Category Archives: Female Yeast Infection Diagnosis

Female Yeast Infection Diagnosis, Vaginal Yeast Infections, Yeast Infections and Women

Vaginal Yeast Infection Cure: Stage 1 – Antifungal and Antibacterial Douching

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The purpose of this first phase of the process is to reduce Inflammation and wipe out bacteria and yeast infections. You should give yourself about 30 minutes for this initial phase.

The Main Benefit of the Antifungal and Antibacterial Douche

The Manuka honey and fresh garlic treatment can give significant relief from the itching and burning of vaginal yeast infections. Manuka honey is native only to New Zealand, but is available in America and Canada, as well as many other countries and is the only true medicinal honey. This amazing honey reduces inflammation, wipes out bacteria and with the addition of garlic even yeast infections. Manuka honey heals cuts, burns and is now even being used in hospitals in various parts of the world.

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What You Need for the Douche

One to two tablespoons of New Zealand manuka honey, preferably with a high UMF rating. (Read below about UMF). For best results, add one or two finely chopped cloves of fresh garlic to the honey.

How to Complete the Douche

Warm the honey gently in a cup, jar or bowl suspended in hot water; this takes only a few minutes. For quick relief, I recommend that you try manuka honey and insert it vaginally, after warming it a little. After gently warming it, insert the manuka honey and garlic and let it sit on the skin in and around the vagina and pubic area for as long as possible. Lie down and relax for 20 minutes or if this is not possible, wear a sanitary napkin. After 30 minutes or longer (longer is better) have a warm douche with apple cider vinegar – (see Stage 2)

Why Manuka Honey?

Manuka honey comes from the white flower of the New Zealand tea tree oil tree named Manuka (Leptospermum scoparium). Manuka honey has been shown clinically to be strongly anti-inflammatory in addition to being anti-bacterial and anti-fungal by nature.

Some scientists and leading medical experts have rated manuka honey as one of the best skin healers because it heals without harming even the most delicate skin of your body, including your vagina. Many studies have shown that manuka honey not only kills bacteria but that it is great for yeast infections and any inflamed skin in general. What about the sugar, won’t it feed the candida yeast infection? No, it won’t, it will only do this if you eat the honey and let it pass through the digestive tract.

Where do you get Manuka honey from? You can buy it readily online at Amazon or in the whole foods section of your health food store.

What type of manuka honey should you get? You should get the one with the highest UMF® rating (Unique Manuka Factor) you can afford, which is essentially this unique honey’s non-peroxide antibacterial/anti-fungal activity level, the higher the UMF level, the more antibacterial and anti-inflammatory the honey is. A manuka honey with a 15 – 16 UMF rating is very good, but one with a 30+ rating is superb. The higher the UMF number the better and the higher grades are priced accordingly and may be harder to get.

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Female Yeast Infection Diagnosis, Vaginal Yeast Infections

Do I Have A Vaginal Yeast Infection Or Is It Something Else?

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I’ve seen many women over the years who complain of itching, thrush and discharge. Many are uncertain when it comes to understanding exactly what it is they have, and for those women they will find this a useful post. Vaginal thrush infections are caused by yeast infections, Candida vaginal yeast infections are the most common cause of vaginitis and are a cause of huge irritation and inconvenience for many women. Symptoms are itching in the groin area and in and around the vagina especially. Increased discharge is not necessarily present in this condition.

Remember, you are most likely at risk of developing candida fungal vaginal infections (thrush) increases if you:

  • Have diabetes.
  • Are pregnant.
  • Habitually use an antibiotic.
  • Take the oral contraceptive pill.
  • Have a defective immune system.

These are some of the most likely causes, and they may lead you straight into a diagnosis of a vaginal yeast infection. A vaginal yeast infection is almost always caused by a change in the vagina’s acid balance, which leads to an increase in yeast and an over growth. Yeast infections are often seen after a person takes antibiotics. Sometimes however, there may not be an obvious reason as to why a woman has developed a thrush infection. Diagnosis is straightforward however and can be confirmed by taking a swab from the vagina. Conventional treatment is either with pessaries (tablets in the vagina) or tablets by mouth. However could it be vaginal yeast infection or perhaps is it another thing? In just a moment we will look at a chart I put together which outlines the different kinds of vaginal problems you are most likely to experience, and their typical signs and symptoms.

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Suppressive Treatments Don’t Cure Vaginal Yeast Infections

Your doctor may prescribe topical therapies, and the first application may cause burning as you place a cream or vaginal suppository into your vagina. This mode of treatment is very effective and using these conventional methods cures seventy to ninety percent of thrush. But is it really cured, or has this form of treatment just suppressed the yeast because the cause was never addressed?

