12 Alternative Therapies for Treating Yeast Infections

 

While you always have a small amount of the fungus Candida albicans is always present in your vagina, this fungus can multiply out of control and cause a yeast infection. There are many reasons why this can occur, including antibiotics, birth control pills, wearing tight undergarments, and a suppressed immune system, but you can help to protect your wellbeing against this with complementary wellness therapies. Several alternative therapies place the emphasis of yeast infection treatment on the elimination of the causes, rather than eliminating the fungus, meaning you can get rid of yeast infections on a more permanent basis.

 

1. Herbal Remedies: These include borax veneta, calcarea carbonica, kreosotum, mercurius solubilis, pulsatilla nigricans and sepia. The following herbs also offer promise in the treatment of yeast infection, and you can take them in the form of capsules, extracts, or teas, and some may be used in douches. Try calendula, echinacea (purple coneflower), German chamomile, ginger, rosemary, tea tree and thyme.

 

2. Combination Remedies: You can get combination remedies over the counter that are formulated for the most common yeast infection symptoms. However, they are considered less effective than the above-mentioned herbal remedies due to the fact that they lack individualisation.

 

3. Aromatherapy: To eliminate excess fungus in the vagina, douches of water and essential tea tree or marigold oils can help.

 

4. Ayurvedic Medicine: The ayurvedic treatment for yeast infections often includes dietary changes and herbal therapy, as the main focus is on digestion and your immune system.

 

5. Colon Treatment: Detoxification, fasting and colon therapy – such as colonic irrigation and enemas – can help to cleanse your intestinal tract and contribute to a healthy balance of normal flora in your body.

 

6. Hydrotherapy: If the itchiness of a yeast infection is bothering you, a hot sitz bath (perhaps spiked with calendula or thyme tea or vinegar) may provide relief.

 

7. Mind/Body Medicine: To can reduce stress and strengthen your body’s immune function, you can try guided imagery, meditation, and other forms of mind/body treatments.

 

8. Oxygen Therapy: Hydrogen peroxide treatment can help to give your immune system a boost, which, in turn, assists it in controlling the overgrowth of fungus.

 

9. Eliminating Foods: Eating certain foods can contribute to a yeast infection in one of two ways: by encouraging the growth of the Candida albicans in your vagina, and by taxing your body’s immune system. Whether these bothersome foods contain yeast or trigger the symptoms of food allergies or sensitivities, you want to avoid sugars (including honey, fruit juices, and maple syrup), artificial sweeteners, cheese, dried fruit, alcohol, mushrooms and meat, poultry, and milk (which can have traces of antibiotics in them).

 

10. Supplements: If you have an overabundance of fungus, it may be due to a nutrient deficiency. Supplements that can be helpful include vitamin A, vitamin B6, zinc, magnesium, and essential fatty acids, among others. If you decide to go the supplements route, make sure that they are yeast-free and you speak to a medical professional beforehand.

 

11. Dietary Additions: As garlic has fungus-blocking properties, it can make a wonderful addition to your diet. Other foods that have strong antifungal properties include caprylic acid, grapefruit seed extract, and undecenoic acid. Aside from these specific foods, good nutrition that comes from eating a varied, whole-foods diet generally contributes to a strong immune system that can ward off infections.

 

12. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): While acupuncture, herbal therapy, and diet and lifestyle changes can individually help to reduce your yeast infection, TCM puts these elements together in order to offer ways to correct energy imbalances and enhance your body’s defences.

 

Categories: Ayurveda, herbal remedies, yeast infection

Suffering From a Yeast Infection: How to Fight Back

Yeast infections are a common ailment, affecting the sexual wellness and wellbeing of millions of women every year. They tend to recur as well, and can make having a normal sex life quite difficult and uncomfortable.

 

One of the reasons that yeast infections are so common is that most of us take antibiotics at some point in our lives (and most of us at several points in our lives). Antibiotics are designed to kill off the bad bacteria that is causing an infection in our bodies, but unfortunately, in so doing, they also kill off the good bacteria in the gut and the good bacteria in the vagina. You might find that if you are on a course of antibiotics, a bout of thrush soon follows. It’s always a good idea to see your doctor, though, as self-diagnosed yeast infections can turn out to be other things.

