Do yeast infections go away on their own? The short answer is yes. Understanding multiple causes and methods of prevention can effectively help yeast infections go away on their own. Here are some things to think about when self-diagnosing a yeast infection.
Yeast infections will usually clear up on their own if they are left to run their course. In America, many women are very concerned with their sexual health and over-the-counter yeast infection medications are regularly advertised on major television networks. A woman�s body is equipped with a built-in and entirely natural cleansing device: the dreaded period.
When the menstruation cycle begins the chemistry inside the vaginal cavity changes as pH rises and the bacteria is swept out and overwhelmed by the flow of the uterine lining as it escapes for another month. Not all women get their periods, for a multitude of reasons. An intrauterine device (or more commonly known as an IUD) can decrease or eradicate a woman�s period.
Some foods have been linked to triggering a lower pH in the vagina. This can cause heightened yeast infections in some women who are sensitive to pH. To get an idea of foods pH scales you can visit the Food and Drug Administration for more information. Tomatoes, apples, and orange juice have a low pH of around three. Bread, cheeses, and meats tend to have a higher pH closer to six. These are foods common to the American diet and found in most local grocery stores.
Foods high in sugar and sweet alcohols are contributors to yeast infections as well and should be avoided while treating or if a woman is prone to yeast infections. Sugar is the main food source for yeast, that�s why brewers add honey to their yeast and hops. Remember that fresh fruits, albeit are good for you, also hold high sugar content. Items labeled sugar-free that still taste sweet have artificial sugars and are not suitable for some people. Be sure to read labels when purchasing food and be on the lookout for any health risks related to food choices.
Wearing tight clothing with a low ability to breathe is the main cause of yeast infections. Thongs and cute underwear are often not healthy underwear. Find a breathable style of light cotton panties When going to bed, skip wearing undergarments all together to allow air flow for that extended time while sleeping. Thongs are just plain bad for overall vaginal and reproductive health. They hug too tightly to the vaginal opening and the anus.
When they become uncomfortable and tugged on, they are adjusted to a new area. The tight ornamental undies then transfer bacteria from one area or another. Once this transfer is completed the cute panty holds moisture and bacteria together while insulating the internal heat to create a perfect breeding ground for things that don�t belong in that thong.
So take off the thong and hop in the shower! Be sure to rinse soap very thoroughly when showering and be sure no soap in introduced into the vaginal opening while cleaning. Adding soap up there can strip away the good bacteria and yeast with any of the bad stuff, this is counterproductive to keeping a healthy balance.
Dry the area very thoroughly with a fresh towel once you step out of the shower or bath. Don�t be tempted to reuse a towel several times to save some laundry. An already used can carry bacteria and will not wick away as much moisture as a fresh towel will. Bubble baths are not a safe bet for women with recurrent yeast infections. The soapy water can permeate the vagina and longer within causing havoc to internal chemistry.
Women should never use douches, scented powders, scented pads or tampons, or feminine sprays near the vaginal opening. Not only are these products entirely unnecessary, they are bad for your overall reproductive health and have unfortunately been promoted (much like over-the-counter yeast infection medications) as necessary to be clean and healthy in our modern culture. These consumer driven products can cause irritation, allergic reaction, reduce the ability to conceive, cause vaginal dryness, cause yeast imbalance, leave particles inside the vagina and cost you money.
Hot tubs and saunas can also cause issues for women prone to yeast imbalances. The heat in a hot tub or sauna can raise the metabolic rate of bacteria inside the vagina. The wet environment inside a sauna is usually rich with cleaning chemicals not suited for internal use. Saunas can be breeding grounds for bacteria if they are not cleaned properly. Always sit on your dry personal towel when sitting in a sauna. Some saunas may alternatively have too many chemicals from over cautious cleaning. A pregnant woman should never sit in a hot tub or sauna.
Take a look at any current medications and ask your pharmacist or doctor if they could be either causing or contributing to a yeast infection or recurrent outbreaks. Antibiotics can have a strong effect on yeast levels but are generally taken for short periods of time as prevention after a surgery, to treat existing infections or for short-term serious illnesses. Probiotics can be taken to boost the body�s response to fix its yeast balance, but are by no means necessary.
Possible medication interactions should be discussed with a pharmacist or doctor before they are taken, but it�s never too late to ask for an educated opinion. If you go to the pharmacist, visit when business is slow and you can get a good few moments to talk privately. If this process is awkward, calling is also an option.
Be leery of home remedies and ask a health professional before attempting to the treatment of yeast infections at home. Most yeast infections do not lead to major health issues, but an untreated disease can. Please contact your doctor if you cannot heal a yeast infection on your own or have reason to believe you have a sexually transmitted disease. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, always err on the side of caution and contact your health care provider with any questions regarding your personal reproductive health.