My belief is that this form of treatment is very suppressive indeed, i.e.; the condition is driven back into the body and because the causes remain untreated and thrush may recur at anytime. I tend to find that many women with endometriosis (and many other chronic “women’s problems”) can relate to having treated their vaginal yeast infection many years ago just like this, with local vaginal treatment and antibiotics, and believe they have “cured” it, only to discover in time that they are diagnosed with endometriosis or some other chronic women’s problem.

The Whole Person Needs Treatment And Not Just Their Vagina

I’ve found from experience that an imbalance in the vaginal micro flora is most always indicative of a similar imbalance in a woman’s digestive tract and further afield. Therefore, when a patient presents to my clinic with a recurrent vaginal yeast infection I always recommend that she follow the entire Candida Crusher Program. If the vaginal is acute and not a recurrent problem however, an isolated instance can effectively be treated locally as I describe below without having to resort to systemic (diet and lifestyle) treatment. But if the problem resurfaces or is chronic, then the Candida Crusher Program is best followed for a complete resolution thrush of the thrush.

But What If It Is Not Vaginal Thrush, What Then?

Here are five other presentations besides vaginal thrush, and it is important that you know what you are dealing with before you commence treatment. As usual, it is always best to seek the help of your doctor when it comes to diagnosis, once a firm diagnosis is made and you know what you are dealing with you will be able to know how to treat it.

1 – Trichomoniasis

Sometimes called “trich”, trichomoniasis is different from the other complaints in that a small organism called a flagellate causes it. It is common to experience an abundant greenish-yellow discharge, an itching which can range from mild to extremely intense and even a strong burning sensation or pain in the vagina. Diagnosis is performed by analyzing a swab of the discharge. Treatment is generally a short course of (strong) antibiotics, after which I recommend to take a powerful probiotic product for four to six weeks thereafter.

2 – Bacterial vaginosis (BV)

This condition is known as gardnerella vaginalis, and is caused by the growth of bacteria that causes the acidity of the vagina to become much more alkaline. Contributing factors are poor hygiene, poor health in general, birth-control IUD use, and in particular the transferring of E.coli bacteria from the rectal area to the vagina due to poor hygiene or sex.

The abundant alkalinity with this condition causes a fishy or brine-like smell and a grey foamy discharge. Diagnosis is carried out once again by analyzing a swab from the discharge, and the treatment is once again a short course of antibiotics.

Bacterial vaginosis is one of three common types of vaginitis (BV, vaginal yeast infection and trichomoniasis), and possibly the most common vaginal infection. Maybe you thought that vaginal yeast infections are the most common vaginal infection, well they are not, because BV is in fact the most common. A link between BV and low levels of vitamin D was discovered in June 2009 and reported by The Journal of Nutrition in The New York Times. My advice is to have a blood test for vitamin D and see what your levels are, you may be quite surprised to know that most of the population are borderline to low in the crucial immune boosting fat-soluble vitamin. Ensure good hygiene with sex, because many cases come from not enough care taken during sex.

3 – Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is an STD (sexually transmitted disease) that is caused by the gonococcus bacteria. You can have gonorrhea without experiencing any symptoms, but some people experience burning pain when urinating. However, gonorrhea is rarely seen these days. Diagnosis is confirmed by analyzing a swab from the cervix, urethra (entrance to the bladder) or back passage. Treatment is with very powerful antibiotics. Sexual partners also need to be traced, screened for gonorrhea and in addition diagnosed accordingly.

4 – Chlamydia

Chlamydia is likewise a sexually transmitted disease and is an unusual cause of vaginitis, because infection often does not produce symptoms unless pelvic inflammatory disease is present. Diagnosis is made by analyzing a sample taken from the cervix or the urethra. Treatment is with antibiotics. Sexual partners should be traced, tested and treated.

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5 – Genital Herpes

Genital herpes (Herpes type 2) is caused by the herpes simplex virus and is almost in all cases a sexually transmitted disease. It is possible to infect the genital area with the virus via contact with a cold sore (herpes type 1, part of the same family). Herpes is seen at the entrance to the vagina as small blisters. The first time a person has herpes, it is common for them to develop a fever, and night sweats may occur, swollen lymph nodes in the groin on the affected side, general discomfort is experienced, urination is painful, and the lips and entrance to the vagina may become swollen and red.

Eventually the herpes infection settles down, and the person experiences flare-ups ranging from very occasionally to very rarely. The skin in the affected area will become more sensitive and signal an imminent case of herpes.

A tingling sensation can be felt and then the blisters may appear which can itch intensely, and may even create a burning sensation if ruptured. It is in the herpes sufferer’s best interests to discover how to improve their health to the point where they rarely experience these flare-ups. In conventional medicine, a diagnosis is made by a doctor based on the appearance and with special swabs sent for analysis. Antiviral treatment is often recommended, but you will find in this case that natural medicine has a lot to offer this patient. In case you have herpes virus, particularly if it’s acute, I personally recommend a course of natural medication solution for at a minimum six to twelve months, simply because, doctors view herpes infections as “incurable” disease requiring a lifetime of drugs in order to suppress the symptoms.

