Vaginal yeast infections are a common, irritating condition in the lives of many women. In fact, up to 75% of women will have a yeast infection at some point in their lives. Infection of the vaginal mucosa by yeast called Candida (most commonly Candida albicans) results in local inflammation and causes a number of uncomfortable symptoms. In a small percentage of cases, the yeast infections can become chronic, which means that they occur more than 4 times a year. This is often a sign of some other underlying condition or imbalance.

Signs and Symptoms of Yeast Infection
Local infection of the vagina and surrounding vulva can cause a variety of symptoms including itching, pain, redness, discomfort, and a thick white discharge that resembles cottage cheese. If the infection progresses and becomes more severe, the vagina can swell, and fissure (crack) causing painful sores in the area. Most commonly, women suffering from a Yeast Infection will first complain of burning, soreness, and pain during intercourse, along with an increased discharge.

What causes Yeast Infections?
Although the symptoms of a yeast infection are caused by overgrowth of Candida, this overgrowth is usually caused by some other underlying imbalance. Both bacteria and Candida are naturally found in the vagina, and they work to keep each other in balance. The most common cause of imbalance in women is the hormone fluctuations that occur during the menstrual cycle. The natural vaginal flora is affected by pH and secretion changes that occur during menses, and these changes can cause a die off of bacteria like Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria. When the natural bacterial flora disappears, it leaves more available nutrients and space for Candida to grow and flourish, which can quickly become an overgrowth. Other things that can cause a loss of natural vaginal flora are pH imbalanced douches (vaginal washes), antibiotics, and illnesses such as diabetes and AIDS.

Chronic Yeast Infections Underlying Illness
A very common cause of recurring yeast infections is the unregulated high blood sugar levels caused by diabetes. With access to far more sugar than normal, both bacteria and yeast can grow excessively in the vagina and cause symptoms of infection. In patients with AIDS, the immune system is compromised and can no longer keep the vaginal flora in check. Hormonal imbalances can also cause ongoing problems with flora in the vagina, and a Yeast Infection can be caused by hormonal contraceptive use (birth control pills), and can even be an early sign of pregnancy. It is important with chronic yeast infections to discover what is going on beneath the surface, as recurring infections can be a sign of a larger problem.

Prevention
Even if you monitor your overall health and hormonal balance to prevent these disruptions, Yeast Infections can still occur. Some contributing factors are the use of vaginal douches, so avoiding these can help to prevent infections. Simply wash the external vulva with gentle soap and water and dry. The vagina will naturally maintain itself using its own secretions and using harsh cleansers can unbalance this effect. Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing, and give the vagina and surrounding vulva time to "breathe" during the day or night as proper aeration can help to prevent microbial overgrowth. This means spending time not wearing underwear or using breathable natural fabrics such cotton or bamboo.

Conventional Treatment
The most common over the counter and prescription treatments for Yeast Infections are anti-fungal drugs such as Nystatin and Butoconazole. These can come as topical creams, vaginal suppositories or pills. According to research these medications are ineffective in up to 20% of cases, which means that they fail to clear the infection in 7-10 days. Some medications can also have side effects such as headache and nausea.

Home Treatments
One common home remedy for Yeast Infections is the use of garlic. It can be eaten at anywhere from 1-3 cloves a day (raw is preferable to maintain the active constituents). Alternatively, some practitioners recommend using garlic internally. A clove of garlic can be pierced repeatedly with a fork and a string or floss can be tied through it using a needle to allow for easy retrieval. The entire clove can then be inserted into the vagina and left overnight. If you are worried about not being able to retrieve the clove, simply crush the garlic into a small piece of cheesecloth, tie the end closed, and insert into the vagina overnight. If you are uncomfortable with inserting garlic internally, you can supplement with garlic extract instead, to help kill off the excess yeast, although this may take a few more days to be effective. The active constituents in the garlic will kill off excess Candida, whether used internally or by mouth. If you combine this with probiotic supplementation, most yeast infections will clear in as little as one treatment, although some may take a few days of repeated use.

Probiotics
One of the easiest ways to treat the symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection is through the use of probiotics. There are a number of products particularly targeted at vaginal colonization, and they can be supplemented either by mouth or as direct vaginal suppositories. Be sure to find a supplement that emphasizes Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium longus, and Bifidobacterium bifidus. For more information on vaginal Probiotics, please click here.

Caprylic Acid
One anti-fungal agent that has been proven to be effective against Candida is Caprylic Acid. Although it is generally used for systemic yeast overload, this supplement can help to reduce vaginal Candida infections as well. For more information on caprylic acid, please click here.

Grapefruit Seed Extract
This potent extract can be used topically and internally to kill Candida inside and out. For more information on grapefruit seed extract, please click here.

Diet and Lifestyle
Reducing your sugar intake and ensuring you drink enough water are two ways you can help your body to fight off the infection. Get enough sleep and be sure to take care of yourself. Often these small infections are a sign that our immune system is run down and we may need to take some time to replenish and rest.

Important Information
If symptoms persist for longer than one week, or if you have chronic yeast infections (more than 4 per year), seek advice from your healthcare provider. Do not use formulas intended for internal use externally or in the vagina as they may cause further irritation.

The following list of supplements can be used for preventing and treating vaginal yeast infections. Adult doses are given. Ensure all products are yeast free. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding seek advice from a health professional before beginning treatment. (CLICK SUPPLEMENT NAME FOR PRODUCTS)