Frequent yeast infections? And why is this happening to me?

About 5% of women have recurrent yeast infections (more than 4 infections, or at least 3 infections that were not related to the use of antibiotics, in the past year). They can be frustrating and inconvenient. Why do yeast infections occur frequently? Here are some of the most common reasons.

Have you recently taken any medication? Frequent use of antibiotics can kill some of the bacteria normally present in the vagina and thus allow the yeasts to multiply, which causes frequent vaginal yeast infections. Some medicines that reduce the immune system's response (such as medicines used to treat cancer or to reduce the possibility of rejection of transplanted organs) can decrease the body's ability to fight yeast infections, which leads to more frequent infections.

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What is your method of contraception? Spermicides, gels, foams and creams used in conjunction with diaphragms and condoms can kill bacteria normally found in the vagina and make it easier for yeast to grow and spread in the vagina. Oral contraceptives that contain estrogen, especially high-strength oral contraceptives, can make it easier for yeast to grow in the vagina.

Is your immune system weakened? A weak immune system reduces the body's ability to fight infections, especially yeast infections.

Do you have problems with sugar? If you have diabetes, having frequent vaginal yeast infections may be a sign that your diabetes is not well controlled and that your blood sugar is too high. Some people have suggested that a diet that is too high in sugar may contribute to the incidence of frequent yeast infections, but this claim could not be proven by medical studies.

Are your clothes at fault? Clothes that are too tight, especially those made from synthetic fabrics, can increase the humidity and heat in the vaginal area, which can facilitate yeast growth. Choosing natural fabrics like cotton keeps the area cooler and drier.

Do you have frequent sex? Frequent sexual activity may also irritate the vaginal area and increase the risk of getting vaginal infections. It is not sure whether yeast infections are sexually transmitted. About half of all women who have recurrent yeast infection have a sexual partner who is also infected. But, so far, no study has shown that treating a woman's sexual partner helps prevent recurrent yeast infections in women.

Are you using the wrong treatment? Sometimes frequent infections can occur because the treatment chosen is not effective against the type of yeast causing the infection. Although Candida albicans is the most common type of yeast causing yeast infections, certain types of yeast that are more difficult to treat, such as Candida glabrata , can also infect the vagina and these types of yeast are found more commonly in people. with recurrent infections. Another common cause of yeast infections is resistance, a phenomenon produced when yeasts change their genetic makeup, making them more difficult to treat.

Other factors that make your infection more likely to come back include not using treatment as directed, missing doses, or stopping the medicine before it is fully used.

If you have frequent yeast infections, check with your doctor before trying to treat them on your own. Your doctor can help you find out why you get these infections frequently and suggest an effective treatment.

 Candidiasis : Treatment and Prevention

Normally, candidiasis is not a dangerous infection, except in the rare cases when it spreads in the blood and reaches the vital organs of people with an impaired immune system.

In the case of a skin infection, your doctor may prescribe an antifungal in the form of a cream or a tablet to take by mouth. When it comes to vaginal yeast infections, treatment consists of antifungal drugs given either directly into the vagina in the form of tablets, creams, ointments or suppositories, or given by mouth (such as fluconazole *). Talk to your pharmacist - you do not need a prescription to get many of the products used to treat minor infections. For oral thrush, you can rinse your mouth with a suspension of antifungal medicine before swallowing.

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The use of oral antifungal medication over several days may be necessary in severe cases.

The following hygiene measures can help prevent genital candidiasis:

• wipe from front to back after removing your toilet - yeasts are present in large numbers in the rectal area;
• pat yourself dry after a bath, and be particularly careful to dry pubic hair - use a blow dryer on the lowest setting if necessary;
• refrain from soaping the vaginal area - the soap kills beneficial bacteria and has no effect on yeasts;
• sterilize or throw away any underwear you wore during your last infection - the machine wash water is not hot enough, you have to boil it if you want to keep it. You must also get new diaphragms or new cervical caps);
• Avoid chemicals in scented tampons and douches, they are of no use and can cause infection.

The following precautions are not only rational, but in line with preventive measures against candidiasis:

• wear loose cotton underwear;
• avoid tight pantyhose and pants;
• your health care provider may recommend that you consume raw yogurt, especially if you are on antibiotic therapy or if other factors are particularly predisposing to yeast infections - pasteurized yogurt is not effective. Some health food stores sell Lactobacillus acidophilus in tablet form which can help control the yeast population;
• decrease your intake of sugar and alcohol (the favorite foods of yeasts);
• consider replacing “the pill” - if you have had repeated infections, talk to your doctor about which birth control pills you could use instead and which would help you;
• Avoid antibiotics if you have a cold or the flu - the flu is caused by viruses that antibiotics don't help against and can even lead to candidiasis.

