Amongst women yeast infections are unfortunately a common health problem, with over three quarters of women having to deal with at least one in their life. Women are still very uncomfortable and sometimes even ashamed by the ailment and try to suffer through the discomfort, redness, itching, swelling and pain. But leaving it untreated will allow it to become a more severe issue. Just what is this yeast infection that takes over your life and what can you do?
Though more common in women it is not just a female infection limited to the vagina. It is the result of the overgrowth of a fungus that lives on all of us, men and women. When contained in numbers by the healthy bacteria we also have it does not do any damage, but if that control is stopped and the Candida Albicans can overgrow it leads to a yeast infection or Candidiasis.
Acting quickly is really the key to effectively treating a yeast infection. If you get treatment as soon as you notice the symptoms it can take as little as one or two weeks to clear it up. However if you ignore the symptoms they will just worsen and the infection becomes more severe and harder to treat. Severe cases really need a doctor to look at them, and this is also true if you are diabetic or if you have an illness that affects your immune system.
You have two roads to take in regards to treatment, medicated or natural. Medicated includes both the stronger drugs a doctor can prescribe and the over the counter treatments you can purchase from a pharmacy. With a severe case your doctor can prescribe something more likely to work rather than running into recurring problems when you find over the counter kits ineffective.
Natural treatments can be effective but you are not guaranteed to find the one that works for you on your first try. Along with the natural remedy that soothes your symptoms you also need to look at what you consume and your life. You may need to adjust the type of clothing you wear, and make better choices in your food and drink. This is a way to deal with the root of the problem. For example avoiding tight clothing that makes you damp and warm, and wet clothing. Wearing breathable material like cotton panties. Sleeping and excising well and finding a way to manage stress.
For more info on how to deal with candida, check out our yeast infection cure website, where you can find plenty of information on the subject. Today’s special: oral yeast infection