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Yeast Infections

Treatment and Prevention of a Common Condition

By Shel Franco

Yeast infections, caused by an abundance of yeast cells in the vagina, aren't usually serious and are quite common in women of childbearing age. In fact, they are the second most common vaginal infection (bacterial vaginosis is the most common). They range from being mildly annoying to horrifically uncomfortable. If you haven't had one, count yourself lucky. Veteran "yeast survivors" will attest to the havoc wreaked by the symptoms.

Besides being an itchy nuisance, the majority of vaginal yeast infections are caused by a fungus called Candida albicans. We all have yeast on our skin and in our vaginas, but the acidic environment of the vagina – especially the common bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus – keeps things in balance. If acid levels decrease, an imbalance occurs and yeast can grow rampant and cause an infection. The imbalance can result from various sources, such as other health conditions or medications.

According to iParenting expert Dr. David Fay, a family physician and assistant professor of family medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin, the most common culprits of altered acid levels are antibiotics, which kill off the competing bacteria. Dr. Fay also points out that hormones from contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can alter the environment as well. In addition, changes in the immune system – such as illness, thyroid disease, autoimmune diseases and immune system suppressing medications like steroids – can affect the balance of organisms.

Dr. Traci Kurtzer, an obstetrician/gynecologist in Evanston, Ill., adds high blood sugar (diabetics) to that list. "Yeast loves sugar," she says.

Aside from these commonly agreed upon causes for yeast infections, women who experience them have their own ideas.

"I got a yeast infection every time I drank white wine," says Marie Miller* of Salt Lake City, Utah. "I told my midwife and she was shocked – I was the second person inside of a week to tell her that."

Want to see more?

• Yeast Infection Questions: What to Expect at the Doctor's Office
• Time for a Change: Detecting and Treating Diaper Rash
• Oral Thrush: Preventing and Treating This Common Condition
• Candida and Pregnancy: When Your Sweet Tooth and Cravings Spell Trouble
• pH Balanced Diets: A Passing Fad or Dietary Common Sense?
• Check out our Article Library.
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