Yeast Infection

Yeast infections are generally caused by an organism called Candida albicans or Candidiasis and there is no direct evidence that it is passed through sexual intercourse. 

Almost half of all healthy, sexually active women, and one-third of all pregnant women tested had Candida albicans which may indicate that sexual activity itself may contribute to the growth of Candida albicans.

Certain types of yeast may be present in harmless amounts in the:
* bowels;
* digestive tract;
* month;
* skin;
* vagina;

Under certain conditions, an overgrowth of yeast can occur. 

Other yeast or fungal infections are:
* Balanitis;
* Intertrigo;
* Moniliasis;
* Thrush;
* Vulva-vaginal candidiasis;

Yeast infections or fungal growths usually develop in a moist environment, such as:
* finger and toe nails;
* folds of skin;
* genitals;
* webs of fingers and toes;

Symptoms

Candida albicans

In Women
Symptoms may vary from very mild to severe and include:
* burning of the vagina;
* burning when urinating;
* discomfort during or after sexual intercourse;
* odor (not unpleasant);
* irritation of the vagina;
* itching and burning of the female genitals (vulva);
* itching of the vagina;
* painful urination;
* painful intercourse;
* vulva redness and swelling;

Vaginal discharge is not always present and may be minimal, but when present may be:
* cottage-cheese-like in nature;
* thick, whitish-gray discharge;
* watery to thick in consistency;

Women who have chronic or recurring yeast infections may need to be treated with vaginal creams for extended periods of time

In Men
Men may not experience any symptoms of the infection, however, if symptoms are present they may include: * burning sensation during intercourse;
* burning sensation of the penis;
* symptoms after intercourse if condoms not used;
* transient rash;

Balanitis 

In Men
* red patches and blisters at the end of the penis and around the foreskin;
* severe itching and pain;

Intertrigo

Skin Symptoms
* burning;
* cracking;
* itching;
* moistness;
* painful, red inflamed skin containing pus;
* peeling on the hands, particularly between the fingers and swollen nail folds above the cuticle;
* shiny, pink rash with a scaly or blistered edge in the folds of the skin;

Moniliasis
* excessive thick, white discharge;
* pain during intercourse;
* redness and swelling of the vulva;
* vaginal itching and irritation;

Oral Thrush
* Painless white patches in the mouth or throat;

Esophageal Thrush (a complication of AIDS)
* Painful swallowing;
* White patches in the mouth and throat;

Transmission

The source of chronic candida yeast overgrowth is usually the gastrointestinal tract. 

The vagina or urethra can pick up the infection through sexual contact, although sexual contact with an infected partner does not usually spread the fungus. 

Yeast overgrowth usually occurs as the result of:

In women
* Fatigue;
* High stress;
* Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle;
* Increased warmth and moisture in the vaginal area;
* Menopause;
* Not drying the outer vaginal area thoroughly after bathing;
* Oral contraceptives (birth control pills);
* Perfumed feminine hygiene sprays;
* Poor diet;
* Poorly ventilated clothing and underwear;
* Poor personal hygiene;
* Pregnancy;
* Some pharmaceutical prescriptions;
* Tight-fitting clothing or pantyhose;
* Use of antibiotics, in particular 'broad spectrum' antibiotics;
* Vaginal intercourse with inadequate lubrication;
* Wearing a damp bathing suit or pantyhose for an extended time;

Other Factors
* Douches wash away healthy secretions and normal bacteria and dry the surface of the vagina;
* Steroid medicines, such as Prednisone;
* Sweating;
* Topical anti-microbial agents;
* Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, which raises blood sugar levels making a good environment for yeast to grow;

Candida can be transmitted between people by sexual contact

In Men
Men also get yeast infections caused by:
* Condoms with nonoxynol-9 added to the lubricant which may contribute to anal yeast infection;
* Direct contact;
* Unprotected sex;

and can also be caused from:
* Diabetes (men with diabetes are more susceptible to yeast infections due to elevated sugar in the urine);
* Prolonged antibiotic use;

Help Factors
* Abstain from vaginal intercourse until you are infection-free;
* Keep sex devices clean;
* Wash your hands or change your gloves in between touching sexual organs;

Diagnosis

Types of Yeast Infections

Balanitis
Balanitis is an irritating infection of the penis

Candida albicans
Because the symptoms of Candida albicans, where present, often resemble those of Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) and other forms of sexually transmitted vaginitis correct diagnosis is essential to determine the infection or eliminate the possibility of other STDs. 