Female Yeast Infection Diagnosis

How Do I Know If I Have A Women’s Yeast Infection?

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Are you suffering from following symptoms?

  • constant irritating discomfort itch down there in your vaginal area?
  • irritability, urinary issues
  • Itchiness and burning/pain when urinating
  • discharge
  • More on symptoms click here

Hello,

My name is Naturopath Eric Bakker  and I have seen thousands of women with complaints and symptoms just like this. If you have one of those symptoms then you are suffering from yeast infection. In many cases it could literally take over your life!  I have seen many patients saying they would rather die than live with this persistent itch down there which drives them crazy.

This article will cover the topic in detail and give you some solutions to get back your life. It’s never a good idea to leave yeast infection untreated as it can lead to many other complications. I will cover some important points and then give you a treatment option.

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Yeast infections are very common, in fact a lot more common than you think and affect many men and women today. Unfortunately, not many yeast infections are detected by conventional medical practitioners in my experience, and many are simply dismissed or just treated with antibiotics or other drugs. Candida albicans can cause a severe weakening of the immune system and if it is not recognized and treated in time can cause significant weakness of a person’s immune system, even leading to a major immune malfunction and possibly even contributing to premature death.

How Do I Know If I Have A Women Yeast Infection

The 6 most common signs of a woman’s yeast infection are:

1.You may notice an unrelenting itch in and around the affected area. This can range from occasional minor discomfort right through to an embarrassing vaginal itch that drives you literally crazy. It is important to remember that yeast infections favor the dark, warm and moist areas of your body, including the vagina and groin region, armpits, the rectal area, and the ear, nose and throat which are all potential yeast infection hot spots.

2.You may notice bloating, flatus or a painful and even burning digestive system. Yeast infections not only affect a woman’s vagina, they also commonly affect her digestive system and can produce a myriad of signs and symptoms of which “no cause” will be generally found. I have seen women take all manner of drugs from their doctor to relieve various yeast-related digestive discomforts including heartburn drugs, acid blockers, and constipation aids including laxatives. Some women end up at their gastroenterologist to have an endoscopy or colonoscopy to investigate their digestive pains only to be told that all is well.  Suspect a yeast infection if all the investigations reveal what you doctor calls NAD. (no abnormal diagnosis)

3. You may notice an increasing sensitivity to household chemicals. The cleaning products or cosmetics which previously were OK to use now are starting to cause skin rashes, irritability or severe itching. You may notice that you are becoming increasingly sensitive to common dietary allergens like cow’s milk, eggs, wheat/gluten, peanuts, oranges, corn and even sugar and especially yeast containing foods like breads.

4. You may notice mental, emotional or physical changes. I have certainly noticed that some women who are affected by a yeast infection can tend to have some difficulties in mental, emotional and particularly in physical coordination. They may complain to me of a “stuffy head” or even feel “out of it” at times. Their co-ordination can range from feeling a little dizzy at times right through to feeling stoned or drunk for no apparent reason. They may also become quite irrational, negative, suffer from mood swings and lack motivation. You will be able to read a lot more about these kinds of changes in my book Candida Crusher, where I outline the role of Candida metabolites like gliotoxins and mannan, and how they are linked with mental and emotional changes.

5. You may notice cravings for sweet or carbohydrate foods and/or drinks. A yeast infection needs feeding, just like a baby does and will prompt you to supply it with a steady source of food. Do you like or feel compelled to eat bread, cookies, muesli bars, pancakes and syrup, bagels, chocolate, coffee (with sugar), a nice glass of wine, soda drinks, candy, sugary breakfast cereals or any other source of sugar or refined carbohydrates? How do you feel if you stop eating your favorite sweet treat, lousy? Many women commonly do, and most with a yeast infection can really relate to some kind of sweet craving. My book Candida Crusher outlines in detail how and why many women like sweet things in their diet, and how to finally overcome these sweet cravings and addictions once and for all. Who knows, this may be the number one reason why you just can’t seem to lose weight in spite of all the dieting and exercising you have tried!

6.You may notice a white vaginal discharge, and especially if there is an itch present, suspect candida. My book Candida Crusher has an excellent protocol for you to crush your woman’s yeast infection once and for all. Do you have a whitish vaginal discharge, especially if there is no significant odor? Your discharge may smell a bit moldy or it could have the odor of beer, bread and even have an appearance like cottage cheese. If you have a bacterial related discharge (gardnerella, bacterial vaginosis) it will be much more offensive indeed and the discharge will be thinner and grayish.

