Sports Medicine
A Crucial Period
Good Pain, Bad Pain
On Your Knees
Secondary Injuries
Imaging Technology
What's Sciatica?
The Female Athlete
Putting Your Feet First
Itis Schmitis
Too Much, Too Soon
Under the Influence
Twisted (Ankle)
What's Goin' On?
Think Inches, Not Pounds
Preventing Vaginitis
That Painful Pull
Athlete's Heart
Exercise & Arthritis
Chilled to the Bone
Measuring Body Fat
Exercise and Your Breasts
Choosing a Sports Doctor
Lean on Me (Shoulder)
Exercise & Anemia
Exercise Abuse
Pelvis Sighting
Hand Aid
It's All in the Wrist
Back in Action
Altitude Adjustment
Tennis Elbow, Anyone?
Exercising in the Heat
Agony of the Feet
Restless Legs
Night Time Cramps
Birth Control Concerns
No Periods, No Babies?
Post Partum Prescription
Weight Loss Mystery
Undesirable Cooldown
To Brew Or Not To Brew
Fitness After Baby
Biking and Back Pain
Swimmer's Shoulder
A Hidden Athlete
Avoiding Osteoporosis
Drug Testing
Maximum Heart Rate
Headway Against Headaches
Torn Rotator Cuff
Fat Figures
SOS About PMS
Bloody Urine
Sag Story
Lackluster Leg
Bothersome Bulge
Gaining in Years
Taking It On the Shin
Aching Ankles
Hoop Help
Tender Toes
Meals For Muscle
Growing Pains
Hot Tips
High Altitude PMS
Personal Bests
Air Pollution
Ankle Blues
Heartbreak Heel
Yeast Relief



Preventing Vaginitis

Here's the lowdown on yeast infections.

Vaginitis can be an uncomfortable part of an active lifestyle. Hours spent in leotards, bathing suits and other garments made of fabrics that don't breathe naturally can promote irritation, retention of moisture and the proliferation of bacteria.

An infection or inflammation of the tissues of the vagina, vaginitis is usually caused by microorganisms that overgrow in the warm, moist environment. It may extend to the external female genitalia, the area called the vulva.

Symptoms of vaginitis are a white or yellowish discharge, with or without odor, accompanied by itching and burning. Vaginitis may or may not be sexually transmitted.

One of the most common forms of vaginitis, especially in active women, is caused by the Candida albicans fungus and is often called a "yeast infection." It is a naturally occurring fungus that is sometimes jokingly called "the fungus among us."

It may colonize in the skin, mouth, vagina and rectum, but in such small amounts to go unnoticed. Candida usually does not cause problems except when it is introduced into a warm, moist environment.

Candida is one of the many fungi that coexist with and infect humans, causing such problems as diaper rash, athlete's foot and other skin infections. These are not serious infections but they can cause uncomfortable symptoms.

When Candida infects the vagina, it causes itching and a thick, white discharge somewhat like cottage cheese. The warm, moist vaginal environment acts as a hothouse to encourage the growth of this organism, which does not flourish on cool, dry areas of skin.

Yeast can be introduced into the vagina in many ways, including sexual activity, non-sterile douche applicators, diaphragms and fingers.

A change in the vagina's acid-base balance or naturally occurring bacteria also makes you more likely to develop this infection. Ordinarily the vagina is fairly acidic, with a pH of 4 to 5, and contains bacteria that maintain the pH in this range.

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Table of Contents

Foreword: Billie Jean King

Comments by Barb Harris
Editor in Chief,
Shape Magazine



General Health
Nutrition
Exercise
Common Medical Problems
Dental Health
Emergency!
Infectious Disease
Sexual Health
Emotional Well-Being
Eating Disorders
Alcohol & Other Drugs
Environmental Health
Prevention


The information in this web site is for educational purposes only and is not providing medical or professional advice. It should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. It is not a substitute for professional medical care. If you have or suspect you might have any health problems, you should consult a physician.


Copyright 2000 - Sports Doctor, Inc.