Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
How To Treat Vaginal Thrush: Surefire Ways To Treat Vaginal Thrush
About 70 per cent of the women suffer from vaginal thrush, which is also known as vaginal yeast infection or vaginal candidiasis etc. Most of these women would like to learn - How to treat vaginal thrush, at home? This is either to avoid a visit to the doctor because of the embrassing nature of the problem or due to a clear understanding that clinical approach has very little to offer in this respect.
Yeast, along with good bacteria and other micro-organisms forms a floral balance in the gut and other mucosal membranes of our body. As long as this balance is maintained, it is helpful to the immune system in preventing many diseases and infections.
Yeast has a tendency to overgrow, which is kept in check by the good bacteria. Any increase in the amount of yeast or decrease in the amount of micro-organisms that control yeast results in the overgrowth of yeast and subsequently of candida albicans that is responsible for yeast infection. When such an infection takes place in the vaginal area it is termed as vaginal thrush. The characteristic symptoms include discoloration, soreness, itching of vaginal area accompanied by discharge.
How To Treat Vaginal Thrush? - The Clinical Approach Verses Natural Methods
The clinical approach in the treatment of vaginal thrush has always been with the doses of antimycotics or antifungal drugs and creams such as Miconazole, Ketoconazole, Clotrimazole – which is marketed as Lotrimin or Lotrimin AF (Canesten in the UK), Econazole, etc. The newer and lesser toxic variety of drugs include Fluconazole, Itraconazole, Isavuconazole, and others. The local treatment of this condition may include vaginal suppositories or medicated douches.
The main problem with the clinical treatment is that the candida albicans develops resistance to the drugs overtime and may not at all be effective in subsequent vaginal yeast infections. Without proper treatment of the recurrent yeast infections in extreme cases, the candidiasis may enter into bloodstream and cause systemic candida infections, which is a more serious condition leading to several health complications.
The root cause of vaginal thrush is the floral imbalance. The medical experts are aware of this truth and also know that correcting this imbalance is the only way of of treating this condition permanently. Hence, many a doctors are in favor of natural methods, lifestyle changes and proper management of the underlying ailment, if any.
But, all natural methods are not safe especially, the so called internet remedies, and all natural cures are not without side effects. Therefore, one has to exercise caution and look for such natural treatments that have some degree of scientific acceptance and approval. One should also be very careful with regards to the dosage, interaction with prescription medication, allergic reactions and prevailing health conditions before taking even natural ingredients as a means of treatment of vaginal thrush or any other condition, for that matter.
Yeast, along with good bacteria and other micro-organisms forms a floral balance in the gut and other mucosal membranes of our body. As long as this balance is maintained, it is helpful to the immune system in preventing many diseases and infections.
Yeast has a tendency to overgrow, which is kept in check by the good bacteria. Any increase in the amount of yeast or decrease in the amount of micro-organisms that control yeast results in the overgrowth of yeast and subsequently of candida albicans that is responsible for yeast infection. When such an infection takes place in the vaginal area it is termed as vaginal thrush. The characteristic symptoms include discoloration, soreness, itching of vaginal area accompanied by discharge.
How To Treat Vaginal Thrush? - The Clinical Approach Verses Natural Methods
The clinical approach in the treatment of vaginal thrush has always been with the doses of antimycotics or antifungal drugs and creams such as Miconazole, Ketoconazole, Clotrimazole – which is marketed as Lotrimin or Lotrimin AF (Canesten in the UK), Econazole, etc. The newer and lesser toxic variety of drugs include Fluconazole, Itraconazole, Isavuconazole, and others. The local treatment of this condition may include vaginal suppositories or medicated douches.
The main problem with the clinical treatment is that the candida albicans develops resistance to the drugs overtime and may not at all be effective in subsequent vaginal yeast infections. Without proper treatment of the recurrent yeast infections in extreme cases, the candidiasis may enter into bloodstream and cause systemic candida infections, which is a more serious condition leading to several health complications.
The root cause of vaginal thrush is the floral imbalance. The medical experts are aware of this truth and also know that correcting this imbalance is the only way of of treating this condition permanently. Hence, many a doctors are in favor of natural methods, lifestyle changes and proper management of the underlying ailment, if any.
But, all natural methods are not safe especially, the so called internet remedies, and all natural cures are not without side effects. Therefore, one has to exercise caution and look for such natural treatments that have some degree of scientific acceptance and approval. One should also be very careful with regards to the dosage, interaction with prescription medication, allergic reactions and prevailing health conditions before taking even natural ingredients as a means of treatment of vaginal thrush or any other condition, for that matter.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
How To Treat Vaginal Thrush Without Medications
Identifying the triggers not only equips you with the knowledge on - how to treat vaginal thrush but also, how to prevent it from recurrence.Proper management of the underlying diseases like diabetes, stress, and in rare cases HIV/AIDS, etc, if any, with the prescription medications, diet and exercise as advised by your doctor is a pre-requisite along with the following measures.