The above six points were some of the more common and general things to look out for, but there are a few more highly specific signs and symptoms to look out for:

1. Painful sexual intercourse or painful urination. Sex may be a big turn-off if you have a yeast infection, and your partner may even be transferring the infection back to you. Be sure to observe a very high level of hygiene in any sexual relationships. Trips to the toilet may be quite uncomfortable and cause a stinging or burning sensation, making you think you have a urinary tract infection when in fact it could well be a yeast infection.

2. Oral symptoms. Look for whitish patches inside the mouth or on the tongue. The corners of your mouth may be cracked, your throat may be dry and lot and so can your mouth. You may have a recurrent sore throat, swallowing can be difficult for some, and you may even be prescribed an antacid because the doctor says you have heartburn. This is very common.

3. Respiratory related yeast infection. Some patients I have seen complain of wheezing, and are in the habit of coughing up phlegm or mucus in the morning, some have a blocked nose (often on one side), recurrent sinusitis which can be AFS (allergic fungal sinusitis). Some patients I have seen have even been diagnosed as “asthmatic”, when in fact they had a severe form of yeast infection of the respiratory system. Always remember that yeast infections favor dark, warm and moist areas, and the bronchial tubes, lungs as well as the ears/nose/throat region are all perfect breeding grounds for yeast infections.

4. Nail problems. I’ve given up counting how many women I’ve seen with fungal toe nails and even yeast infections of the finger nails. Always treat the digestive system for 3 – 4 months if you have a chronic case of toe nail fungus. Some female patients have been harder to diagnose when it comes to nail infections due to nail polish and artificially overlaid nails. There are lots of hints and tips on how to finally beat that fungal nail infection once and for all in the book Candida Crusher, so be sure to read all about it.

5. You may feel that you have never been quite well since that last antibiotic prescription. Your doctor prescribed an antibiotic, and your digestion has not been quite the same, or you have been noticing vaginal thrush since. Definitely suspect a yeast infection in such instances.

Treatment Options

To my knowledge based on my 25 years of clinical experience treating well over 15000 patients with yeast infection I can tell you there is no “MAGIC PILL” or “QUICK FIX” if you are looking for such a solution to get your old happy self back then QUIT THIS PAGE and GO SOMEWHERE ELSE. However, if you want your life back and want to put some effort into it then continue reading!

1. The Right Diet

CHANGE YOUR DIET. Yes you heard it right, you have to give up on various foods and control your cravings. A diet rich in seeds, nuts, vegetables and healthy oils.  At the same time making sure you are avoiding sugars and carbohydrate foods.

2. Bring On The Good Bacteria

If you have been exposed to antibiotics/oral pills/steroids then you want to increase your good bacteria intake. You need a good high quality supplement. There are tons of those supplements out there but I would make sure I buy one that contains live bacteria. So a probiotic with LIVE BACTERIA.

3. Rest Your Immune System

Food allergies are most common with candida. The things you crave are frequently what the yeast itself craves. Try to identify any possible sensitivities or allergies and weed them out. This can be of enormous benefit to you, as you will be side-stepping those foods and drinks that are challenging your immune system the most.

4. Identify And Avoid Chemicals And Toxins

To further reduce load on your immune system, avoid as much as possible car fumes; chemical pollutants; insecticides, sprays, artificial colors; preservatives; emulsifiers and as mentioned food allergens as well as any inhaled allergens. Do you have amalgam (mercury) fillings and can’t seem to shake recurrent yeast infections? Take a look at what mercury does to your gut; every time you swallow you ingest a tiny amount of methylated mercury in your bowel on which candida can potentially thrive. Why not do a cleansing program yourself?

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5.Lifestyle Changes

Your lifestyle should be your main concern as far as yeast infection recovery is concerned, and that is why I have left some of what I consider to be some of the best information until last in my book Candida Crusher. As far back as 1983, Dr. William Crook (The Yeast Connection) pointed out that the influence of lifestyle was paramount in both the creation and the ultimate recovery from a yeast infection.

If you are serious about YOUR HEALTH and want your life back then I would recommend you STOP spending your money on quick fixes and antifungal creams that will only give you short relief and the yeast will come with vengeance next time. In my book I have following options regarding vaginal yeast infection treatment:

The Most Effective Vaginal Yeast Infection Treatment Yet Developed, A 2-Stage Treatment Plan
3-Stage FAST Relief Plan For Vaginal Yeast Infections (Page 142)
10 Quick Tips For Female Yeast Infections (Page 151)
100+ Pages on Lifestyle Changes, Medications, And Herbal Supplements To Treat Your Condition

The book is based on my clinical experience and is widely used by doctors/naturopaths/patients across continents. You can get your copy here and get rid of your itch down there once and for all and live happy once again.

I believe its worth to get the old self back rather than spending hundred of dollars in prescriptions and doctor visits. Click here to get a copy of my book only for $47. For more information about the book click here.