 

There are some very simple steps that you can take to help you steer clear of a yeast infection. Don’t use feminine hygiene sprays and don’t wash your vaginal area with any kind of perfumed soaps. Steer clear of perfumed sanitary pads, tampons and bubble bath too, as these seem to negatively affect the balance of acid in the vagina, leading to a thrush infection.

 

Wear cotton pants and avoid tight-fitting clothing too, as well as remembering to wipe from front to back, and you will also significantly reduce the number of yeast infections that you suffer from. Yeast thrives in warm, wet environments, so make sure you stay cool and dry ‘down below’.

 

If you are on the birth control pill, you could also find yourself more susceptible to thrush. Researchers have now found that certain types of birth control may cause a susceptibility to thrush as well.

Categories: Birth Control, infection, Infections, nbsp, steer clear, thrush, vagina, yeast, yeast infection, Yeast Infections

Discharge Diagnosis: Are Your Vaginal Fluids Normal?

When you go through puberty, vaginal discharge is one of the changes you go through that can be a bit of a shock. However, not only is vaginal discharge perfectly normal, it’s also vital for your sexual health. Normal vaginal discharge has several purposes, including cleaning and lubricating your vagina, and helping to guard your wellbeing against infections. Throughout your menstrual cycle, it’s common for the colour, texture and amount of your vaginal fluids to vary. However, some changes in your discharge may indicate a problem with your wellness.

 

But before we get onto the bad changes in vaginal discharge, first we need to clarify exactly what’s normal and abnormal, so you will be able to recognise changes as and when they occur. As we’ve already covered, normal vaginal fluids can vary somewhat in texture and colour. You might find your discharge is thin, sticky and elastic, or it may be fairly thick and gooey. Healthy vaginal fluids will either be clear, white or off-white in colour. If this sounds familiar, then you are perfectly healthy down there. However, it’s important to keep an eye out for changes in your vaginal fluids, as these may indicate a problem.

• If you’re concerned about your vaginal fluids, ask yourself the following questions:


• Has there been a change in odour (especially an unpleasant odour)?


• Has there been change in colour? Does it look greenish, greyish, or anything looking like pus?


• Has there been a change in texture, such as becoming more foamy or looking like cottage cheese?


• Are you experiencing any itching, burning, swelling, or redness in your vagina?


• Has there been any unusual vaginal bleeding or spotting that is not a menstrual period?

 

There are many factors that can cause such changes in your vaginal fluids. If you have a vaginal infection, such as bacterial vaginosis, candidiasis (yeast infection) or trichomoniasis, this can change the colour and texture of your discharge, and is one of the more common reasons why women are affected by this. Abnormal vaginal discharge can also occur due to certain infections that spread by having sex, such as gonorrhoea. Some infections are transmitted sexually or non-sexually, such as bacterial vaginosis or a yeast infection. As the causes of abnormal vaginal discharge can look very similar, let’s look at the above infections in a little more detail so you know which differences to look for:

 

1. Yeast infections: These tend not to have a strong smell, but may cause severe itching and burning in your vagina. In terms of your discharge, a yeast infection may cause the texture to become very white and thick, resembling cottage cheese.

 

2. Bacterial vaginosis (BV): Unlike yeast infections, BV may cause your discharge to have an unpleasant, fishy odour, and your fluids may be thin and greyish in colour.

 

3. Trichomoniasis: This is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can cause your discharge to become frothy and a yellow-green colour. Trichomoniasis also often causes vaginal itching and pain during urination, and may also develop a strong smell.

 

If you think you may have a problem or notice any changes in your vaginal discharge, you should see a doctor as soon as possible, or go to a health clinic. This is important for any girl to do, but especially if you have had sex. Many STIs cause changes in vaginal discharge, and so if you’ve had unprotected sex or sexual contact in which the condom broke or wasn’t properly used, you may be at risk. You should tell your doctor if there’s a chance you may be at risk to an STI.

