Nothing sends women running the opposite direction faster than the mention of 'feminine health issues'. As much as we're all effected at some point in our lives, discussing it with our friends and even acknowledging that we're that fallible is a complete no no.

The issue recently came up when a friend of mine, so frustrated she was beyond discretion, asked for advice regarding her rather itchy nether region. As we discussed possible reasons for her affliction, like her overuse of bubble bath, I became horrified as each of the women in the room confessed to suffering from the same recurrent problem.

Yeast infections are a pesky itchy nuisance that comes once in a while for most women but for those unlucky few it’s a recurring nightmare with no end in sight. What makes it more impossible to deal with is the conflicting information you get as to the causes and cures. All you have to do is Google the topic and hundreds of ‘This is the cure you’ve been waiting for’ pages appear all discrediting each other and trying to convince you that their plan has worked for a number of unknowns willing to testify to the fact.

The serious form of yeast infection occurs when the yeast actually turns into a mold form and sends tentacles called hypahe, or roots, into the skin. Not only is it difficult to treat, it is near impossible. The problem is doctors are conflicted on the issue with some refusing to grant yeast infections (clinically known as Candida) the seriousness it deserves. Some go as far as calling it a fad or “fake disease”, but with so many forums and sites dedicated to recurrent yeast infection sufferers one wonders when the medical profession will start investing money in this illness that’s slowly becoming a monster.

Yeast infections are commonly signified by a thick white or yellow discharge that leads to sever itching and burning in the vaginal area. The use of antibiotics has been sighted as one of the reasons why people develop Candida, because antibiotics kill of the friendly bacteria in the intestinal tract leaving your body vulnerable to yeast overgrowth. Healthscout.com also lists diets high in sugar, pregnancy and diabetes as contributors to a person developing a Candida problem.

Symptoms of a more severe, recurrent Candia infection are endless and include a constant feeling of being drained and exhausted, constipation, menstrual irregularity or cramping and even skin rashes. What is even more confusing is the list of treatments that are recommended for fast and effective relief.

I was surprised at the shy demeanor of women my age when asked about this problem and even more disturbing is that most of them still don’t have the illness under control. They suffer silently, some unable to afford private medical care. I spoke to Isabelle, who says “I went to the clinic, when I described my symptoms the nurse looked at me like I was dirty and actually accused me of lying about being a virgin, she claimed I had an STD.” Isabelle tells me that the antibiotics she was given seemed to make the problem worse and upon researching I found that doctors had proven that antibiotics only aggravated the problem.

A common thread among all Candida help websites is that they all list diet as one of the ways of bringing a yeast infection under control. Altmedicine.about.com advises sufferers to limit the intake of carbohydrates as Candida feeds on sugar and to seek alternative methods of birth control. They also say that whatever diet is done should be accompanied by supplements for greater effectiveness, the intake of fiber and garlic supplements are listed as one the most effective.

While doing my research I stumbled upon Sarah Summer’s website, she’s a health researcher and the editor of the medical publication, www.The-Web-Doctor [1]. Info
She says that she’s an ex Candida sufferer who was plagued for years with “burning, itching, vaginal discharge, painful urination and pain during sexual intercourse”.
She claims to have discovered, through her own journey as a sufferer and researcher that a lot of the online remedies are not only ineffective but can sometimes be dangerous. She promises an ‘all natural remedy’ that she has developed that she guarantees will work within hours for the cost of $29.97. Her message is a hopeful one but sadly not for the many women who cannot afford this amount.