6 tips for eliminating pesky yeast infections...naturally

Yeast infection can be an embarrassing problem. Which is why many women (and men!) try to deal with problem without going to a doctor. That's not always a good idea, though.

Yeast infections are treated with anti fungal medications applied to the infected area. The medications may also applied directly into the vagina (via suppositories) or taken orally. These drugs manage to control the symptoms in about 80%-90% of cases.

People have been using various other means besides medication in an attempt to cure the infection. Results do vary from one person to another. Here are six commonly used treatments.

1. Cranberry juice is said to be effective against yeast infections and has been used for many years. Cranberry pills can be bought at most natural foods stores. It can be taken as a dietary supplement and may help control symptoms.
2. Treatment using probiotics. This refers to beneficial bacteria or friendly bacteria that are used to treat a certain condition. Acidophilus is one example of a natural probiotic used to treat yeast infections.
3. Many claim that curds and yogurt are effective against yeast infections. Some people apply yogurt directly to the vagina. They dip a tampon in yogurt and insert it into the vagina. This is usually done twice daily.
4. Vitamin supplements may help prevent the recurrence of yeast infections. Vitamins B3, B5 and B6 are said to be particularly helpful. The amino acids L-Threonine and L-Lysine help as well. These vitamins and amino acids strengthen the body's immune system and thus help prevent infections from becoming chronic.
5. Tea tree oil has also been used as a cure for yeast infection. It is applied directly to the vagina using a tampon.
6. Gentian violet is another natural remedy for this condition. The vulva is wiped with this substance and it is applied within the vagina as well. Since gentian violet is bright purple in color and stains all clothing, it is a good idea to utilize menstrual pads while using this treatment.

All too often, contemporary medicine deals with alleviating symptoms rather than removing the root causes of the disease. This certainly seems to be true as far as treating yeast infection goes.

Now, medications currently used do get rid of symptoms in about 80% of the patients. Unfortunately, many people see their symptoms coming right back - sometimes with greater severity - after the initial attack was successfully treated. Maybe you've experienced that yourself.

Sarah Summer, a health researcher, stumbled upon an effective natural cure for yeast infection. She says that the infection can be cured quite rapidly, without using any dangerous drugs. Best of all, the cure is permanent, because it deals with the underlying causes of yeast infection instead of merely trying to control the symptoms.

You can access Sarah's information by going to her site here.

Yeast infection is also known as vaginal candidiasis or monilial vaginitis. This refers to an infection in the vagina caused by fungal organism called Candida albicans. It can also occur in other areas of the body including the mouth. Men can develop yeast infections on the penis or on other body areas.

Candida albicans is found in human populations all over the world. It lives in the vagina, on the skin, in the mouth, in the digestive tract, etc and normally does not cause any problems.

Body areas like the vagina have several microorganisms that live in it. Symptoms of yeast infection occur when the population of Candida albicans becomes disproportionately large in relation to other microorganisms.

This happens because conditions in the vagina favor this particular microorganism, at that point in time. For instance, a course of antibiotics meant to target an entirely different problem may end up killing off some kinds of vaginal microorganisms that are anti-fungal in nature. This allows the Candida albicans population to multiply unchecked, which results in a yeast infection.

Higher levels of estrogen can cause infection too. This can happen during pregnancy or in women who are on birth control pills.

In addition, diabetics are known to have a higher risk of developing yeast infections. People with immune system diseases like HIV may also be at risk.

In most cases, the symptoms go away after treatment. However, chronic or repeat infections do occur in some people.

You can prevent yeast infections to an extent by using common sense measures:

• Ensure that your underwear or pantyhose has cotton crotches.
• In general, avoid overly tight-fitting clothing on the genital area.
• If you exercise regularly, make sure you change sweat-soaked clothing after you finish the exercise session.
• Do not wear wet bathing suits for long periods of time.
• Wash bathing suits and exercise clothing thoroughly after each use. Do not reuse them without washing.