First question!

Some friends have been kind enough to start me off with a round of questions. I'm picking this one to be the first to answer because it's easy and useful for everyone to know.

Q: What is a natural organic cure for yeast infections? I don't like teh pills!

There are actually a great number of resources for this on the Internet, which is a wonderful thing. But first, a little about yeast infections.

A yeast infection can be caused by various things but is basically the result of vaginal acidity becoming lower than it should be and the yeast that lives there naturally (Candida albicans) taking over. Causes include antibiotics, birth control pills, pregnancy, douching, and diabetes. The symptoms include itching and burning of the vulva, a cottage cheese-like discharge, and swelling. However, other infections share the same symptoms, so I would definitely recommend going to a doctor the first time to get it diagnosed under a microscope.

Once you know that what you have is a yeast infection, there are a few things you can do that don't require pills. Easiest and most common recommendation is yogurt - completely unsweetened and with live cultures - apply to a non-applicator tampon and insert, or apply directly to the vulva. Apparently teatree oil is also a good one to apply to a tampon. Just remember that a dry tampon may be uncomfortable to insert during an itchy time. Another interesting one I came across is garlic. Peel the dry papery cover off a clove, wrap it in cheesecloth and insert, making sure a bit of string is sticking out. Make sure you are wearing clean cotton underwear and clothing that's not too tight - this will cut down irritation.

A note: Men can get yeast infections too. They may not have symptoms or may have similar ones - itching and burning and a discharge. The important thing to note is that couples can pass yeast infections from one to the other, so please note if you are having recurring infections whether your partner may have one too. Men will need to treat yeast infections with a prescription, or a topical application of Monistat cream. Again, go to your doctor first.

If you don't mind having "teh pills," a handy trick is to ask your gynecologist for a prescription of something like Diflucan, the one pill treatment, with a few refills and simply take when necessary.

First order of business

First thing I will do is recommend that every woman age 26 or younger go and get the HPV vaccine, Gardasil. If you have a daughter or a niece or know someone between the ages of 9 and 26, I recommend you talk to them about getting this vaccine. It will protect women against 4 types of the Human Papilloma virus - these types cause 70% of cervical cancer and 90% of genital warts. It works best if one has been vaccinated before first sexual contact. The Merck site recommends that it be done before exposure to the virus, but in practical terms that means what I said - before first sexual contact. The rates of HPV infection are extremely high, particularly among teens, and it's not a disease that necessarily shows symptoms.

Not all insurance companies will cover this vaccine, I'm sure. I know for a fact that some do, so please call yours and find out. The cost of Gardasil is $360 for 3 injections over 6 months, so it may be possible to afford without insurance, but is a serious expenditure. It also seems that some doctors' offices will ask for out-of-pocket payment to be reimbursed after the insurance company pays them. If your insurance company let you know that you are covered, I would recommend that you try to get the vaccine even with this method. The CDC has a good comprehensive site about Gardasil and some low-cost alternatives for children. Merck also seems to have a vaccine patient assistance program.

Now get out there and find out!