Home » Health & Wellness » Canadian Health Care » Itch, Scratch and Burn: How Women Cope

Itch, Scratch and Burn: How Women Cope

© Mary M. Alward

Any woman who has ever suffered from Candida, commonly known as vaginal yeast infection, can easily relate to the title of this article. Those who experience recurring yeast infections may possibly be looking for a way to prevent them. Yeast infections are nasty. Symptoms include vaginal itching and burning that, in many cases, can cause mental anguish. Scratching makes the symptoms worse. It can also cause serious infection not related to yeast. Other symptoms include a thick, white discharge and redness and swelling of the genital area.

Once a woman has had a yeast infection, she will know immediately when the condition returns. However, other conditions such as sexually transmitted disease can mimic the symptoms of yeast infection. For this reason, yeast infections should never be self diagnosed. It is important that a culture is taken each time these symptoms appear.

Yeast infections can be caused by a multitude of factors. Primarily a problem of women of child-bearing age, scientists agree that hormones are largely to blame. Yeast infections are more common in expectant mothers and women who use oral contraceptives. It is believed that the reason for this is the increase of vaginal glycogen, which is what yeast feeds on. Pregnant women and those who use oral birth control have an increased level of estrogen. This can cause candida overgrowth.

Yeast infections can also be caused by antibiotic use. This is because the antibiotics kill useful bacteria that normally fights yeast. Another common cause is the failure of a woman's immune system. It is not unusual for women suffering from HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) to experience recurring yeast infections. These infections are often the first clue that a woman has HIV. Those who suffer from high stress levels or diabetes have compromised immune systems, which allow yeast infections to return without warning.

If you experience recurring yeast infections, there are ways of decreasing the risk. Eliminate the use of carbohydrates and refined sugar from your diet. Dairy products should be eaten only in small quantities, with the exception of plain, unsweetened yogurt that contains active bacteria. This type of yogurt should be eaten daily. The active bacteria helps your body maintain a healthy level of yeast, which will help to prevent vaginal yeast infection.

Over the counter remedies for yeast infection are common today. Use these with caution. These drugs are potent antifungals and are not well tolerated by some women. They can cause severe headache, abdominal cramps and vaginal burning. Douching is not recommended for healthy women. It reduces the natural vaginal bacteria that keeps the body healthy. A douche may be used when a yeast infection is present. Add two tablespoons of vinegar to one quart of water. This will clear up minor infections. For more severe cases, use a douche of goldenseal/myrrh tea. Add ½ teaspoon and ½ teaspoon of myrrh to three cups of boiling water. Let steep for thirty minutes. Cool, strain and use.

The copyright of the article Itch, Scratch and Burn: How Women Cope in Canadian Health Care is owned by . Permission to republish Itch, Scratch and Burn: How Women Cope in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.