Enter your information below to INSTANTLY download your FREE REPORT today.
Yeast Infections During Menopause - A Very Itchy Subject!
Because of the hormonal changes during Perimenopause the vagina will undergo changes that will eventually result in atrophy of the vagina. The natural secretions become less which has dryness as a result. It also causes the delicate pH balance of the vagina, necessary for the presence of natural protective bacteria, to change, which makes it more prone to vaginal infections.
The most common vaginal infection during Perimenopause is a yeast infection.
Yeast infections are caused by a fungus also known as Candida, and the type responsible for vaginal yeast infections is called Candida albicans. Yeast loves areas with lots of moisture, like in the mouth and vagina. In fact, 20%-50% of women normally have yeast present in their vaginal areas. It is only when there is an overgrowth of this fungus that it causes an infection.
The symptoms of a yeast infection may include the following:
- A discharge that may start out as clear. If untreated the discharge will turn into a thick, odourless, white discharge that resembles the curds of cottage cheese.
- Very severe itching. Some women confess that the itching is so intense that they will scratch themselves until it starts to bleed.
- Swelling and inflammation of the external genitalia, also called the vulva. It also includes the clitoris and entrance to the vagina.
- Painful intercourse.
- Painful and burning sensation when urinating.
How to treat a yeast infection.
Prevention is once again better than a cure, and lots can be done to prevent yeast infections:
- Avoid scented bubble and foam baths. Even scented soaps, vaginal sprays and scented toilet tissue may upset the delicate protective pH balance of the vagina.
- Avoid prolonged soaks in hot tubs.
- After swimming in chlorinated water change your swimsuit as soon as possible.
- Do not douche. If you really feel like you need to douche, use a mixture of 15ml (15cc) of vinegar in 1 liter of plain water. Use as little as possible.
- Use panties with a cotton inset. That goes for panty hose as well. The cotton allows the vaginal area to "breathe" and absorbs some of the natural moisture.
- Do not wear tight underwear or pants. It is the ideal breeding ground not only for yeast infections, but also for other vaginal infections.
- Eat a diet rich in vegetables and low in fat and sugar. Include yogurt that contains active bacteria in your diet. The live bacteria in yogurt migrates to the vaginal tissue to help protect the natural bacteria in the vagina. It may also give some protection when using antibiotics, which may destroy the healthy natural bacteria present in the vagina.
- Women who suffer from diabetes are more prone to yeast infections. It is important to control the sugar levels through a healthy diet, not being overweight, exercise and medication if necessary.
- Stress is usually overlooked as being the cause of yeast infections. Stress can suppress the body's natural immune system, which can lead to all kinds of problems, of which yeast infections may be one. It is important that you learn how to deal with stress, and also that you do something to improve your immune system.
- Certain drugs may increase the risk of getting a yeast infection. If you have to take antibiotics, blood thinners, cortisone or other immune suppressants, please discuss with your physician how to prevent a yeast infection.
Medication is necessary when the infection does not respond to regular measures:
Over the counter products:
If you have ever had a yeast infection in the past you will quickly recognise the symptoms. The earlier you can treat the symptoms the better the chance to clear it up completely. If you don't want to go to the doctor you may find relief from over the counter (OTC) products. OTC products include suppositories and creams that have to be taken for different lenghts of time.
Make sure you buy a product that contains either clotrimazole, butoconazole or miconazole. If a 3 day course does dot clear up the infection go for a 7 day course. If that does not clear up the infection you may suffer from a strain of candida that may be more resistant to the regular OTC products. You may need a stronger drug to bring the infection under control.
Prescription medication is necessary if localized treatment proves to be ineffective. Some very effective drugs are ketoconazole (Nizoral) and terconazole (Terazol). These are powerful antifungal drugs with some common side-effects like abdominal pain, nausea and headache.They should only given if other measures have failed.
If you have a regular sexual partner he/she should also be treated, because if there is yeast infection present, your partner may also be affected.
Another drug that may be of use is taken in a single dose. It is called fluconazole (Diflucan). It is the prescription of choice in cases where a recurrent yeast infection occurs before periods. However, it may not be very effective as treatment for severe or resistant yeast infections.
You should see your physician if the following symptoms are present:
- A recurrent yeast infection. It may be a sign of a more serious underlying problem like diabetes, a suppressed immune system, or other medical problems.
- Any green, yellow or bloody discharge.
- Any discharge with an unpleasant odour.
- Abdominal pain
- Fever
- If you may be at risk for a sexually transmitted disease (STD)
Also, do not asume that you do have a yeast infection. A white itchy discharge may be the cause of other serious vaginal infections that may need different treatments.
If you do suffer from a yeast infection ther are some steps that you can take to get some relief until the medication kicks in:
- Avoid using harsh soaps to clean the vaginal area. It is best to clean with plain water. Gently pat dry with soft tissue or a blow dry with a hair dryer. Do not rub the vulva, which may increase the irritation.
- Soaking in a bath tub with warm water to which colloidal oatmeal (Aveeno) has been added may bring some relief for severe itching.
- Avoid intercourse for a few days if possible. Use a lubricant if you do have sex.
- Because condoms and diaphragms may be weakened by the vaginal antifungal products other preventative measures should be taken.
- Vaginal tampons may absorb some of the medication and may also increase vaginal irritation.
- Femine towelettes containing cortisone may be very helpful to control the severe itching.
- Avoid treating yourself with some home remedies that ask for putting anything inside your vagina. It may in many cases make the infection worse, or may even cause severe allergic reactions.
Don't feel shy or embarrassed to talk to your doctor about treatment and prevention of yeast infections. Remember that yeast infections are more common among women than what you may think. Chances are as high as 75% that you will experience a yeast infection at least once in your lifetime. Many women postpone treatment because they feel too bad to share it with anyone. Prevention and early intervention are key to get the infections under control before it gets out of hand.
Be informed! Take control!
Once again I wish you a happy Menopause.
Christa Muller
P.S. If you want to read more about how yeast infections may affect your body you should read the book written by an expert in the field. It is called "Cure Yeast Infections Fast" by the author Leigh Hunter. She did some extensive research on yeast infections and the influence it may have on the body.
Leigh takes a holistic approach in treating yeast infections and uses 4 steps to rid your body of candida infections for good. Check it out by clicking here.