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 By SweetSpot Labs® Yeast are tiny organisms that grow in harmless amounts in the mouth, rectum, digestive tract, and vagina. Vaginal yeast infections are caused by a particular fungus called candida albicans. Vaginal yeast, or candida albicans, maintains a limited presence in the vagina due to the vagina's acidic environment. The vagina has a pH level approximately 3.5 to 4.2 on a pH scale that ranges from 0 to 14. The most acidic level is 0, while 14 is the most alkaline. Vaginal yeast begins to proliferate and cause a yeast infection when the vagina becomes less acidic. Yeast infections are extremely common, and three-quarters of all women will experience one in their lifetime. Around half of all women will experience more than one in their lifetime. For further information on vaginal pH levels, click www.sweetspotlabs.com/ph Causes The vagina's pH level can become less acidic for many reasons which include:
Symptoms Fortunately, yeast infections are only uncomfortable, and do not usually have serious consequences. The symptoms of a yeast infection include:
If you experience any of these symptoms, then you should immediately contact a physician, especially if you do not know how to properly identify a yeast infection. A physician can quickly and accurately diagnose a yeast infection based on one's symptoms. The physician will look for inflammation and white discharge that is common with yeast infections. A sample of vaginal discharge may also be taken for an examination under a microscope in the office, or sent to a laboratory to test for yeast organisms. Treatment Once a yeast infection has been positively identified, a wide range of treatments are available. The most common treatment is antifungal medicines that are directly applied to the vagina through creams, ointments, suppositories, or tablets. These medications include clotrimazole (Clotrimader, Canesten), terconazole (Terazole), nystatin (several brand names), tioconazole (GyneCure) miconazole (Monistat, Monazole, Micozole), and butoconazole (Femstat). In addition to these medications, a one time orally administered dose of fluconazole (Diflucan oral) is also effective, although not recommended while pregnant. When properly treated over ninety percent of all yeast infections are cured within two weeks, although most take only a few days. Prevention Even though yeast infections are usually easily cured, it is best to prevent them before they start. Since yeast infections are more prevalent in wet areas, it is best not to wear tight-fitting or synthetic-fiber clothes, instead wear cotton panties; do not wear panty hose or leotards everyday; change out of wet clothes immediately; and always thoroughly dry your genital area. It is also essential to maintain your vagina's natural pH level. In order to maintain a slightly acidic pH level, you should never use douche, use deodorant sanitary pads, or tampons; bubble bath; feminine hygiene sprays; or colored or perfumed toilet paper. All of this can affect your vaginal pH level and may lead to an imbalance. SweetSpot Labs® has created products that not only leave you feeling fresh and fabulous, but complement your sweet spot's pH level while removing irritants that can be cause for problems. These products are an excellent alternative to soap. Keep it Sweet! Intimate Grooming is Escensual® Disclaimer: Content provided in this essay regarding health or health matters has not been evaluated or approved by a board certified physician. Although we believe that all of the information contained in this essay is entirely correct and factual, we are not doctors and highly recommend consulting a physician regarding any medical problems or treatments. |
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