Moniliasis
Moniliasis is a painful vaginal yeast infection which may  occur during:
* antibiotic treatment;
* pregnancy;

Intertrigo
Intertrigo is a skin irritation caused by friction between moist adjacent surfaces, and often accompanied by bacterial or fungal infection

Oral Thrush
Oral Thrush is a painless infection of the mouth and throat which can often recur.  

It can affect all ages, but is most common in:
* babies;
* the elderly;
* young children;

Systemic yeast Infections
Systemic yeast infections can occur in persons with:
* AIDS;
* Ailments or drug treatments that suppress the immune system;
* Diabetes;

Method of Diagnosis

Laboratory Tests
To correctly diagnose a yeast infection a culture is needed. An examination of vaginal secretions is looked at under a microscope for evidence of:
* common skin changes of the vulva and vagina;
* yeast forms;

Research
A rapid simple test for yeast infection is being developed

Conditions Commonly Confused as Yeast Infection
Herpes

Treatment

Various anti-fungal vaginal medications are available to treat yeast infection in the form of:
* anti-fungal creams;
* anti-fungal suppositories;
* anti-fungal tablets;

These include:
* Butoconazole;
* Clotrimazole (Mycelex-7);
* Diflucan;
* Gyne-Lotrimi;
* Miconazole;
* Monista;
* Nizoral;
* Nystatint;
* Pau D'arco;
* Sporanox ;
* Terazol;
* Tioconazole;
* Vagistat;
* Vitaklenz;
* Yeast Infections;

Regimen
* Use 1-2 times a day for up to 7 days;
* Symptoms helped within 3-4 days of treatment;
* Continue treatment for the entire course even if symptoms have ceased;

Do not use any of the above products without seeing a doctor or health professional if you:
* are a female under the age of 12;
* are not sure that your problem is a yeast infection;
* are nursing a baby;
* are pregnant;
* are sensitive/allergic to any of the ingredients in Mycelex-7 or to any other Mycelex product;
* have never had a yeast infection before;

Caution
Mycelex-7:
* and all other medications should be kept away from children;
* is for vaginal use and not for use in the eyes or mouth;

Note
* If your symptoms persist after 7 days, or return within 2 months see your doctor or health practitioner;
* Products containing antihistamines or topical anesthetics mask the symptoms and do not treat the underlying problem;
* Rarely is a yeast infection confined to the vagina, so just treating the vaginal yeast infection often does not prevent recurrent infections;

See your doctor or health professional immediately if any of the following symptoms occur:
* back pain;
* fever;
* foul-smelling discharge;
* lower abdomen pain;
* shoulder pain;

Natural Treatment
Dietary changes are essential in the treatment of yeast infection

Dietary Recommendations for Acute Candida 

Whole Foods Diet
Include:
* Fresh vegetables and fruits;
* Fish and poultry;
* Flax seed (Linseed);
* Whole grains;
* Organically raised foods where possible;
* Other essential fatty acids, such as olive oil and nuts;
* Plenty of fresh water;
* 1 tablespoon Psyllium seed husk fiber and/or 6 to 8 tablespoons flax seed meal and/or ¼ cup Oat bran daily;
* Pau D'arco;
* Vitaklenz;

Suppository Treatment
Boric acid suppositories: 
* 600mg Boric Acid suppositories inserted vaginally every night before bed for 3-5 nights;

Dietary Recommendations for Chronic Candida
Diet is a very important contributing factor in chronic Candida infections. It is very important to treat the digestive tract as this area can re-infect the vagina if left untreated.

