Causes of Recurring Yeast Infections

At some point in your life, you have most likely suffered through a vaginal yeast infection. Yeast infections are prevalent among women of all ages, and backgrounds. Yeast is a type of fungus that normally resides in the vagina.

However, if you suffer an overgrowth of this particular type of organism, you may find yourself experiencing some discomfort.

What Can Cause a Yeast Infection?

Candida albicans is one of the most common types of yeast, and is generally harmless. In fact, it is part of the body’s normal flora. It’s typically found in the oral cavity, vagina, and intestine. When the normal balance of organisms in the vagina is interrupted, it allows Candida albicans to rapidly multiply. There are a number of things that can disrupt the homeostatic balance in the body, including:

• Antibiotics
• Harsh soaps
• Douches
• Hormone imbalances
• Weakened immune system
• Pregnancy

After a few days of taking antibiotics for a sickness, you may start to notice an overgrowth of yeast in or around the vaginal area. This happens for a very simple reason — the antibiotics you have been taking, destroys bacteria that your body actually needs to function properly.

One of the things that keeps the pH of the vagina in check is a bacteria called, Lactobacillus. When an antibiotic destroys the Lactobacillus, Candida albicans will grow out of control with no other organism to stop it.

Harsh soaps or douches can cause excessive dryness, and as a result can disrupt the pH balance in the vagina. Hormone imbalances associated with pregnancy can also have the same result.

Signs of a Vaginal Yeast Infection

The most common signs of a yeast infection include:

• Itchiness
• Redness
• Pain
• Soreness
• Odorless discharge

Signs of a vaginal yeast infection include itchy or reddened skin on or around the opening of the vagina; including the vulva. Odorless discharge is typically seen, and will appear white in color.

Pain can also occur, but should not be severe. You may also experience some soreness, and the skin may be warm to the touch.

How Can You Treat a Recurring Yeast Infection?

There are many ways to treat a yeast infection such as creams that you can buy over the counter.

The only drawback is the creams intended for medicinal use, do not actually prevent a yeast infection from recurring. It’s best to address the source of the problem. Medical professionals frequently recommend probiotics to treat vaginal thrush.

Probiotic supplements such as Alaczen work with the body to restore its normal flora. It also boosts the immune system that so that your body is more equipped to fight an infection.

Probiotics, like Alaczen, are best taken in pill form, and are packed with 48 billion “friendly” bacteria. These are bacteria that you actually need to maintain a healthy vaginal pH. Probiotics are specially formulated to treat and prevent vaginal thrush.

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Get rid of Recurring Yeast Infection

Being over forty, Christine's body too is undergoing a number of changes and it is a challenge to find a natural cure for these typical women's issues. She has been promoting natural remedies for many years and has gained considerable knowledge of women's health issues. Her main interests are in herbal remedies and natural supplements.

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Last updated: February 3, 2012