Yeast infections not only appear in the vagina, but they can also show up orally, as well as in other areas of the body. Yeast infections occur when the natural bacteria in the vagina, or elsewhere, begin to multiply. This can be as a result of certain medications, such as antibiotics or birth control pills, or trauma to areas where the yeast bacteria are present. Taking probiotics, such us acidophilus and bifidus, can help you combat the unfavorable symptoms of a yeast infection. While acidophilus and bifidus treatment should not replace medical care, these natural probiotics fight against bad bacteria that can cause a yeast infection.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a yeast infection include soreness, burning and itching in the affected area, which is typically the inner vagina. Other symptoms that may appear include pain during sexual intercourse and painful urination. Because these symptoms mirror some symptoms brought on by a sexually transmitted disease, women may confuse the two. If you experience these symptoms on a persistent basis and are concerned that you have contracted a sexually transmitted disease, consult with your doctor to be tested.
Treatment
Treatment of a yeast infection typically involves using over-the-counter products, according to MayoClinic.com. If symptoms persist after over-the-counter treatment, you may need a prescription medication that works by introducing anti-fungal agents into the affected areas. These treatments, such as suppository supplements, tend to be effective within a few days to a week when you use them correctly.
Acidophilus
Acidophilus is a probiotic, which replaces bacteria that has been destroyed with good bacteria to develop a healthy digestive system. As opposed to antibiotics, which destroy good bacteria, probiotics work with the natural bacteria found in the body to reduce the likelihood of yeast development. Yogurt products contain acidophilus, or you can take an acidophilus supplement tablet.
Bifidus
Bifidus is another probiotic found in yogurt products, and it works similarly to acidophilus. Higher levels of bifidus in the digestive system correlate with a lower level of bad bacteria that can cause a yeast infection, according to a 2006 University of Belgium study reported by Probiotic.org. Bifidus is available as a supplement tablet, just like acidophilus.
Probiotic Combination
Combining the probiotics acidophilus and bifidus to treat a yeast infection is easy by eating yogurt products. Consider applying a topical application of yogurt containing acidophilus and bifidus probiotics to areas of your body that are infected with yeast. For example, you can insert yogurt into your vagina with a vaginal cream applicator for three to seven nights and wear a pad for leakage, according to the Feminist Women's Health Center. Before starting any treatment, consult with your primary care physician to check for any side effects.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Yeast Infection; May 2010
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Lactobacillus Acidophilus
- Probiotic.org: Bifidus
- Feminist Women's Health Center; Infections and Insurrection: Women Treating Yeast; Lynne Vickery; 1993
- "Applied and Environmental Microbiology"; Kinetic Analysis of Bifidobacterial Metabolism Reveals a Minor Role for Succinic Acid in the Regeneration of NAD+ through Its Growth-Associated Production; R. Van der Meulen, et al.; August 2006
