, oral pills and lotions. You can get them as a prescription or as over the counter drugs.

You can use over the counter medication to treat a mild yeast infection. They are available in drugs stores. They are effective in giving quick relief to the symptoms. You can see marked improvement after two days in most of the symptoms. They take up to seven days to clear out the infection. Continue using the medication until you have finished the dosage.

Prescription anti-fungals are stronger in their action and are used to treat a severe yeast infection, recurrent or chronic case. Use these under the guidance of a physician as they have side effects. Your body can develop immunity when used over long duration of period.

Medication in form of creams, lotions and ointment is applied directly on the skin to relieve symptoms such as irritation, burning sensation, itch and inflammation of the skin. Use them on clean skin surface. You can apply them regularly on affected skin to reduce discomfort or pain.

Suppositories are yeast infection medication shaped so that you can insert them safely in the vagina. Use them as specified by the physician. They are safe and can be left overnight in the area. A doctor might prescribe oral medication depending on the condition.

The best way to fight an infection is avoiding it in the first place. Seek medical attention in case you contract the condition to prevent it getting serious or spreading to other parts of the area.