Categories: abnormal vaginal, bacterial vaginosis, Bacterial vaginosis (BV), cottage cheese, normal vaginal, strong smell, vaginal discharge, vaginal fluids, yeast infection, Yeast Infections

TIY Yeast Infections: Can You Treat-It-Yourself?

It used to be that you would only get treated for a yeast infection after a health care professional gave you an official diagnosis and prescription for treatment. However, these days you can take your sexual health and wellbeing into your own hands, with many over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal medications, including creams, ointments, suppositories or tablets. That said, if you’ve never had a yeast infection before, or if your wellness is also affected by a fever, abdominal pain, foul-smelling discharge, diabetes, HIV, pregnancy or nursing, you should be seen by your GP, just in case. Pregnant women should never use an OTC anti-yeast product without a doctor’s say-so.

 

Generally speaking, however, it’s perfectly fine to use an OTC antifungal medication if a medical health professional has diagnosed a yeast infection for you in the past and you are now experiencing the same symptoms. The available medications include:

 

• butoconazole (Femstat 3)

 

• terconazole (Terazol)

 

• tioconazole (Monistat-1, Vagistat-1)

 

• miconazole (Monistat 7)

 

• clotrimazole (Gyne-Lotrimin 3)

 

The only difference between all of the above medications is a case of convenience and cost. While some treatments take a shorter time to work than others, these are the treatments that will be more expensive. Whatever treatment you choose – be it OTC or via prescription – you need to ensure that you take the full course as directed. Even if you begin to feel better, you should never cut your treatment short. It is often the case that symptoms begin to improve before the infection is completely treated. However, if you find that your symptoms fail to respond to your chosen OTC treatment, or recur shortly after clearing up, you should consult your doctor for further treatment options.

 

You may be thinking to yourself, “Why would I need to consult a doctor the first time I get a yeast infection when I can self-diagnose?” It’s true that the internet is full of information, and can point you in the right direction when you experience certain symptoms, but that doesn’t mean that you can 100% guarantee you have a yeast infection just from what you discern online. Research shows that self-diagnoses of yeast infections only have a 50% success rate, meaning that there’s a 50% chance you’re wrong. Although the medicines are relatively inexpensive, a trip to your GP is free on the NHS, so why not find out for sure, at least on the first occasion? This is especially the case for people who are pregnant, nursing, diabetic, HIV-positive or have fever, abdominal pain or foul-smelling discharge. For most people, OTC anti-fungal medications are harmless, even if you don’t have a yeast infection, but this isn’t the case if you fall into one of the above-mentioned categories.

 

You should also visit your doctor if symptoms persist for more than 48 hours after starting the medicine, however, or if they return promptly. You’re not likely to experience any major side effects with these medications, but a few people have been known to have an allergic reaction to OTC anti-fungal medications, including symptoms such as shortness of breath, closing of the throat, swelling of the lips, face, or tongue or hives. This only happens in rare cases but, if you are likewise affected, you should stop using the OTC anti-fungal medication at once and seek emergency medical treatment. Other side effects of OTC anti-fungal medications include burning, itching, irritation of the skin and an increased need to urinate. These are more common and less dangerous, but you should still visit your GP to get it sorted out. You should also refrain from sex if your only contraception is a condom or diaphragm, as these medications can render such birth control ineffective.

Categories: anti fungal, diagnosis, fever abdominal, foul smelling, fungal medications, medications include, otc anti, smelling discharge, treatment, yeast infection, Yeast Infections

Getting Rid of Yeast Infections: Alternative Therapies

A yeast infection is considered a sexual wellness problem, but there are many ways in which you can contract such an infection. The fungus Candida albicans is always present in your vagina, but a variety of factors can cause this fungus to overproduce and cause a yeast infection. Causes of yeast infections include antibiotics, birth control pills, wearing tight undergarments, and a suppressed immune system, and complementary wellness therapies emphasise eliminating these causes to treat the yeast infection, rather than eliminating the fungus. But which therapy is best for your wellbeing?

