Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some answers to common questions about yeast infections, Probiotics and Homeopathic medicine. If you have additional questions, please contact us.
Yeast Infections
1. What is a yeast infection?
A vaginal yeast infection is an excess growth of yeast cells in the vagina. Yeast infections are very common, affecting most women at least once, and nearly 50% of women at least twice, in their lifetime. Although they are uncomfortable, vaginal yeast infections rarely lead to serious health problems
2. What are the symptoms of a yeast infection?
The most common symptoms of yeast infection include:
- Vaginal itch or soreness
- Thick, white, cheese-like discharge - although some women have no noticeable discharge
- "Burning" discomfort around the vaginal opening, especially during urination
- Pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse
3. What causes yeast infection?
A healthy vagina normally contains a balance of many healthy bacteria and small numbers of yeast cells. These healthy bacteria, or vaginal flora, help prevent other organisms, such as yeast, from growing in excess and causing an infection.
When this normal balance of organisms in the vagina is disrupted, yeast can overgrow, causing symptoms. This imbalance can be caused by many factors, including use of oral contraceptives or antibiotics, stress, poor diet, lack of sleep, illness, pregnancy, age or menstruation. Women with immune-suppressing diseases such as diabetes and HIV are also at increased risk.
4. Is there anything I can do to prevent yeast infection?
Although it may not be possible to completely avoid yeast infection, there are things you can do to minimize your risk:
- Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and nonfat dairy products
- Wear cotton and avoid tight fitting clothing
- After using the toilet, wipe from front to back to avoid spreading yeast from the anus to the vagina
- Avoid unnecessary use of antibiotics
- Take Yeast-Gard Advanced Capsules on a daily basis to enhance your body's natural defenses and promote a balanced vaginal environment
5. How are the symptoms of a yeast infection different from symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis?
Although yeast infections of the vagina are probably the most familiar form of vaginitis to women, they are actually much less common than Bacterial Vaginosis. In fact, BV is the most common vaginal infection in women of childbearing age. Is it caused by an overgrowth of bacteria that are usually present in the vagina. If you have BV, you may develop a grayish-white, foul-smelling discharge that has an elevated pH above 4.5. The odor, often described as fish-like, may be more obvious after sexual intercourse or your period. For more information on BV and available over-the-counter treatment and symptom relief options, visit www.vHessentials.com.
Homeopathic Medicine
1. What is homeopathic medicine?
Homeopathic medicines use small amounts of specific ingredients known to activate the body's natural defenses against a disease state or condition. Homeopathic treatments are made from minerals, herbs, and other natural extracts listed in the Homeopathic Pharmacopeia of the United States (HPUS) and prepared according to HPUS guidelines. Yeast-Gard Advanced's homeopathic products are manufactured in compliance with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulations governing homeopathic medicines.
2. How do homeopathic medicines work?
Homeopathic medicines harness the power of the body's own immune system. According to homeopathic theory, small amounts of specific ingredients trigger the body's natural defenses to protect and fight back. So instead of just surpressing symptoms, homeopathic remedies act as catalysts that promote the body's inherent healing mechanisims.
3. Are homeopathic medicines safe?
Yes. Having been used around the world for centuries, homeopathic medicines work naturally with the body's immune system. Consequently, they do not result in the negative side effects often associated with conventional drugs including acquired antimicrobial resistance, disruption of protective bacterial flora, and potential toxicity.
Probiotics and Vaginal Health
1. What are probiotics?
As defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), probiotics are live microorganisms, which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host.
2. Are probiotics helpful against vaginal infections?
The vaginal region has a higher concentration of bacteria than any other part of the body outside of the human intestines. Primarily, these bacteria consist of lactobacilli and are collectively referred to as the vaginal flora. A well balanced vaginal flora is essential for a woman's vaginal health.
Probiotics support a woman's protective vaginal flora and studies have shown that probiotics, ingested orally or applied topically, can help protect against vaginal infection.
3. How do probiotic organisms protect against vaginal infections?
The vaginal flora, and the lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide they produce, are largely responsible for maintaining an acidic vaginal pH and maintaining vaginal health. A well balanced, well populated vaginal flora aids in the prevention of bacterial vaginosis (BV), yeast infections and other vaginal infection by utilizing the chemical and physical resources otherwise required by pathogenic organisms, maintaining a pH that is inhospitable to most infection causing organisms, and producing compounds that inhibit pathogen growth.