What is a Yeast Infection in Women?


Yeast Infections are a problem for many people.

About 75% of women will experience a vaginal yeast infection sometime in their life, and up to 45% of those women will have repeat yeast infections.
They’re most often caused by Candida yeasts, especially Candida albicans.
Certain, lifestyle and diet changes to prevent a yeast infection.

What Symptoms of a Yeast Infection?

Ø  A Vaginal Yeast Infection can be a miserable experience. 
     
     Symptoms typically include:
Ø  Redness, swelling, and itching in and around your vaginal opening
Ø  Vaginal pain
Ø  Watery or thick discharge that looks like cottage cheese
Ø  Burning sensation while urinating or during intercourse

Other Causes of a Yeast Infection:

Ø  Uncontrolled diabetes.
Ø  Antibiotics. Because antibiotics kill both good and bad bacteria, you’re more likely to get a yeast infection while taking them. If.
Ø  You can pass a yeast infection to your partner during sex, so communicate clearly with your partner before engaging in intercourse.
Ø  Hormones during pregnancy, menopause, or breastfeeding can change the bacterial balance in your vagina.
Ø  Immune system disorders may let yeast grow uncontrolled in your body.
Ø  Products like vaginal sprays or douches can change the balance of bacteria in your vagina.

Diet for a Yeast Infection

The foods you eat may be contributing to your recurring yeast infections. Yeast loves sugar. Avoiding the following foods (also known as a Candida diet) can curb the growth of yeast in your body.
Ø  White flour and rice
Ø  Foods or drinks fermented with yeast
Ø  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.
·         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 doesn’t mean you have to go hungry; you just need to eat more from other food groups.

Consuming probiotics can help to balance the good bacteria in your body. Good sources for probiotics are:
 Yogurt with live bacterial cultures
Supplements containing lactobacillus or acidophilus

Other Lifestyle changes for preventing yeast infections

Ø  Keep things clean. Use mild, unscented soap and water to keep your vaginal area clean.
Ø  Choose the right underwear. Your underwear should keep your genital area dry. Cotton underwear is a good choice. Sleeping without underwear can also help.
Ø  After using the bathroom, wipe from front to back to avoid spreading yeast or bacteria between your anus, urinary tract, or vagina.
Ø  Don’t wear swimsuits longer than necessary. Wearing a wet swimsuit will foster the spread of yeast because it keeps things warm and wet.
Ø  Don’t wear tight clothes. Tight-fitting clothing also keeps your genitals warm and moist.
Ø  Change tampons and pads regularly.
Ø  Avoid douches and any kind of perfumed sprays, powders, or tampons.

Please visit your gynaecologist if the infection persists or the following:

Ø  Your symptoms don’t go away after using over-the-counter antifungal vaginal creams or suppositories
Ø  You develop unrelated symptoms
Ø  You have recurrent yeast infections regardless of any preventive efforts

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