 

1. Nutritional Therapy: The foundation of nutritional therapy is dietary changes and supplements, and this is no less the case when it comes to treating and preventing yeast infections. Certain foods can contribute to a yeast infection, either by encouraging the growth of the Candida albicans or by taxing your body’s immune system. Therefore, if you have a yeast infection, you may want to avoid the following foods until it clears up, and eat them in limited amounts thereafter:

 

• Sugars (including honey, fruit juices, and maple syrup)


• Artificial sweeteners


• Cheese


• Dried fruit


• Alcohol


• Mushrooms


• Meat, poultry, and milk (which can have traces of antibiotics in them)

 

You can also keep fungal growth in check by consuming items that can introduce “good” bacteria into your body. Live yoghurt and the bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus and certain species of Bifidobacterium, which can be taken orally or used as a douche, can all prevent yeast infections – just be wary of artificially sweetened yoghurt. Other great antifungal foods include garlic, and anything containing caprylic acid, grapefruit seed extract, and undecenoic acid.

 

 

2. Herbal Medicine: There are several herbs which can bring your fungus levels back down to a healthy point, while others can strengthen your immune system. As well as being a folk-favourite for treating athlete’s foot, the bark of the pau d’arco tree is an excellent treatment for vaginal yeast infections – with the research to back it up. Studies have shown that the lapachol found in the bark is what works to fight infections, and you can consume this herb easily in the form of capsules, extract, or tea. Goldenseal is one of the most commonly used herbs for its immune-boosting properties, but you should not use it if you’re pregnant. Other herbal remedies for yeast infections include calendula, echinacea (purple coneflower), German chamomile, ginger, rosemary, tea tree and thyme.

 

 

3. Homeopathy: Using highly diluted doses of a natural substance that would produce the same infection symptoms if given in full strength to a healthy person, homeopathic medicine can stimulate your body to overpower the yeast infection. After asking you about your symptoms and general state of your emotional and physical wellness, your homeopath will give you an individualised remedy. Before attending your meeting, make sure you know the answers to the following questions:

 

1. Is there any vaginal discharge, and what is its colour, consistency, and smell?


2. Does walking or lying down increase the amount of discharge?


3. Is there any discomfort around your vagina?


4. Do you find it difficult or uncomfortable to urinate?

 

Once your practitioner is equipped with this information, he or she will prescribe the right remedy. This may be in the form of borax veneta, calcarea carbonica, kreosotum, mercurius solubilis, pulsatilla nigricans or sepia. For the most common symptoms of yeast infections, medical experts have formulated combination remedies that are available over the counter. However, because these remedies lack the individualisation that you usually get in homeopathy, they are considered less effective.

Categories: candida albicans, homeopathy, Infections, infections include, nbsp, nbsp nbsp, nutritional therapies, nutritional therapy, yeast, yeast infection, Yeast Infections

Yeast Infections: How To Cure Them With Home Remedies

The symptoms of vaginitis affect most women at some point in their lives – the itching, burning pain, and discharge that comes with a yeast infection are uncomfortable and undesirable no matter what age you are unfortunate enough to develop this infection. Yeast infections are caused by organisms which inhabit the vagina – one of the most common causes is the fungus Candida albicans. Yeast infections can be successfully treated at home, but it’s still advisable what you speak to your GP to ensure that it is actually a yeast infection. There are a number of reasons why you may be experiencing your symptoms, so you should check before taking any medication or trying any remedies. But, if you’ve checked with your GP, or have had a yeast infection in the past and are sure that you’ve developed it again, these remedies may be useful to you. The first rule of thumb is to ensure that you keep the genital area dry and loose so that air can circulate. Yeast organisms like warm, moist conditions so by wearing fabrics that don’t breathe, you’re giving them the perfect environment to thrive. You should dry the vaginal area well after showering or bathing, then opt for a breathable fabric such as cotton underwear and loose trousers or a skirt to let the area breathe.

