Persistent Candida
Answered by: Susan Eagles
Question from: Name not given
Posted on: October 24, 1999

I am writing to you because I have been battling candida for so long now. It has ruined my sex life, personal life and well being. I have had 4 recurrent (vaginal) yeast infections within the past 4 months already and now don’t know where to turn. My doctors have been giving me a lot of attitude and impatience and have prescribed the same antifungal medication over and over again. I also heard that you may infect your partner (my boyfriend) through intercourse and have spoken with tons of doctors about this already, but they keep telling me that it is unlikely and impossible. I am afraid and confused and need help with my condition. I don’t know what actions to take next. I am thinking of getting off of my birth control pills but my very first yeast infection had occurred prior to my taking the pills. I strongly think my partner needs to be treated but can’t find any one who will treat him. Also, I am infected again and am using some over the counter medication because the medication from my doctor seems to work but only during a certain period of time... and is costly money is not my concern, though, my main concern is getting well! Any type of advice you are willing to give or herbs you may suggest I (and partner) take will greatly appreciated. You maybe my last hope for help. No one else seems to understand my problem.

P.S. I am currently taking some garlic pills and eating yogurt with active cultures but that did not seem to help much. Also, I have banished all my bad habits of leaving on wet excercise clothing and avoiding tight fitting clothing, but it seems it doesn’t help!

You are right to insist on treatment for your partner. Men can harbour Candida without symptoms and reinfect a sexual partner. Natural treatment includes a yeast-free diet, stress reduction, enhancing immunity, acidophilus or unflavoured live-culture yogurt both internally and externally to help restore natural vaginal flora, soothing and anti-fungal herbs. Sexual intercourse can enhance the spread of Candida. For information on diet and herbs, please go to our website at http://www.richters.com, choose "Q&A" from the main menu, then choose "Search Richters Q&A", and enter the word "candida" for one search, "yeast" for another.

Garlic’s anti-fungal and immune-enhancing properties may be maintained only in raw garlic. It may be chopped into small pieces and swallowed, or crushed on salads and other food…with lots of fresh parsley to improve the breath! One to three cloves a day.

If stress is a factor, take a herbal tea of Skullcap and Passionflower, one to three times a day.

An excellent reference for more detailed therapeutic information is Amanda McQuade Crawford’s "Herbal Remedies for Women", Prima Publishing.

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