 Candidiasis : Diagnostic

To make a diagnosis, your doctor will examine the affected area, ask you about your symptoms, and your recent use of antibiotics or drugs that may weaken the immune system. He will also review any history of diabetes, cancer, HIV infection, or other chronic illnesses.

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Candidiasis is easy to identify. The yeast is examined under a microscope after being detached from the affected area. However, since yeast is normally present anyway, your doctor will want to make sure it's Candida that's causing the problem and not something else. The appearance of the rash may be sufficient for diagnosis.

 Candidiasis : Symptoms and Complications

Candida infections of the skin lead to the appearance of a red, well-defined skin plaque that is itchy and beaded fluid. It may be lined with scabs and pustules. It is usually found in areas such as the groin, the folds of the buttocks, the space between the breasts, toes or fingers, and in the navel. This plaque can be difficult to see on the dark skin of some people.

A vaginal yeast infection can cause a thick, white, lumpy-looking substance like cottage cheese to discharge with little or no odor. They appear in the vagina as an itching or a burning sensation, especially during the emission of urine or sexual intercourse which often generates pain or a feeling of discomfort.

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The paronychia is a form of candidiasis affecting nails. This infection is more common in people who often have their hands in water. It sometimes causes painful, red swelling of the fingers. In the most severe cases, the nails may peel off and reveal a discolored whitish or yellow nail bed.

Oral thrush causes white curd-like patches to appear inside the mouth, on the tongue and palate, and around the lips. It can also cause cracked, reddish, moist areas to appear on the skin at the corners of the lips. Thrush patches sometimes cause pain.

Infections of the penis caused by Candida are rare, but they can lead to swelling and red coloring of the tip of the penis, as well as pain.

 Candidiasis : Causes

Candidiasis cannot be caught. The yeast is already there.There are a number of factors that can increase the risk of yeast overgrowth. One of the most common causes is the overuse of antibiotics. In order to live on us, yeasts have to compete with various other organisms, the majority of which are bacteria. These bacteria, which thrive on the skin, in the intestine and in the vagina, among other places, are harmless but effectively fight yeasts. When antibiotics are prescribed to kill more harmful bacteria, they also kill harmless bacteria. Yeasts that are not affected by antibiotics spread to places left vacant by bacteria, and begin to grow and multiply.

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Steroids and some cancer drugs weaken the immune system and can promote yeast overgrowth. Infections of the mouth with Candida albicans (also known as oral thrush ) most often affect people with diseases such as cancer and AIDS. People with diabetes and those who wear dentures that cause chronic irritation are also more susceptible to oral thrush. Taking oral contraceptives increases the risk of developing vaginal candidiasis. Hot temperatures, poor hygiene, and tight clothing are also risk factors, as they create the ideal environment for candida.

Other factors that promote the overgrowth of Candida include obesity and pregnancy. The yeast usually infects the intertriginous regions , that is, the places where the skin is in contact with itself. Overweight people have more skin folds. They also sweat more than others, and Candida albicans likes wet skin. Pregnancy increases estrogen levels, which increases the risk of infection.

Candidiasis is not considered a sexually transmitted infection because it is unlikely that an infected woman will transmit it to her sexual partner. However, if the infection continues to recur, the sexual partner may also undergo treatment.

 Essential oils remedies for chronic candidiasis

The essential oils are good aids for combating Candida albicans . Some have demonstrated their antifungal and antibacterial properties, without the side effects of broad-spectrum antibiotics, which sometimes cause this infection.

Studies have shown the effectiveness against candida of essential oils:

• cinnamon
• oregano
• noble laurel
• tea tree

But beware, essential oils are not harmless products. Misused, they can be dangerous, as is the case of oregano essential oil which can burn the skin in case of direct contact.

It is necessary to take care to dilute them with vegetable oil and especially to respect the dosage and the use that the pharmacist advises you.

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 Caprylic acid remedies for chronic candidiasis

Caprylic acid is a fatty acid found primarily in breast milk, palm oil, and coconut oil, which also has antimicrobial and antifungal properties against Candida .
This fatty acid can be taken as a food supplement, however it must be checked that the capsule is gastro-resistant so that it can be absorbed from the intestines in order to be as effective as possible.

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Several studies have shown the effectiveness of caprylic acid against chronic candidiasis; in addition it does not modify or damage the intestinal microbiota. It can be used in capsule form, following the directions on the box or those of your therapist. Caprylic acid is naturally found in coconut oil , you can use this oil more often in cooking for extra support.