How To Cure Yeast Infection? Here Are 3 Ways

Learning how to cure yeast infection has to start with knowing what the causes are.

Why?

Basically, because knowledge is power. There are several causes of yeast infection, and you can reduce your chances of getting an infection if you know what those causes are. But if you aren't aware of the causes, your chances of getting an infection are much higher.

But before we get into the causes of yeast infection, let's define what a yeast infection is. And to do that, you have to know a little about fungi (the plural of fungus).

Fungi are rather weird microscopic creatures invisible to the naked eye. They are neither plant nor animal, but they have characteristics of both. They aren't equipped with mouths or teeth, so they feed on organic remains by secreting enzymes to dissolve the organic matter, then reabsorbing the nutrients.

Fungi often are thought of as bad guys, but they have their good points as well. For example, not only are they essential to the decomposition of organic waste matter, they also, as yeast, are what make grandma's homemade bread rise. And they play an important role in the fermentation of a number of products, including wine, beer and soy sauce.

Fungi have been used in the production of antibiotics for decades. Nowadays, various enzymes produced by fungi are used in detergents. They also are used as biological agents to control weeds and pests. And the list goes on.

Now the bad news: When fungi get out of control, bad things happen.

As you might expect, one of the things fungi like is moisture, which is why women are prone to developing a yeast infection in and around the vagina. In fact, nearly every woman has at least one yeast infection in her life. When it occurs, the yeast causes the skin around the infected area to itch. The skin may also become red and swollen.

One of the most common causes of yeast infections in women is an imbalance in the delicate Ph levels inside the vagina. Yeast is a fungus that is always present in women, but if there is more than a woman's body normally produces, an infection usually results.

But just because they are vagina-free, men are not off the hook. Even they can get a yeast infection.

Men can contract an infection through intercourse with a woman who is infected. A lack of good hygiene also is sometimes the cause. A man can get a yeast infection where their legs and pelvic area meet, as moisture can collect in that area from sweating or excess weight. An infection also can develop under the foreskin in uncircumcised men.

Both genders can get yeast infections for other reasons as well, including prolonged use of antibiotics, diabetes, and having an impaired immune system.

So if you are a woman and are experiencing burning or itching in the vaginal area, with redness and swelling, or a cottage cheese-like discharge from the vagina, go straight to your doctor - you may have a yeast infection. The same for men who have burning or itching in the penile area.

So, how to cure yeast infection?

Treating yeast infections can be fairly simple:

** Your doctor might suggest that you change your diet. Acidic foods such as orange, cranberry and other juices can cause an imbalance in your system. You don't necessarily have to eliminate these juices altogether; sometimes just cutting back a bit is sufficient. Cutting down on caffeinated drinks such as coffee or soda can help as well. Friendly bacteria called probiotics also can help. Probiotics can be found in supplements, or in acidophilus milk as well as in some kinds of yogurt.

** Tea tree oil diluted with water is another possible remedy, although tests have been inconclusive. Boric acid suppositories have been used as well. Boric acid is a compound that has antifungal properties and is a mild antiseptic as well, so not only can it help fight infection, it also may provide some relief from the itching.

** There are many different over-the-counter remedies for treating yeast infections, and these can be used by both women and men. They can be found in almost any drugstore. Your doctor can make a recommendation.

Always consult your health-care provider before using any kind of supplement or cream when treating yeast infections. Many doctors would rather treat yeast infections of the vaginal area with some kind of suppository rather than with oral medications, which sometimes can cause such side effects as nausea, abdominal pain, headaches and others.

With the proper treatment, a yeast infection normally can be cleared up within seven days. During that time, sexual intercourse is not advised.

A final word of warning: Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should be especially careful about avoiding yeast infections, as some of the treatments for an infection can affect their unborn child.

Women who are pregnant should always talk to their doctor about yeast infection. They may find that a simple change in their diet, or wearing loose breathable fabrics such as cotton, can be helpful in prevention.

And prevention is the best way to answer the question of how to cure yeast infection.