Practicing good hygiene is also important as yeast infections produce secretions when they are irritated. Yeast can also be passed on through sexual activity and through things like shared baths, so avoid bathing together or sharing towels. Try to wash your clothing in hot water too, to destroy the yeast organisms on your clothes. You can also add a cup of vinegar to the cycle to kill the yeast. Not only can alcohol and chemicals in certain body washes cause irritation, but they can also pH balance to the vagina, which gives the yeast chance to flourish. Routine douching isn’t wise if you don’t have vaginal symptoms, but it can help to balance the pH balance if you have a yeast infection. Live yoghurt can cool your symptoms and restore the friendly microorganisms in the vaginal area. Eating yoghurt can help, but you can also insert one to two tablespoons into the vagina and externally to the areas that are affected. As an alternative, you can also use a lactobacillus tablet vaginally once a day and douching with vinegar twice a day for two days.

 

Studies have also shown that boric acid is a safe way to treat yeast infections. If your doctor agrees that it is a good idea, you could try using a boric acid capsule as a suppository if you experience a flare-up of symptoms. However, if you’re pregnant then you should skip this. The most common treatment is an over-the-counter fungal cream which removes the yeast infection quickly and effectively. Both miconazole and clotrimazole are effective in treating this problem and are readily available in pharmacies and many supermarkets. Follow the instructions on the packet, and complete the full course of medication even if your symptoms seem to have disappeared as the infection may still be present. If you regularly get yeast infections around the time of your period, you may find it useful to use an antifungal cream a few days before and after your period, as a preventative. Lastly, cranberry juice can be useful as the acidity in the juice can kill any bacteria in your urethra and create an inhospitable environment for the bacteria.

Categories: Bacteria, boric acid, infection, Infections, ph balance, vaginal area, women's health, yeast, yeast infection, Yeast Infections, yeast organisms

Feeling Uncomfortable? A Yeast Infection Could be to Blame

Yeast infections are a common sexual health hazard, affecting the wellness and wellbeing of both men and women all over the world. Women are most commonly affected by the condition – in fact, around 75 percent of all women will have a yeast infection such as thrush during the course of their lifetime, and around 45 percent of women will have at least two or more yeast infections.

 

In the United States, vaginal yeast infections are the second most common cause of reportedly abnormal vaginal discharge. The first most common cause is bacterial vaginosis.

 

Yeast infections are particularly common during pregnancy, perhaps due to the chemical changes which occur in the vagina during pregnancy. During this time, there is basically more sugar in the vagina for the bacteria spores to feed on.

 

Around five percent of the women who have vaginal yeast infections develop recurrent infections, which is known as vulvogainal candidiasis, which is defined as having four or more episodes of thrush in a one year period. Most women who suffer from this do not have any underlying medical conditions which make them more likely to get the condition.

 

During episodes of thrush, women experience thick or clotted discharge which may have a slight odour. Whilst vaginal discharge is normal, it is usually clear or cloudy and should be non-irritating. Thrush and other yeast infections cause itching and inflammation and can be quite uncomfortable.

 

One way to avoid getting a yeast infection is to avoid washing the vagina with perfumed soaps, or using perfumed deodorants or even bubble bath as this can upset the normal Ph. and bacteria balance in the vagina.

 

Many vaginal yeast infections can clear up without any treatment, however, there are cases when it can develop into something more serious, so you should make sure that you treat any and all episodes of vaginal yeast infection.

Categories: Infections, nbsp, thrush, vagina, vaginal, vaginal discharge, vaginal yeast, Women, yeast, yeast infection, Yeast Infections

Natural Ways to Help You Beat Your Yeast Infection

Yeast infections are unpleasant and uncomfortable, but are actually one of the most common sexual health problems affecting women. They affect your wellness and wellbeing through itching, discomfort and the release of a thick, white discharge.

 

All of these uncomfortable symptoms are caused by a fungal infection called Candida, which is the biological name for thrush. Candida flourishes in warm, moist areas and this means that unfortunately the vagina is the perfect environment for it. Normally, other microorganisms in the body help to keep Candida in check, but when there is an imbalance, then this is when a yeast infection occurs.

