Treating vaginal yeast infections
Women spend $60 million annually on OTC products and many times canidida albicans is not the true culprit. Vaginal yeast infections commonly are misdiagnosed by women who buy one of the over-the-counter remedies which are available in the U.S. Self-treatment of vaginal yeast infections should never be attempted by any woman who has never been first diagnosed for at least one yeast infection by her physician.If a woman is able to determine that her symptoms are truly caused by yeast, she has several treatment options she may choose from including a variety of creams which are available at pharmacies throughout the U.S. Treatments with OTC products range from one to seven days. Creams available include brand names such as Monistat, Femstat, Gyne-Lotrimin, and Mycostatin. Homeopathic creams, as well are available such as Vagisil which is at least helpful in reducing the incessant itching that is present in most yeast infections.
Women who prefer a less messy alternative to the creams that are sold OTC may ask her physician for a prescription medication such as Diflucan which is a one dose oral medication for the treatment of yeast infection. Other oral medications include Nizoral which requires that oral medication be taken for seven to fourteen days either once or twice daily, depending on your physician's recommendations.
Vaginal suppositories and tablets are another alternative, as is treatment with boric acid capsules. Women can make their own boric acid capsules by purchasing boric acid powder in the eye care section of most drug stores; it should be packed loosely into size "0" capsules (available at most pharmacies and health food stores).
Treatment for current yeast infections with boric acid capsules requires that one capsule be inserted as deeply as possible into the vagina morning and evening for five to seven days; women who suffer from recurrent yeast infections may use one capsule vaginally at bedtime twice weekly beginning one week after menstruation for prevention.
Remember, it is always advisable to phone your physician to discuss your symptoms and ask for his/her recommendation regarding the type of treatment that is best for you.
Tips to Prevent Yeast Infections
Always wear white cotton panties; avoid nylon and lycra as much as possible; never wear panty hose without wearing cotton panties underneath.Post menopausal women and women who use oral contraceptives may find using a vaginal lubricant during sexual intercourse helpful in preventing vaginal discomfort and irritation.
Yeast is a normal inhabitant of the intestinal tract; always wipe from front to back after a bowel movement to prevent transferring yeast to the vaginal area; care must be taken during sexual intercourse to prevent vaginal infections from occurring due to contamination with organisms from the bowel or rectum.
Some women find eating one cup of yogurt a day when taking antibiotics is helpful to prevent the yeast infections that often follow antibiotic treatment; however yogurt alone will not cure vaginal yeast infections.
Avoid perfumed bath additives, as well as powders in the vaginal area. Douching is never a good idea since it washes away the natural protective mucous of the vagina and leaves women susceptible to vaginal infections.
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