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Introduction to Yeast Infections
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Understanding Yeast Infections
Yeast infections are caused by a fungus called Candida. While Candida naturally lives in small amounts in the vagina, mouth, and digestive tract, an imbalance can cause it to multiply excessively. This imbalance can be triggered by various factors, including antibiotic use, hormonal changes, high blood sugar levels, a weakened immune system, and poor hygiene practices.
The symptoms of a yeast infection can be quite uncomfortable and include:
- Itching and irritation in the vagina and vulva.
- A burning sensation, especially during intercourse or while urinating.
- Redness and swelling of the vulva.
- Vaginal pain and soreness.
- White, odorless vaginal discharge with a thick appearance.
Common Causes and Risk Factors:
- Antibiotics: While antibiotics are effective at killing bacteria causing infections, they can also kill the good bacteria in the vagina that control Candida growth. Without these bacteria, Candida can overgrow, leading to a yeast infection.
- Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes during pregnancy, menstruation, or hormone therapy can disrupt the balance of yeast and bacteria in the vagina.
- Weakened Immune System: Conditions like HIV/AIDS or treatments like chemotherapy can weaken the immune system, making it easier for Candida to overgrow.
- Poor Hygiene and Tight Clothing: Wearing tight, non-breathable clothing and not practicing good hygiene can create a moist environment that promotes yeast growth.
Prevention Strategies
Preventing yeast infections involves maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria and yeast in the body. Here are some effective strategies:
- Practice Good Hygiene: Keep the vaginal area clean and dry. Avoid douching, which can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria and yeast.
- Wear Breathable Clothing: Opt for cotton underwear and avoid tight-fitting pants. This helps reduce moisture and creates a less favorable environment for yeast growth.
- Be Mindful of Antibiotic Use: Only use antibiotics when necessary and as prescribed by a healthcare provider. Probiotics can help maintain healthy bacteria levels during and after antibiotic use.
- Balanced Diet: Eating a balanced diet low in sugar and refined carbohydrates can help prevent yeast overgrowth. Some studies suggest that probiotics found in yogurt and supplements can promote a healthy balance of bacteria in the body.
Our Treatment
If you suspect you have a yeast infection, it's essential to take a SheMed Yeast Infection Test for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Understanding yeast infections, their causes, and how to prevent and treat them, can significantly enhance your quality of life. Remember, it is best to have a SheMed yeast infection test readily available in your cabinet so if you do experience symptoms, SheMed is there for immediate help!
To purchase or learn more about our Women’s Health Kits, go here and follow us on Instagram to keep caught up on new product launches, exclusives, women’s health tips, and more. @SheMed_official.
This following story is a 100% true cautionary tale about my dear friend whose family vacation was somewhat compromised due to her yeast infection not getting properly solved prior to departing America.
During my friend’s last week at home before departing to Europe for over a month, she spent ample time sunbathing and swimming as wanted to look and feel her best for the journey ahead.
Since she was leaving for such a prolonged time it also meant she had to soak up as many moments with her boyfriend as she could. Unfortunately this combination of nonstop swimming & swooning led her to develop a yeast infection. She knew something was wrong so she went to her gynecologist to receive tests for a UTI and a yeast infection.
Sadly, the gynecology office took over a week to get back to her and it wasn’t until multiple days into her travel that she received the news of a positive yeast infection test.
She felt uncomfortable, itchy, and overall sick, though she didn’t want to spoil the rest of the family’s plans so she kept quiet assuming they couldn’t notice, until one day, the infection made itself known.
The yeast infection had started to spread and my friend’s entire body was soon covered with a red uncomfortable rash. She was not only experiencing physical symptoms by this rash but she was also embarrassed to be out in public looking this way.
It was a complicated and long process to try and receive the correct medication for her situation. She tried a cream at a nearby Italian drugstore, and when that did not work she went to five other local drug stores near and far, with her father, trying to find an alternate solution while showing her diagnosis.
It wasn’t until her family moved locations to a larger city, two whole weeks later, that she was able to consult with a hospital. Even then, they were not sure what to prescribe and she had to do her own research and ask for a specific medication.
This story truly highlights the urgency of getting both tested and treated immediately when you are feeling onset symptoms to prevent spreading, and prolonged pain. Going forward, my friend has since been stocked up on our yeast infection tests, so she will never leave the country before receiving instant access to care again and treatment.
Google can be very misleading with at home remedies.
That is a lesson I have learned countless times before with at home hair dying, face masks, and more; but nothing solidified that lesson further than when my best friend and I turned to douching.
We both had serious boyfriends at the time and were having sex frequently. We were very open to talking about our sex lives and we would always share tips and tricks to improve the experience. One thing we were always conscious about was odor and cleanliness. We never wanted to feel embarrassed and always wanted to feel confident so we turned to the internet and tried many different outlets that were in our reach at home.
One day as we were walking the aisles of CVS together we saw douches and remembered seeing them as a great option to keeping your vagina at its healthiest state, so of course, we decided to try it. From the packaging, our understanding was that it just gives a thorough clean, and there are no real downsides to trying it.
We were wrong!
After we got back to our dorms we were excited to try our new product so we went to the communal bathrooms and were dying of laughter from a few showers away about how we get so easily persuaded into these things.
The next morning is when we realized that we made a big mistake.
We were both dealing with the itchiest, most uncomfortable situation we have ever endured. We texted each other during class so confused what happened and wondering if we did something wrong.
It turned out that douching can actually cause an overgrowth of harmful bacteria that can cause you to develop a yeast infection.
After class we made our way to the health center and had to sheepishly admit what we had done as well as call our moms so they were aware what the medication charge was for.
Thankfully any young women who get bold with online suggestions can now purchase SheMed’s Bundle and be prepared for any aftermath from the comfort of your own home.