 

There are many herbal remedies that can help to relieve the symptoms of thrush, and some simple things that you can do, too (such as cutting down on fruit) in order to help make you more comfortable and reduce the chances of it recurring.

 

Yeast thrives on sugars, so depriving your body of sugar whilst suffering from an attack of thrush can help to reduce it. Cut down on fruit and instead eat plenty of vegetables, which boost your immunity through their nutrients. Echinacea can also help to improve your immune system.

 

Many herbs can also be used to help fight against yeast – things like Calendula, goldenseal, cedar, myrrh and rosemary all have antifungal properties. If you make up strong infusions of these herbs, you can use them either internally on the vagina or externally to help soothe the burning and itching caused by thrush.

 

Garlic is also great at fighting against yeast and fungus, and is particularly good at fighting against Candida and stopping it from growing. If you can tolerate it, try to chew or swallow at least one clove of raw garlic every day. You can mince it if you prefer and sprinkle it over a salad.

Categories: candida, infection, Natural, nbsp, thrush, yeast, yeast infection

How to Spot The Warning Signs of Yeast Infection

Yeast infections are kind of – to use a technical term – an icky part of sexual health, but one that’s easily taken care of. However, it’s far better to protect your wellbeing against yeast infections through a few simple steps. Let’s take a look at how you can stop yeast infections and, if that doesn’t work, spot the signs that your wellness has been affected.

 

Also known as candidiasis, a yeast infection is caused by a fungus called candida albicans. It usually occurs in warm, moist parts of your body, like your mouth and moist areas of your skin. When you have a vaginal yeast infection, it is known as vulvovaginal candidiasis. There are several reasons as to why candida can overgrow; stress, pregnancy, and illnesses that affect the immune system may allow yeast to multiply, as can certain medicines including birth control pills and steroids. If you take antibiotics for other conditions, the medicine might kill the good bacteria responsible for keeping the growth of candida in the vagina in check. You may also be at a greater risk of yeast infection if your blood sugar level is high, as occurs in people with poorly-controlled diabetes.

 

If you do have a yeast infection, it will probably be the most obvious right before your period, as the menstrual cycle causes hormonal changes. Tight clothing and underwear, or clothes made of materials like nylon that trap heat and moisture, might make it more likely for you to have a yeast infection, as this is the kind of environment that yeast thrives in. This is also the case for scented sanitary products and douching, so avoid these if you think they’re giving you a yeast infection. Although yeast infections may spread from one sexual partner to the other, it’s a rarity and, as such, is not considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI). However, if your partner does show symptoms, he or she may have to be treated.

 

The common signs and symptoms of yeast infections include:

• Itching and irritation in your vagina


• Redness, swelling, or itching in your vulva (which are the folds of skin outside your vagina)


• A thick, white discharge. This is usually odourless, but may smell like bread or yeast.


• Pain or burning when urinating or during sex

 

If any of these symptoms are affecting you, you should speak to your doctor. Some of these symptoms are similar to those you might find with an STI, but your doctor can give you the right diagnosis so that you can be treated appropriately. The test may involve your doctor taking a urine sample — to rule out a urinary tract infection — and swab some discharge from your vagina to examine under a microscope. Treatment for vaginal yeast infections usually involve a pill to swallow, or a cream, tablet or suppository to put in your vagina. Make sure that you abstain from sex until the infection has cleared up, as the medications for vaginal yeast infections can weaken condoms and diaphragms.

 

However, why let it get to that stage when you can prevent a yeast infection?

 

1. Dress right: What you wear can enable yeast infections to grow, so avoid wet bathing suits, tight jeans, and stretchy exercise gear. Nylon underwear, pantyhose, and other synthetic materials that trap moisture also make yeast infections more likely.

 

2. Watch out for beauty products: There are some dyes and perfumes in soaps, bath gels, lotions, sanitary products, and laundry detergents that some women react to, and this irritation can cause yeast infections to grow. Steer clear of perfumed products and to use mild and fragrance-free products when possible

Categories: infection, Infections, nbsp, prevention, sanitary products, Symptoms, vagina, vaginal yeast, yeast, yeast infection, Yeast Infections

Sweet Tooth: How Does Diabetes Affect Your Oral Health?