Whole Foods Diet
Include:
* Fresh vegetables and fruits;
* Fish and poultry;
* Flax seed oil;
* Other essential fatty acids, such as olive oil and nuts;
* Plenty of fresh water;
* 1 tablespoon psyllium seed husk fiber and/or 6-8 tablespoons flax seed meal and/or ¼ cup oat bran daily;
* Organically raised foods where possible;
* Whole grains ;
* Vitaklenz;

Suppository Treatment
* Insert Boric Acid suppositories twice a day, in morning and again before bed;
* Repeat for 2-4 weeks depending on severity of infection;

External Treatment
* Warm sitz baths infused with several drops Tea Tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia);
Vaginal douching with tea infusion of one or both of the following dried herbs:
* Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis);
* Oregon Grape Root (Mahonia aqjuifolium);

Other Natural Treatments

Boric Acid/Borax
Boric Acid/Borax kills severe or persistent yeast infections

Method
* Fill 00 capsules with Boric Acid to use as vaginal suppositories;
* Insert 2 capsules filled with Boric Acid into your vagina every night for a week;

Caution
Boric Acid may cause:
* large amounts of vaginal discharge;
* superficial burning and discomfort for the first few days;

Note
* Discontinue use if the burning is severe;

Cranberries
Cranberries are often used in treating Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) as they:
* are a rich source of Vitamin C;
* contain substances that inhibit bacteria from clinging to the walls of the urinary tract;
* lower the pH of your urine helping combat yeast infections;

Garlic
Garlic contains natural anti-fungal substances that kill off yeast and should be added to the diet.  It may also be used internally.

Method
* Wrap an unpeeled clove of garlic in gauze or cheesecloth tying the ends with unwaxed dental floss, leaving a bit of string dangling to pull it out afterward;
* Leave it in for several hours at a time;
* Use nightly until after symptoms cease;

Note
* Care should be taken not to cut the clove of garlic as the juice may sting and cause irritation;
* Garlic capsules may be used instead;

Caution
* May not work on stubborn infections;
* Occasionally people are allergic to garlic;

Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen Peroxide is produced naturally by bacteria in your vagina and kills yeast.

If you wish to increase Hydrogen Peroxide:

Method
* Mix 1 teaspoon of ordinary 3% hydrogen peroxide from your market or pharmacy with 1 cup of water and use as a douche once a day until after symptoms cease

Pau D'arco
Pau D'Arco is a rainforest remedy made from the inner bark of the large native South American tree. Indigenous South American tribes have traditionally drunk tea made from the shredded inner bark to boost their immunity. In 1882, one of Pau D'Arco's constituents was isolated and identified as lapachol, an antimicrobial and potentially tumour-fighting chemical. Besides lapachol, Pau D'Arco contains at least 20 other active ingredients. Modern scientific evidence shows that extracts of Pau D'Arco can protect against a wide range of bacterial and fungal organisms, including Candida albicans. The herb is also useful for treating athlete's foot and fungal nail infections. Pau D'Arco is not recommended during pregnancy.

Method
* For adults: take two capsules with a meal three times daily;
* Five capsules are equivalent to two cups of Taheebo tea;
* For children age 6-12 years: take one capsule with a meal twice daily;

Caution
* Always read the label;
* If symptoms persist consult your healthcare practitioner;

More information on Pau D'arco

Potassium Sorbate
Potassium Sorbate is a potent fungicide usually used in preserving foods and  brewing beer to stop the growth of the yeast at the correct time.

Method
* Make a 3% solution by adding 8 gm (about 1 tablespoon) potassium sorbate to a cup of water;
* Dip a cotton tampon in the solution, inserting it at bedtime and removing it in the morning;
* Continue treatment for a few days until after the symptoms;

To relieve vulva itching

Method
* Make a paste of Slippery Elm powder and a little water and apply as needed;
* Soak a cotton pad in Aloe vera juice and apply as needed;

Note
* Slippery Elm or Aloe vera will only relieve itching not kill yeast;
* Combine with an anti-fungal treatment;

Teatree Oil
Teatree Oil is widely used for yeast infections.

Method
* Soak a tampon with a lubricant, such as KY jelly or Olive Oil, and add a few drops of pure Tea Tree Oil and insert;

Caution
* Teatree oil can sting if it comes in contact with the vulva;

Vitaklenz
The double action of the powerful Vitaklenz formula assists in the elimination of parasites as well as Candida and Yeast infestations.
 

Vitaklenz is the result of thousands of years of accumulated knowledge from traditional medicines around the world that have successfully treated parasites and yeast infestations in humans.

