Science
Imprint, Friday, January 18, 2008
19
Help a brother out, pass the Monistat Anyone who has ever had a yeast infection knows that, despite the cheese-related jokes, it is no laughing matter. In fact, it is a lying down matter, since the irritation in the genital area is usually too bothersome to walk to the pharmacy. This in mind, next time your boyfriend asks you to help him out in a trying and difficult time, be understanding and pass him the Monistat. Surprised? Don’t be. Yeast infec-
tions don’t discriminate between the sexes; they are caused by overgrowth of a naturally occurring fungus in the body — Candida. Therefore, when a yeast infection occurs, the key to regaining health is to restore the Candida balance rather than remove it from your body in its entirety. This fungus is prevalent in both genders — and therefore creates a possibility for both males and females to develop a yeast infection. What is the cause of yeast infec-
tions? In Ontario, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care suggests that “tight clothing, severe obesity, warm weather, stress, antibiotics, birth control pills, pregnancy, diabetes, and steroids can all cause increased numbers of yeast.” Birth control can change microbial flora population in the body, allowing the naturally occurring Candida levels to fluctuate, and possibly reach a harmful level. The same is true for antibiotics,
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which affect the body’s immune defence. This is why taking probiotic health supplements is an important part of antibiotic health treatments — they keep the microbial levels in your body balanced. Since the infection can be spread through sexual contact, it is recommended to refrain from sexual activity while you have an infection as you can pass it onto your partner, and they back to you, thus lengthening the recovery period. In this case abstinence isn’t hard to sustain, as with genital irritation typically comes painful intercourse which no amount of lube or foreplay can resolve. If you suspect you may have a yeast infection, it is important to seek professional medical attention immediately. This will help you get rid of the infection as fast as possible. Some of the symptoms of yeast infections include irritation, swelling and painful intercourse. When diagnosed with a yeast infection, it is very important to alter your clothing patterns while symptoms persist. If you are fond of tightly-fitted underwear, switch to loose boxers for the period of the infection; this will make it harder for the bacteria to multiply, as in a warm, cramped environment the chances of survival are much greater. Less isn’t necessarily more; don’t fail to wear underwear if you plan on wearing rough pant fabric such as denim — this will cause friction with an already sensitive area, causing further irritation. Going commando with pyjama bottoms is a very wise choice while symptoms persist. Medicinally, antifungal creams are typically the most effective and efficient method of yeast infection treatment. These are applied topically to the affected area until symptoms die out, and are available in pharmacies without a prescription. There are more natural treatment options as well, as common herbs such as cinnamon, oregano, Echinacea and tea tree oil are common yeast fighters and can be combined with other antifungal methods under the guidance of a homeopathic advisor. Body and Health Canada suggests three easy to live by suggestions for staying free of yeast infections. First of all, the old saying, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away,” needs an update to include yogurt in the regimen. A cup of yogurt a day is rich in Lactobacillus acidophilus, an active bacteria, can help keep the microbial flora in your body level. Secondly, modifying your wardrobe to avoid pants snug around the groin area can decrease the risk of yeast infections by getting rid of Candida’s favourite environment — warm,
Yeast Infection Symptoms Female Yeast Infection Symptoms • Vaginal irritation • Vaginal itching • Heightened genital sensitivity • Burning sensation • Redness of genital area • Genital swelling • Painful intercourse • White, clumpy vaginal discharge
Male Yeast Infection Symptoms • Irritation and soreness of the head of the penis • Heightened genital sensitivity • Severe itching in the head of the penis • Redness of genital area • Small blisters on the head of the penis • Painful intercourse • White, clumpy discharge cramped spaces. Also, cotton undergarments also tend to cause less vaginal irritation than synthetic ones. Lastly, it is important to keep the genital area clean and dry, making it difficult for the yeast to find an environment to flourish in. Seeing how the symptoms of yeast infections are so pungent, following these simple steps to keeping your genital health in check is a fair deal. alomako@imprint.uwaterloo.ca
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