For diabetics, having high blood sugar can have a huge impact on your entire body – including both your physical wellbeing and your emotional wellness. However, what you may not know is that diabetes can also cause many problems in your mouth. As your teeth and gums are heavily affected by the excess glucose in your system, you can experience serious long-term damage to your oral wellness if you do not take the proper preventative care. So, how can diabetes harm your mouth?

Firstly, there are several reasons why a seemingly separate health concern can lead to thrush, or a yeast infection in your mouth. In people with diabetes, it’s a condition that’s very likely to pop up, but you’re also at risk if you use a steroid-based inhaler. Yeast grows at its best in extra sugary conditions, which is why it’s more likely to affect you if you’re diabetic. In addition, you’re also more likely to have a dry mouth, which makes for a perfect environment in which thrush can thrive. You can avoid thrush by brushing, flossing, and using mouth wash twice a day. Consult your dentist if you begin to notice sores or white spots.

Another way that diabetes can affect your mouth health is with gingivitis. When plaque and tarter begin to form on your teeth and push your gums down, this is known as gingivitis and is the first stage of gum disease. You may notice symptoms of bleeding or uncomfortable gums, which, if left untreated, can lead to periodontitis. Periodontitis is advanced gum disease which destroys the bone and soft tissues that hold your teeth up. Therefore, it’s important to alert your dental team if you notice the early signs.

With diabetes, the key things to watch out for are having too much sugar in your system – which you can avoid by keeping your mouth clean – and a dry mouth. When you often have a dry mouth, as is common in diabetics, it can lead to all other types of problems, so it’s important to keep your saliva moving by chewing sugar-free gum, which helps your body produce saliva. Remember to let your dental team know that you have diabetes, so that you can keep your teeth clean in the most effective ways.

Categories: Diabetes, Gingivitis, yeast infection

Think about Thrush: Are You at Risk of a Yeast Infection?

Thrush is a yeast infection that can affect the wellness of both men and women. Even though it’s not a sexually transmitted infection (STI), you still need to guard your sexual health against thrush, as it can still sometimes develop after you have sex. To do this, you need to know the causes, recognise the symptoms and make sure you get prompt treatment.

A fungus called Candida albicans is responsible for causing thrush. It usually lives inoffensively on your skin or in your mouth, gut and vagina, and harmless bacteria normally keep it under control. However, if conditions change and the yeast increases rapidly, this can cause the infection of thrush to occur. You are more likely to develop thrush if you are pregnant, wear tight clothing, such as jeans or nylon underwear (as this prevents natural ventilation), take certain antibiotics, are having chemotherapy, have uncontrolled diabetes, HIV or other illnesses that affect your immune system or use products that irritate the vagina, such as vaginal deodorant or bubble bath.

You might be worried that hormonal contraception could affect your wellbeing with thrush, but there is no evidence to support this. However, the infection can occasionally be passed on after vaginal, anal or any kind of oral sex, because intercourse can irritate the genital area, and partners can transfer the yeast to one another. Symptoms include irritation, soreness and redness around the genital area or anus, pain or discomfort when passing urine or having sex, and a thick or thin discharge, like cottage cheese, under the foreskin or from the vagina.

A test for thrush is free on the NHS from your GP, genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics or sexual health clinics, and a pharmacist can also give you one. This is the only way to be certain that you have the infection, and simply involves a painless swab of the genitals as well as an examination. If you’re sure you have thrush, treatment involves antifungal cream, pessaries, pills or a combination.

If left untreated, your body may fight it off naturally, but if you don’t have treatment, vaginal thrush may trigger inflammation of the urethra (urethritis) in a male partner. However, bear in mind that some antifungal treatments weaken condoms, diaphragms and caps, and if you think you might be pregnant or are pregnant, or if you’re breastfeeding, tell your doctor as this will affect the type of treatment you’re given.

Google+
Think about Thrush: Are You at Risk of a Yeast Infection?

Categories: thrush, treatment, yeast infection