Regular consumption of yogurt containing Lactobacillus acidophilus may have a prophylactic effect against recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis in susceptible women

Title:
Regular consumption of yogurt containing Lactobacillus acidophilus may have a
prophylactic effect against recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis in susceptible women.

Author:
Nicholas T Befera

Date:
1/7/08

Key words:
vulvovaginal candidiasis, prophylaxis, yogurt consumption,
Lactobillus acidophilus

Abstract:
There is frequent discussion in the popular media as well as
within the medical community regarding the consumption of
“active yogurt cultures” as a means of preventing recurrent yeast
infections. Women of all ages may suffer from frequent vaginal
yeast infection, and the question “should I be eating yogurt”
often comes up during visits to the doctor's office. In short,
it appears that eating yogurt which contains the bacteria
Lactobacillus acidophilus ("active yogurt cultures") does in fact
reduce the frequency of vaginal yeast infections in susceptible
women. It is an easy way to combat yeast infections, and may
delay or eliminate the need for long-term anti-fungal
medications.






This document was created by a medical student enrolled in the
Primary Care Clerkship at the University of Minnesota Medical
School as part of the course project. The aim of the project is
to present information on a medical topic in the format of a
patient education handout. It does not necessarily reflect the
views of the University of Minnesota Medical School physicians
and faculty. These materials are provided for informational
purposes only and are in no way intended to take the place of the
advice and recommendations of your personal health care provider.
The information provided may no longer be up to date since it has
not been reviewed since the date of creation. The information
provided should not be used to diagnose a health problem or
disease, or as a means of determining treatment. In the event of
a medical emergency, immediately contact a doctor or call 911.

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PREVENTION
To help prevent future vaginal
yeast infections, try the
following:
•Don't use douches.
•Avoid scented hygiene
products like bubble bath,
sprays, pads and tampons.
•Change tampons and pads
often during your period.
•Don't wear tight underwear
made of synthetic fibers.
• Wear cotton underwear and
pantyhose with a cotton crotch.
•Change out of wet swimsuits
and exercise clothes as soon
WHAT IS A YEAST
as possible.
INFECTION AND
If you have repeat yeast
WHAT CAN I DO TO
infections, talk to your doctor.
PREVENT THEM?
Nicholas Befera
MS4
University of Minnesota Medical School
Minneapolis, MN

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SYMPTOMS
WHAT IS A YEAST
POSSIBLE CAUSES
Extreme itchiness in and around
INFECTION?
•Diabetes
the vagina.
•Pregnancy
A vaginal yeast infection is
A thick, white vaginal discharge
•Antibotic Use
irritation of the vagina and the
that looks like cottage cheese
•Birth Control Pills
area around the vagina, called
Pain or discomfort during sex
•.Cuts /abrasions in the genital area
the vulva. It is caused by an
Pain during urination
•Poor hygiene
overgrowth of the fungal
Burning, redness, and swelling
•Douching
organism called Candida
of the vagina and the area
•High sugar diet
albicans. Yeast normally live
around it
in the vagina in small
numbers, but when the
You may only have a few of
TREATMENT
bacteria in the vagina become
these symptoms and they may
out of balance, too many
be mild or severe
•Vaginal yeast infection may be
yeast grow and cause an
treated with antifungal medications
infection.
that are applied topically in and
DIAGNOSES
around the vagina or with antifungal
Vaginal yeast infections are
medications taken by mouth. These
very common. About 75
You should see a doctor to
treatments can be prescribed by a
percent of women have a
know for sure if you have a
doctor or bought over the counter.
yeast infection during their
yeast infection, especially if
lives.
you've never had one before.
•There is some evidence that daily
The signs of a yeast infection
consumption of yogurt containing
are similar to those of sexually
the bacteria Lactobacillus
transmitted diseases (STDs)
acidophilus can help prevent
like chlamydia and gonorrhea,
recurrent yeast infections.
so it’s hard to be sure you have
•If you are pregnant, don't use
a yeast infection and not
medicine for a yeast infection
something more serious.
without talking to your doctor first.

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