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What You’re Just Itching to Know…

…about yeast infections! It’s estimated that 3 out of 4 women experience at least one yeast infection during their lifetimes. Symptoms of a yeast infection include vaginal itching and redness, pain with urination or sexual intercourse and a white vaginal discharge.

Two factors need to be present for a yeast infection to develop – a warm, moist environment and a decrease in the acidity levels in the vagina. When acidity levels drop, the level of “good” (beneficial) bacteria in the vagina decreases and the level of disease-causing bacteria increases.

What causes acidity levels to get “out of whack”? It can happen around the time of your menstrual cycle, during pregnancy or after menopause because of changes in hormonal levels, estrogen in particular. Reduced acidity often also occurs with the use of antibiotics, tampons, spermicides and douches.

In postmenopausal women, a decrease in estrogen production causes a thinning and drying of the vaginal walls and a drop in acidity as well. Occasionally, women in this age group may also experience urinary incontinence which can contribute to yeast growth.

What can you do about a yeast infection once you have one? There are a number of successful non-drug treatments that you can try, including:

• Probiotics – “friendly” bacteria that are live naturally in the vagina and digestive system. Lower levels of Lactobacillus, a probiotic, are usually associated with yeast infections. Probiotic supplements (oral and vaginal suppositories) can hinder the growth of yeast, thereby reducing the risk of yeast infection.

• Boric Acid Suppositories – in numerous studies, these natural suppositories have shown a higher success rate than drug therapies in eliminating yeast infections. These suppositories should not be used by pregnant women and should not be taken orally. They also may cause additional vaginal burning and irritation.

• Garlic suppositories – while it sounds very strange, garlic has many medicinal properties and yeast infections in particular seem to benefit from them! You can use garlic suppositories or tabs internally or take garlic orally with good results!

• Apple Cider Vinegar – used in a bath, as a douche mixed with water, or as a drink – apple cider vinegar restores proper acidity to the vagina and eliminates yeast infection symptoms.

Of course, chiropractic care is known to help relieve the symptoms of many different illnesses and conditions by removing their cause – nerve interference that hinders your body’s ability to heal itself. Once nerve interference, created by spinal misalignment, is removed, your body has the ability to heal itself! Please mention any problem you might be having with yeast infections when you come in for your next adjustment!