What are the Symptoms of Thrush And Is There a Permanent Cure?

Women's Issues Articles | April 26, 2011

Candida yeast infection or thrush is a painful, embarrassing and persistent condition. Many of the treatments will only temporarily deal with the symptoms and the infection will return. There are many different symptoms associated with candida yeast infection and doctors often do not diagnose it. Even if you have tried other treatments without success do not be despondent. There is a holistic treatment system available that provides quick results and a permanent cure.

Thrush is an infection of the vagina which is caused by a yeast called Candida albicans. This form of candida is normally present on and in our bodies and is part of the normal balance of the body, living in balance with other microorganisms, including beneficial bacteria. However, when there are changes in the body's environment, which will have a negative affect and create an imbalance, then an overgrowth of the yeast can occur.

What causes thrush?

There are a range of factors that can cause the imbalance. Any of the following can contribute to the circumstances which will provide a change in your body and create the right environment for the yeast to proliferate and thrive:

1. Antibiotics

2. Poor nutrition or iron deficiency

3. Over consumption of sugar

4. Birth control pills

5. Hormonal shifts or changes in menstrual cycle

6. Compromised immune function

Yeast infections can also occur through transfer across the perineum (the area between the anus and the vagina) from the anus to the vagina. Good personal hygiene and wiping front to back with toilet paper are important to prevent this.

What are the symptoms?

If you think you have a vaginal yeast infection then do not be overly worried.

It might seem terrible when you first see the symptoms but you should remember they are a fairly common problem for women and are treatable.

They occur predominantly in women between puberty and menopause. During this time oestrogen stimulates cells lining the vagina to produce a sugar which enables the yeast to thrive.

Pregnant women are more prone to getting thrush owing to the changes occurring in their bodies. Women with diabetes are also more likely to experience yeast infections.

Symptoms of thrush will often include:

1. Itching of the vagina or vulva

2. Burning sensation when urinating

3. Redness and irritation of the vagina, vulva or perineum

4. Thick, cheese-like, discharge that is usually white or yellowish

5. Soreness of the vagina during and after sex

6. Changes in the smell of vaginal secretions

Symptoms will generally build up over one to three days.

How do you prevent thrush?

There are some things you can do to help reduce the chances of getting thrush.

1. Avoid sugar and alcohol at the first signs of the onset of thrush and during an infection.

2. Avoid using deodorised or perfumed sanitary/menstrual products

3. Limit wearing pantyhose and synthetic underwear as much as possible, and change to cotton underwear to allow the area to breath as perspiration and heat will encourage growth.

4. Be vigilant about personal hygiene.

5. Take acidophilus both during and for a while after taking antibiotics.

6. Wash with soap alternatives, particularly when washing your genital area.

7. Avoid using deodorised or perfumed toilet paper.

8. Use pads instead of tampons.

9. Avoid using unnecessary douches, powders, sprays and deodorants in the genital area.

It has also been suggested that foods rich in yeast and moulds, when eaten in large quantities, can also give rise to candida infections. These foods include bread, mushrooms, cheese and pickles. Cooking with garlic is strongly recommended.

What is the cure?

The different medication treatments are basically aimed at using toxic ingredients to kill off the yeast and reduce the yeast overgrowth so that it will no longer cause symptoms.

These medication treatments could include:

anti-fungal creams or vaginal pessaries/tablets that are put inside the vagina with a special applicator and are used for up to six days.
oral tablets that are designed to be swallowed.

The problem with these treatments are that they are a quick fix and likely to be only a temporary solution. They appeal to many people as they appear to be the 'magic bullet' and offer what appears to be an easy solution.

However, on closer inspection they may only be providing a temporary solution at best. They are unlikely to be effective longer term as candida is a complex environmental condition. These treatments are not looking at dealing with the environmental factors that brought about the condition in the first place.

Alternative approaches are worth considering and there are remedies that can soothe discomfort and help the body overcome infection without the use of toxic medicines.

Many of the medication treatments will work temporarily on the symptoms, but the candida yeast will still be there and the longer term infection will return quickly if given the chance. To fully address the candida yeast infection you need a holistic cure system that will permanently eliminate your infection quickly and naturally.

Having a clinically researched method and powerful healing system, developed as a result of personal experience with this condition, and based on extensive research, will eliminate your candida yeast infection. You will be able to quickly get your infection under control and permanently remove the related symptoms.

Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Visit The Wellbeing Factor (http://www.thewellbeingfactor.com/) to find out more about how you can cure your candida yeast infection. Linda Allen (http://bit.ly/aDEzKu) is a Medical Researcher, Nutritionist, Health Consultant and Former Yeast Infection Sufferer. She can show you how to cure your candida yeast infection permanently and regain your health and wellbeing, without drugs, without typical yeast infection treatments, and without any side effects.