- In circumstances when the use of antibiotics becomes unavoidable, combine them with probiotics, even yogurt should be enough.
- Choose non-hormonal birth control pills, if hormonal contraceptives are the cause of vaginal thrush.
- Always wipe yourself from front to back after using the toilet, and with a single swipe.
- After a wash or a bath, dry the vaginal and anal area thoroughly before putting on clothes.
- Make a habit of changing the sanitary towels and tampons frequently and especially during your periods.
- Don't use fabric softeners and the scented variety of sanitary items like soaps, toilet papers, deodrants, etc.
- Don't use vaginal douche too frequently.
- Don't eat much of the processed, refined and sugary foods that candida albicans just loves.
- Avoid the use of synthetic undergarments or tight clothes, as they accumulate moisture from perspiration - Candida albicans also loves dark and moist places.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
How To Treat Vaginal Thrush With Acidophilus?
A diet consisting of adequate amounts of Acidophilus plays a significant role in the restoration of the floral balance, both in the gut and in the vaginal area. Yogurt is one of the rich sources of Acidophilus. When ingested or used as a douche, it breaks down to release hydrogen peroxide and other by-products that together create a toxic environment to weaken candida albicans.
While choosing yogurt for this purpose, avoid the type that contains flavors, sugar and fats. Just go for the plain and one that is not frozen, because frozen yogurt does not contain sufficient amounts of acidophilus.
If you do not like consuming yogurt you can try sauerkraut, kinchi, kombucha, kefir and many other fermented food products. As all these contain lactic acid, it is very easy to notice the sour taste of the lactic acid when eating this food. In case you do not like any of these, then you can always opt for acidophilus supplements.
If you choose acidophilus supplements. Always make sure that they contain Lactobacillus Bifidus and at least 50 million organisms or "live cultures" or more per capsule. Always buy supplements from branded manufacturers and those who voluntarily implement the GMP(Good Manufacturing Practices) of the FDA. This is required to avoid the risk of contamination of toxic metals and other drugs.
Probiotics may interact with immunosuppressant medication adversely, hence caution must be exercised in such cases. Side effects of probiotics may include mild and temporary digestive complaints, such as gas and bloating. Consult your family physician in case you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
While choosing yogurt for this purpose, avoid the type that contains flavors, sugar and fats. Just go for the plain and one that is not frozen, because frozen yogurt does not contain sufficient amounts of acidophilus.
If you do not like consuming yogurt you can try sauerkraut, kinchi, kombucha, kefir and many other fermented food products. As all these contain lactic acid, it is very easy to notice the sour taste of the lactic acid when eating this food. In case you do not like any of these, then you can always opt for acidophilus supplements.
If you choose acidophilus supplements. Always make sure that they contain Lactobacillus Bifidus and at least 50 million organisms or "live cultures" or more per capsule. Always buy supplements from branded manufacturers and those who voluntarily implement the GMP(Good Manufacturing Practices) of the FDA. This is required to avoid the risk of contamination of toxic metals and other drugs.
Probiotics may interact with immunosuppressant medication adversely, hence caution must be exercised in such cases. Side effects of probiotics may include mild and temporary digestive complaints, such as gas and bloating. Consult your family physician in case you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Friday, July 18, 2008
How To Treat Vaginal Thrush With Tea Tree Oil?
Tea tree oil is a great alternative to modern medicine in the treatment of vaginal thrush. It is another widely accepted natural cure, although it is a relatively new cure to the modern world. It has a long history of traditional use among Australian aboriginals for the treatment of skin cuts, burns and other infections.The main constituents of tea tree oil are terpenoids, which have been proven to have antiseptic and antifungal activity. Terpinen-4-ol is the most abundant compound that is thought to be responsible for most of tea tree oil's antimicrobial activity. With this, you can avoid the use of chemicals that can spiral you into a vicious cycle of recurring vaginal infections with all the harmful side effects.
You will need couple of drops of tea tree oil, a water based lubricant and a tampon. Apply the lubricant to the upper half of the tampon which will also prevent the tampon from absorbing all the oil. Now you can add a few drops of tea tree oil to the tampon and then insert it into the vagina, that's all.
Few important things you must remember about tea tree oil is that it is very potent and hence requires to be used in combination with other components. It should not be used directly on the skin as it may cause a stinging sensation, blistering, and itching. It is meant to be used topically and should never be ingested orally. Also, don't use tea tree oil if you are pregnant or breastfeeding and keep it out of the reach of children and pets.
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