The 12 active herbal ingredients in Vitaklenz are well known for their anti-parasitic, anti-candida and cleansing effects on the human system.

More information? - Vitaklenz

Yoghurt
Yoghurt contains Lactobacillus acidophilus, a bacterium found in healthy vaginas, which kills yeast by producing hydrogen peroxide.

Method
* Apply directly to the vulva and into the vagina 1-2 times a day until after symptoms clear up;

Prevention

Help Factors

Physical Hygiene
* Abstain from sexual activity during treatment;
* Always wipe from front to back after bowel movements;
* Change underwear and workout clothes immediately after exercising;
* Change tampons and sanitary pads often;
* Dry the vaginal area thoroughly after you shower or bathe;
* Get plenty of rest to help the body fight infections;
* Practice good hygiene by regularly washing the inside folds of the vulva where germs breed;
* Shower after swimming in a pool to remove the chlorine from your skin;
* Use unscented tampons or sanitary pads;
* Wear all-cotton underpants and panty hose with cotton crotches;

Dietary
* Eat well, including food products, such as yogurt containing live cultures of lactobacillus acidophilus;
* Limit your intake of sugar and foods containing sugar as it promotes the growth of yeast;
* Try to keep blood sugars under control if you have diabetes;

Risk Factors

Avoid using:
* bath oils;
* bubble baths;
* deodorant soaps;
* feminine hygiene sprays;
* perfumed soaps;

The growth of yeast colonies increases if using broad spectrum antibiotics, such as:
* Amoxicillin;
* Ampicillin;
* Bactrim;
* Ceclor;
* Keflex;
* Septra;

The following may be made less effective if they come in contact with Mycelex-7:
* Condoms;
* Diaphragms;
* Vaginal spermicides;

Prognosis

When one partner is severely infected and continuous re-infections occur the problem can become troublesome and chronic.

If a fungal infection has taken hold in the body it can become a recurrent problem that is more difficult to treat with conventional anti-fungal agents. This can turn a simple infection into a chronic, tenacious condition that can seriously affect your immune system and overall health. 

Other Factors
Repeated use of over-the-counter and prescription medications can create imbalances in the healthy vagina allowing for resistant strains of Candida fungus or bacteria to take hold.

Recurring vaginal yeast infections may indicate a serious or underlying medical problem including:
* Diabetes;
* HIV;
* Immune system disorders;

Note
See your doctor or health professional immediately if vaginal yeast infections:
* Do not clear up easily with proper treatment;
* Recur (recurrence within a 2 month period);

or the following symptoms are experienced:
* abdominal genital irritation;
* discharge;
* pain;

Candida Case Study

Susan had been suffering from recurrent thrush on a monthly basis when she first consulted a natural health practitioner. Further investigation revealed that she had been taking the oral contraceptive pill for years and averaged four courses a year of antibiotics for minor infections such as sinusitis and tonsillitis. She worked full time and was always on the go. Her diet was adequate but could be improved, particularly as she was rather partial to a regular glass or two of wine to relieve her stress.

Susan decided to discontinue the oral contraceptive pill and was prescribed a course of herbs to rebalance her hormone levels. Once her cycle was regular, it was time to address the issue of frequent thrush episodes. A finger prick blood test confirmed the presence of Candida. Her natural health practitioner began to treat this with the herb Pau D'Arco at 3,000 mg per day, and placed Susan on an anti-candida diet eliminating all foods containing yeast and sugar for a period of two weeks and gradually reintroducing some of these foods. Susan focused on a maintenance diet of foods which have minimal or low sugar content such as fresh fruit and vegetables, wholegrain breads and pastas. She also included probiotic supplements daily to help rebalance the micro-organisms in her gut.

As the candida symptoms improved Susan was treated with herbs such as Garlic and Golden Seal to boost her immune system and reduce the chances of her developing sinusitis or tonsillitis in the future. This eliminated the need to take antibiotics which made her body susceptible to candida in the first place.

Susan continues to follow the maintenance diet and drinks only the occasional glass of wine and says she feels much healthier. Best of all she has not experienced any thrush or sinusitis since.

This story has been reproduced with the permission of Herbs & Health Lifestyle Magazine - www.herbsandhealth.com.au

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