$Unique_ID{BRK00482}
$Pretitle{Genitourinary System}
$Title{Yogurt to Cure Yeast Infections}
$Subject{vaginitis fungus yogurt douche}
$Volume{J-14}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Yogurt to Cure Yeast Infections


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QUESTION:  My girlfriend, who is most knowledgeable about such matters, swears
this is no joke and that it really works.  She suffers, as do I and I suppose
many other women, from frequent yeast infections of the vagina.  Her cure is
to use cultured, but not pasteurized, plain yogurt, in a large syringe, which
is used to put the yogurt in her vagina.  She does this once a day for three
to four days, and claims it never fails to cure the yeast infection.  Do you
believe this is possible?

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ANSWER:  Vulval irritation and vaginal discharge is indeed common in women,
and when caused by a yeast is named genital candidiasis or monoliasis.  It is
noted most commonly in individuals who have take antibiotics, for one
infection or another.  The medication kills, not only the unwanted infection,
but also the bacteria that normally inhabit the vagina.  With the extinction
of these harmless bacteria, the yeasts, which also live in this area, begin to
reproduce in an uncontrolled fashion, and soon provoke a vaginitis.  Other
contributing factors may be oral contraceptives, diabetes mellitus, pregnancy,
menstruation, steroid medications, and constrictive undergarments.  If these
situations can be controlled, yeast vaginitis may be prevented.  The yogurt
theory is based upon the fact that yogurt is produced by another harmless
germ, a lactobacillus, and that if this bacteria can be introduced into the
vagina, it might grow and control the over production of yeasts.  While it may
sound like simple solution to a common problem, I failed to find any real
scientific evidence to prove its effectiveness, and so feel unable to
recommend it to you.  At any rate, any flavored, or pasteurized yogurt
preparations would certainly be a no-no, as they usually contain no useful
living bacteria.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
