Yeast Infections: Dealing with Their Root Cause, Not Just Their Symptoms

A lot of people are, without doubt, familiar with the troubling symptoms of yeast infections. As a matter of fact, yeast infections are too common that it is highly improbable for most women of today - and some men as well - not to know them. To prove this point, check the shelves of your local pharmacy; you will surely find they're stacked with various brands of prescription medicines and over-the-counter medications. In addition, think about the comparatively enormous amount of money that people spend every year to have their yeast infections treated.

The principal cause of nearly all yeast infections is the diploid fungus known as Candida albicans (also called monilia). These microorganisms can increase in numbers at such a rapid pace, especially when certain conditions are present, such as an impaired immune system or mental stress. The use of antibiotics can likewise aid in the quick growth of these bacteria. In women, the progressive development of Candida, if remained unchecked, can lead to such discomforting or irritating symptoms as vaginal discharge, redness, and itching; it can even cause pain during physical sexual contact.

The methods for treating yeast infections differ; so are the kinds of medications available. Over-the-counter medications, for example, include such types as ointments, creams, ovules, and suppositories. The reasons why many people opt for these forms of medication to treat their yeast infection is because of the convenience of easily obtaining them and the relative ease by which they are used. However, using these products again and again may present some problems. An infection, for instance, may develop resistance to a particular treatment and will likely survive exposure to it regardless how frequent the same is applied.

Certain prescription medicines may pose some risks, too. One example is oral fluconazole which are not prescribed by doctors to an expectant or a breastfeeding mother due to certain side effects it is known to carry. It is also widely recognized that most of the over-the-counter and prescription medications treat only the symptoms of yeast infections; they have not shown any positive effects at dealing with Candida - their root cause. It is not surprising, therefore, when we hear of someone saying that her yeast infection is back (at an even worse state than before) a few weeks after she thought she had herself healed of the vexatious infection already.

As for douches, their effectiveness against yeast infections has not been proven; hence, doctors usually dissuade women from using these products if only for this purpose.

Yeast infections, according to doctors, are highly responsive to treatment. The key, however, is in finding the right type of treatment - one that will deal with the very root cause of the infection and have a lasting effect. Your doctor should be able to direct you to the type of treatment that will best address your condition. [Read the Original Article]

Source: http://www.medicinenet.com/yeast_vaginitis/article.htm