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On Yeast Infections

On Yeast Infections image
Parent Issue
Month
October
Year
1992
Copyright
Creative Commons (Attribution, Non-Commercial, Share-alike)
Rights Held By
Agenda Publications
OCR Text

Q: It seems that every time I turn on the TV I see another commercial for over-the-counter medications for vaginal yeast infections. What do you know about these medications? Do you know of any natural products that are alternatives to these medications?

A: Monistat 7 and Gynelotrimin are two products that are now being heavily marketed. Up until recently, these products were available only by prescription, requiring a costly trip to the doctor. Now that these products are available without a prescription, many women are self-medicating without advice from a health care provider. For women who are certain they have a vaginal yeast infection, these products can offer some relief from the symptoms.

There are, however, some limitations. First, these products are designed to work only on yeast infections. There are other common vaginal infections that have similar symptoms to yeast but are bacterial or viral in nature. Often, the only way to tell if an infection is yeast-based is to visit a health care provider and rule out other possibilities through a vaginal culture. Consequently, when a woman decides to treat herself, it is possible she will misdiagnose the problem. Thus she may waste time and waste money on these products, and not see any change in her condition. (Over-the-counter yeast medications cost about $17 for a one-week supply.)

Second, these products are made from strong chemicals that are absorbed through the mucus membrane of the vagina. Because these products don't address the underlying reasons for the infection and merely treat the symptoms, it's possible to use these products repeatedly if the infection re-occurs. Many women are concerned about the effect of strong chemicals on their bodies, especially during their childbearing years. The Physicians Desk Reference (PDR) states that these products should not be used at all in the first trimester of pregnancy because the chemicals are absorbed through the vagina and across the placenta.

Third, these products have adverse effects on some women. The PDR lists the following possible side effects associated with these products: burning, itching, or irritation in the vulvovaginal area; lower abdominal bloating and cramping; skin rashes; nausea; and headaches. A pamphlet entitled "What Every Woman Should Know.. .Vaginal Yeast Infections," produced by Gyne-Lotrimin's parent company Schering-Plough and available in drugstores, does not make reference to these possible side effects.

There are, however, alternative methods of treating vaginal infections. They work on all types of vaginal infections - viral, bacterial or yeast. These methods address the underlying reasons for the Infections: a weakened immune system and an imbalance of the natural chemistry in the vagina.

First let's look at the immune system. The immune system is maintained by eating properly, getting enough sleep, and not over-stressing the body. Otherwise one's immune system may become weakened and less effective at fighting illness. The factors that put stress on the immune system can also change the pH level in the vagina, making it too acidic. As a result, a woman may become more susceptible to yeast infections.

In the herbal handbook "HYGIEIA," Jeannine Parvati suggests treating a yeast infection with a douche made from oatstraw tea. She also suggests drinking oatstraw tea to alkanize the blood and to boost the immune system. Another helpful product is acidolphilus. This is a bacteria commonly found in yogurt and is necessary in the intestinal tract and vagina to maintain pH balance. Women who have taken antibiotics often have low levels of acidolphilus, as the antibiotic kills all bacteria in the body. Acidolphilus can be purchased in powder or liquid form, and can easily be mixed with water and used as a douche. Eating yogurt that contains live acidolphilus culture is another way to help replenish the supply of this beneficial bacteria to the intestinal tract and vagina.

Another natural product for treating yeast infections is tea tree oil (both oatstraw tea and tea tree oil may be purchased at the People's Food Co-op, 740 Packard). This is an essential oil made from the tea tree, native to Australia. It is believed to have anti-fungal properties. Although relatively little is known about this product, many women claim results by douching with a solution of one drop of tea tree oil in one quart of water. It is not to be taken orally and care should be taken when mixing it, as it is extremely astringent.

Women who use these alternative methods to treat vaginal infections seem to get the best results when the treatments are used alternately during the days of treatment - for example, acidolpholus douche in the morning and tea tree oil douche in the evening. Treatment is continued only as long as the symptoms persist. If, after a few days of treatment there is no marked improvement, one should contact a health care provider. It is helpful for women to discuss their experiences with other women. Sharing knowledge can help women become more confldent in healing themselves. It should also be noted that douching is unnecessary when the body is in a healthy state and that douching can disrupt the vagina's natural chemistry if done too often.

Clearly, these alternative methods of treatment are more time consuming than using over-the-counter medications. They demand that a woman take a more active role in understanding her body. Some women are uncomfortable with this responsibility or simply don't trust their own ability to sense when they are healing.

Dear Readers: This is the first installation of AGENDA'S Question and Answer column on health matters. We welcome your questions, which we will consider printing in this column . Local healthcaueniovidtóatsfitjnivarious fields will provide responses. We ene ourage health workers who would like to particípate to contact us. 9It seems like eveiy time I turn on the TV I see another commercial for over-the-counter medications for vaginal yeast infections . What do you know about these medications? Do you know of any natural products that are alternatives to these medications?

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