Vaginal Yeast Infection

Vaginal thrush or a vaginal yeast infection (also referred to as candidiasis)

Vaginal thrush or a vaginal yeast infection (also referred to as candidiasis) is a very common condition amongst women. A healthy vagina usually has both bacteria and some yeast cells but when the balance of bacteria and yeast changes, then the yeast cells multiply and can cause irritation in the form of itching and swelling.

Impact on quality of life

The recurrent symptoms of vaginal infections remain an ongoing challenge for women, as it has a negative impact on their quality of their lives. Studies have found that four themes recur in women who suffer from repeat vaginal infections: frustration, mood disorders, intimacy changes in the relationship and anxiety.

Treatment

A number of OTC medications can assist in treating vaginal thrush. These include butoconazole, clotrimazole, miconazole, terconazole and fluconazole. Your doctor will recommend the right one for you.
In addition, in order to restore the ‘good bacteria’ in the vagina, daily supplementation with oral probiotic has been found to reduce colonization of the vagina by yeast.

Prevention and lifestyle changes

In order to avoid the discomfort of vaginal thrush, the following steps can be undertaken:
• eating a well-balanced diet
• eating yogurt or taking supplements with lactobacillus
• wearing natural fibers such as cotton, linen, or silk
• washing underwear in hot water
• replacing feminine products frequently
Daily intake of scientifically selected probiotics provides a natural, safe and effective means to stabilise the fluctuating vaginal flora and thereby lower the risk of infections in healthy women as well as those who are prone to urogenital disease.

Overview

Causes and risk factors

Candida is a naturally occurring yeast/microorganism that lives in the vagina. Lactobacillus is the bacteria in the vagina that ensures the yeast doesn’t take over. If there is an imbalance in your system, the bacteria cannot work properly and the yeast then takes over, leading to vaginal thrush.
There are a number of risk factors that can lead to vaginal thrush:
• Pregnancy
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Antibiotics (they decrease bacteria in the system)
• Weak immune system
• Hormonal balance (near menstrual cycle)
• Stress

Signs and Symptoms

The symptoms of vaginal thrush include:
• vaginal itching
• swelling around the vagina
• burning during urination or sex
• pain during sex
• soreness
• redness
• rash
• vaginal discharge (often cottage cheese like)

Diagnosis

Your doctor will assess your medical history, including if you have had an STD before. They will then examine your vagina, the walls and cervix and will check if there are any other infections. Depending on the doctor’s findings, they may collect cells from your vagina (a swab) and send them to the lab.

Reuterina Femme contains two strains of Lactobacillus, namely Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus fermentum RC-14. Taking Reuterina Femme daily has been found to be safe and to maintain vaginal bacteria.
Reuterina Femme contains our clinically proven strain AS WELL AS an additional probiotic strain (Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1) – together these strains effectively treat vaginal infections
Can be used in combination with antibiotics and antifungal medications to increase the effectiveness and cure rate in yeast and bacterial vaginal infections.
Prevents urogenital infections such yeast vaginitis (thrush) and bacterial vaginosis.
Effectively treats vaginal infections in women.
Reduces the growth of infection-causing bacteria and yeasts in the vagina.
Prevents urogenital infections such yeast vaginitis (thrush) and bacterial vaginosis.

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8. Reuterina Femme® Approved Package Insert, December 2009.
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