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Thrush the unmentionable epidemic
By Alex Christie (BA Hons, LCHE, MARH, B.Inst.A.T.)
Most women are familiar with thrush or vaginal yeast infection. Some 50% of women will have experienced vaginal thrush at least once by the age of 25. If thrush is simply a localised yeast infection it is easy to treat. Thrush symptoms may indicate a systemic yeast infection, however, which requires a prolonged treatment program. There are also several vaginal infections that mimic the symptoms of thrush, so it is important to verify what exactly you are suffering from.
Although many believe sex causes thrush, genital yeast infections almost always appear on their own, with or without sexual activity. Some forms of birth control may increase a woman’s susceptibility to this, while others should be avoided during a yeast infection.
Yeast normally grows in harmless amounts in the vagina, rectum, digestive tract and mouth. When your system is out of balance, these organisms may grow profusely, causing burning, itching and discomfort, the typical symptoms of thrush.
In the vaginal tract, Candida, thrush, or yeast infection, may cause mild to severe itching, slight to severe inflammation, and possibly a thick, white discharge which might look like cottage cheese and smell like bread, although no discharge may be apparent. It can also be transmitted and retransmitted from your sexual partner, as the yeast may live under the foreskin. Genital yeast infections are common.
Common causes of thrush or yeast infection include:
• Hormonal changes due to pregnancy or
• Hormonal changes before monthly periods
• Taking hormones or birth control pills
• Taking antibiotics (especially “broad spectrum” ones)
• Taking steroid medicines, such as prednisone
• Elevated blood sugar (as found in uncontrolled diabetes)
• Vaginal intercourse (especially with inadequate lubrication)
• Douching
Thrush and Babies
In babies, yeast may grow in the mouth and cause white spots on the inside of the cheeks called thrush. You may have passed thrush on to your baby, or s/he may have developed this after taking antibiotics. If breastfeeding, your baby’s thrush may infect your breasts causing pain and possibly bleeding.
Thrush can also develop in people suffering compromised immune systems, such as the elderly or persons with AIDS.
Treatment for Thrush or Yeast Infections
The most common orthodox treatment for people suffering from thrush is Canesten cream or pessaries, Nizoral, Daktarin, or Diflucan anti-fungal treatment. Typically these treatments will temporarily ease (suppress) the symptoms, but will not deal with the cause of the Thrush or yeast infection.
For effective, natural treatments see Home Remedies Yeast Infection
To help prevent thrush or vaginal yeast infection:
• Wash regularly to clean the inside folds of the vulva / foreskin where
germs are likely to grow.
• Dry the vaginal area / foreskin thoroughly after you shower or swim.
• Wipe from front to back after going to the toilet.
• Do not use other people’s towels or face cloths.
• Wear all-cotton underwear.
• Wash underwear in hot water (60ºC). Avoid using a fabric softener in
the dryer.
• Don’t wear trousers and shorts that are tight in the crotch and thighs or
other tight fitting clothing.
• Change swim wear and gym clothes immediately after swimming or
exercising.
• Shower after you swim in a pool to remove the chlorine from your skin.
• Use unscented tampons or sanitary pads, and change tampons and
sanitary pads frequently.
• Avoid irritating soaps or perfumes as well as talcum powder.
• Take antibiotics only when necessary.
• Eat well and include food products such as yogurt that contain live
cultures of lactobacillus acidophilus.
• Get plenty of rest to make it easier for your body to fight infections.
• During sex, use a sterile, water soluble jelly (e.g. organic Aloe Vera
lubricating gel).
• Make sure your sexual partner is clean. Ask him to wash his penis and
hands before touching you. Use a condom when you are infected.
• Avoid sexual intercourse that is painful or abrasive.
• Avoid frequent douching.
• If using hormonal contraceptives, such as birth control pills or inserts,
try switching to a non-hormonal method.
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