Handling Yeast, Fungal and Bacterial Infections

(Newswire.net — July 22, 2018) Cheyenne, Wyoming — By the age of 20, every woman has encountered yeast at least once in her life. As uncomfortable as it is, one must accept that it’s a natural inconvenience due to the never ending cycle of vaginal pH and good bacteria cultivation. Learning what triggers bacterial and yeast infections then exercising preventative steps will help keep vaginal discomforts at bay.   

“Bacterial vaginosis results from overgrowth of one of several bacteria naturally found in your vagina, usually, “good” bacteria (lactobacilli) outnumber “bad” bacteria (anaerobes),” explains the Mayo Clinic. “But if there are too many anaerobic bacteria, they upset the natural balance of microorganisms in your vagina and cause bacterial vaginosis.” 

When the “good” bacteria isn’t able to protect the vagina as intended, it makes way for yeast to breed out of control, most commonly a type of yeast known as Candida albicans. A change in vaginal pH is always found to be part of the cause whenever an infection occurs.

“pH refers to the vagina’s acidity level, a vaginal pH of 3.5 – 4.5 indicates that there is a perfect amount of good bacteria (lactobacilli), and no overgrowth of the bad bacteria that can cause odor, irritation and sometimes infection,” says Doctor Oz. “Bacterial vaginosis, not yeast, is the most common cause of abnormal vaginal discharge, accounting for 40 to 50% of cases.” 

Women with bacterial vaginosis are at risk for many more serious medical conditions including preterm delivery, post-hysterectomy infection, and an increased tendency to acquire STDs such as gonorrhea and chlamydia. They also have an increased risk of pelvic inflammatory disease and subsequent infertility. 

The pH of one’s vaginal ecosystem is influenced by a number of variables such as menstruation during which the vagina’s pH becomes less acidic since blood has a pH of 7.4 and tampon use exacerbates the issues especially if left in longer than meant to.  

Other natural events affect the vagina’s pH such as sex during which semen with a pH of 7.1 to 8 is introduced and menopause or pregnancy that cause hormonal changes. Lastly, douching or even just flushing the vagina with water (pH 7) can cause irritation to the vagina thereby leading to an infection.  

“The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) advises women against douching,” reports Health Line. “This is because it can kill good bacteria in the vagina that prevent infections – instead, you should clean only the outside areas of your vagina with gentle soap and water.”

Treatments like the HealthyWiser Femme-Fresh™ Vaginal Suppository helps reestablish vaginal pH balance plus functions as an anti-fungal agent to soothe itchiness and irritation. Additionally, there are some basic lifestyle precautions to be observed.

Ensure to properly dry the genital area after a shower, wipe from back to front whenever using the loo and wear breathable underwear. Also, avoid perfumed soaps, antiseptics, wearing articles which fit tightly at the crotch and unnecessary use of antibiotics as they affect the balance of vaginal organisms.