Yeast,
specifically Candida albicans, is present in small
numbers as part of the normal flora in all human beings.
It is normally referred to as an "opportunistic
pathogen", striking when the immunity is lowered,
resulting in a yeast infection. Even small changes in
hormonal levels cause the yeast to multiply unchecked.
Thus, a woman may experience symptoms of itching or
burning urination or discharge before start or end of
her menstruation cycle. These symptoms often go away as
the menstruation cycle progresses.
Almost 75% women the
world over suffer from a yeast infection at least once
in their lifetime. Most fall prey to recurrent yeast
infections. A lot of people fight shy of visiting a
doctor for what they think is a minor ailment that will
go away on its own. Purchasing vaginal creams or
suppositories at a pharmacy is also a source of
embarrassment to them. Others try to self diagnose their
problem. More often than not they are wrong and this may
cause the infection to become chronic and that much more
difficult to treat.
Another risk in leaving an infection untreated is that
it could be something more severe than a yeast infection
requiring serious medical attention. But you should
definitely see a doctor for suspected yeast infection if
you are pregnant, if you have never had a yeast
infection before, or are experiencing at least four
yeast infections in a year.
However,
yeast infection is very tenacious and very difficult to
get rid of. A mild yeast infection does not pose a grave
health risk. But repeated or chronic infections normally
lead to systemic infections which are usually life
threatening.
The Candida becomes invasive and attacks all organ
systems including eyes, skin, blood, liver, esophagus
digestive system, respiratory system etc. Yeast
infection has no single cause but is precipitated by
various internal as well as external factors, unhealthy
lifestyle, lowered immunity, etc. Initially, it was
believed that yeast infections occurred locally and
could be treated effectively with topical antifungal
medications. But now it is known that yeast infection is
actually a result of deep internal imbalance and a set
of conditions rather than one single factor. Hence the
only effective way to treat it would be by holistic
medicine. Simple diet and lifestyle changes are only a
small part of the treatment protocol. Herbal and
homeopathic remedies, detoxification, stress relief etc.
would complete the picture. So, while
yeast
infection will not go away on its
own,
holistic medicine will effect a safe and permanent cure.
