Beauty and the Yeast

As all women know, not everything about being female is lace and frills. We have some seriously unpleasant issues to cope with that come along with our anatomy. In addition to having to sit down to pee, bleeding for several days every month, and painful menstrual cramps, we’re also prone to the foul and odious yeast infection.  

A yeast infection, or candidiasis, is a fungal infection that most commonly affects areas of the body that are warm and moist (which is why the vagina is so vulnerable). It’s normal for there to be a certain amount of yeast in the vagina, but infection occurs when they begin to multiply and take over the area. The resulting symptoms are more irritating than harmful, and include itching, irritation, and soreness, along with an unsightly white or gray discharge that can look like cottage cheese.

Luckily, yeast infections are relatively easy to avoid and manageable to treat, too.

Causes:

Antibiotics: First off, taking a course of antibiotics puts you at a much greater risk for developing an infection because it wipes out both the harmful and the protective bacteria in your body. With the protective bacteria missing from your vagina, yeast is no longer kept in check and has the opportunity to multiply rapidly.  

The Pill: Women taking oral contraceptives are more at risk because yeast thrives in the acidic pH environment of estrogen.

Skinny Pants: Wearing skinny pants, hot pants, panty hose, tights, and non-cotton underwear all increase your chances of infection.  

Spermicide: Certain spermicidal condoms and lubricants contain the chemical nonoxynol-9, which has been linked to yeast infections.

Chemicals: Some soaps, bubble baths, douches, and vaginal sprays are common culprits. These can change your vagina’s pH levels, making it more susceptible. Douching is especially dangerous because it can wash away the good bacteria that’s there to protect you.

Prevention and Treatment:

Yogurt: Not only does yogurt taste great and have several health-related benefits—but the active cultures in it populate the vagina with the healthy bacteria that will help fend off an influx of yeast.

Acidophilus: You can pick up this dietary supplement at just about any drug store. It works in much the same way that yogurt does by providing the good bacteria that will help create a healthy environment.

Pads vs. Tampons: Yeast infections commonly occur just before your period starts due to hormonal fluctuations. If you currently have a yeast infection and are on your period, it might be smart to switch to pads for the time being. This will help the area to have a better chance to “breathe.”

Garlic: If you like garlic, you’ll be delighted to know that it boosts the immune system and has natural anti-fungal properties. You could pick up a bottle of garlic capsules, or try baking a head of garlic in olive oil and spices, if you’re a die-hard fan.

Fresh Air: Trade in that tight pair of jeans or panty hose for a loose skirt and some cotton underwear. This shouldn’t be too hard during this time of year! Since yeast loves warm, moist areas, the fresh air will help by drying it out to an extent. Sleeping in a nightgown or in the nude will also give it an extra eight hours of free ventilation.

Towel It Up: Be sure to dry off the vaginal area extremely well after going for a swim. Lounging around in a wet bathing suit for long can be asking for trouble. Also, taking a bath could be very good for you, granted that you avoid products overloaded with perfume. Dove Unscented soap is sure to cause no harm.

Monistat: If the above changes in diet and habits are ineffective against treating an infection, then it’s time to make your way to the drug store and pick up a box of Monistat. Monistat is available in 1-day, 3-day, and 7-day treatment systems. Have a little patience and stick to either the 3-day or 7-day varieties. A resurgence is less likely to occur with one of these.

Visit Your Doctor: If your infection is persistent and will not go away, or quickly comes back after treatment, then it’s time to go see your physician. It could be that you do not even have a yeast infection in the first place, as bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections are commonly mistaken for one another.