When the human body is weakened it is vulnerable to attack. Consider that at all times various bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens are waging an unseen war against the body. Likewise, the immune system is always on guard, waiting for the attack. In response to outside invasion, the body produces various weapons to fight hostile aggression. Sometimes, if the body is weakened through a host of conditions and situations, the immune system cannot do its job properly.
Although most vaginal infections in women are due to bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, or yeast, there may be other causes as well. These causes may include allergic and irritative factors or other STDs. Noninfectious allergic symptoms can be caused by spermicides, vaginal hygiene products, detergents, and fabric softeners. Cervical inflammation from these products often is associated with abnormal vaginal discharge, but can be distinguished from true vaginal infections by appropriate diagnostic tests.
Candida infections in the mouth are often called "thrush." Symptoms include creamy white patches that cover painful areas in the mouth, throat, or on the tongue. Because other infections cause similar symptoms, it's important to go to a doctor for an accurate diagnosis.
When the balance of good and bad bacteria is thrown off, yeast can build up in the intestines and cause a whole host of health problems. Whenever you take antibiotics, keep in mind this is strong medication. Ask your provider: How does it work? Is there a topical antibiotic I could use instead? Sometimes, antibiotics are needed but their overuse can cause serious problems. Adding acidophilus and bifidus to your diet (in capsules) can re-balance the intestinal bacteria, and build up resistance to future overgrowths.
When Physicians are met with recurrent yeast infections and there seems to be no other cause, they do have to consider HIV. HIV (the virus that leads to AIDS) lowers the immune system and could greatly reduce the ability of a woman to combat yeast. Yeast infections can be somewhat contagious in that they can be passed back and forth between partners during unprotected intercourse. Realistically, if a partner becomes infected, it generally means that his or her immune system is already depressed and the infection would have been inevitable.
Five percent of women with vaginal yeast infections develop a condition known as recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC). RVVC is defined as having more than three symptomatic vaginal yeast infections over the course of one year. Women who experience RVVC should notify their physician, who will administer tests to determine the possible cause of the condition.
While many candida fighting protocols start out with immune system support supplements right from the start, the drawback to doing so is that until the candida is knocked down and you are replenishing a major portion of the immune system, the friendly flora in your guts, boosting the immune system will not play a significant role in eliminating candida.
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