Conference turris::womannotes-v1

    Threre is a type of infection that does
    not respond to standard anti-biotics.  There
    is a new drug called FLAGYL that seems to work
    very well.  It tastes ilke hell though and leaves a
    mettalic taste in your mouth.  Ask your doctor about it.

    By the way, your boyfriend will have to
    take it also.  Some types of yeats infections are
    caused by bacterium that men carry [contracted from
    women] but that shows no signs [and is harmless]
    in men's bodies.  If you gave it to your boyfriend,
    then he is giving it back to you after you've taken
    the medication.

    A suggestion and some questions:
    
    - Look at "the new our bodies ourselves" for other ideas
      (though it sounds like you've educated yourself pretty well on
       this)
    
    - is it possible for men to have symptoms of these infections?
      (and if so, what are the symptoms)
    
    - is it possible for women NOT to have symptoms?
    
    Thanks for any more info that can be offered.
    
    
    liz

        This may  sound dumb, but it worked for my ex a few years ago -
        bathe the naughty  bits  in yoghurt morning and night for a few
        days...
        
        Seems  that  the alkalinity  of  the  yoghurt  counteracts  the
        acidity of the vagina (  I  may have that the wrong way round),
        whatever, it works.
        
        Andy
        
        Ps, we used plain, unflavoured yoghurt,  and  this  was  at the
        suggestion of a 'nature' specialist....FWIW.

�    < Note 520.2 by DIEHRD::MAHLER "Yugo's for Yo Yo's" >




�    If you gave it to your boyfriend,
�    then he is giving it back to you after you've taken
�    the medication.


    	I wish it were that simple.  We haven't been able to *do* any-
    	 thing since all this started, due to her having pain, tenderness,
    	 etc.  major :-(  :-(

	Her doctor did give me some pills to take a couple of months
    	 ago, just in case it was what you are referring to.  But, as
    	 I said, it's a moot point.
    
    	Thanks for the ideas though.  We'll keep trying.
    
    
    					-Rich
    

    When I was first married I had one of these infections...
    
    and I can *deeply* sympathasize with the author of .6 ...
    
    when a woman has one of these yeast infections the way I did
    and the way his SO does...*everything* hurts!!! 
    
    I would also recommend the yoghurt cure. I didn't have to use
    that (gentian violet cured me....and wrecked two sets of
    marriage present sheets and one matress!) and also if nothing
    else works...go to a holistic practitioner that can give you
    a diet that takes you off all yeast products all together.
    (I know that therapy has been mentioned in this file before
    but right now I do not remember where...anyone?) Yoghurt
    (plain) is often recommended for women who have been on 
    antibiotics which killed the normal vaginal microbial population
    allowing the yeast infection to take hold.
    
    By the way ...the doctor that cured me told me that vinegar
    douches are the *worst* thing to use when you have a yeast infection
    because the yeast thrive on acid.

    I don't think that it is possible to imagine how much discomfort
    this kind of infection causes if you have never had it.
    
    and thank you Mike Mahler for your helpful suggestions.
    
    Bonnie

    RE: .1
    
    The drug FLAGYL is not for yeast infections. It is given for
    trichomoniasis, and other infections caused by flagellate protozoa.
    It does make things taste awful for about half a day after you take
    it, and yes it is necessary for both partners to take it.
    
    RE: .0
    
    Sigh, boy can I sympathize! For three or four years I rarely went 4
    weeks without an infection. I found the best treatment for me (on
    the okay of my doctor after nothing seemed to help) was to douche
    every other day with boric acid. You can buy the powder in the drug
    store and I would make it just slightly stronger than eye-wash
    strength. I read about this in several "feminist" women's health
    books.
    
    I believe now that my yeast infections were caused by the partner I had
    at the time. He had chronic prostatitis, which cannot be cured BTW, and
    I believe he was constantly reinfecting me. The prostate is basically a
    large sponge-like collection of cells, and there is no way to "clean"
    it up, if it gets this type of prostatitis. I also had trich a couple
    of times and believe the reinfections were also due to this. I have
    only had a couple infections in the 6 or so years since.
    
    I would also recommend the total elimination of any fermented products
    from your diet. See a good holistic doctor to help you plan this.
    I have had several friends who upon eliminating all breads, cheeses,
    wines, beers, soy souce, etc. have had remarkable inprovements in
    their yeast infections and general health.
    
    I wish you good luck finding some relief. I've been there.
    
    Tamzen

	Thank you  for  looking  that  up. When I had the displeasure of
    taking  FLAGYL  it  was because of an infection 'the other' had that
    was  THOUGHT  to  be  a  yeast  infection but which turned out to be
    trichomoniasis  instead  and  also  caused as much, maybe more, pain
    than  a  yeast  infection. It took a LONG time for it to go away and
    also was a real inconvenience as i'm sure .0 is experiencing.

	This infection shows severe symptoms in women but not in men.	

    
    Wow!
    
    I didn't expect so may replys this soon!  Thank you so very much
    for all your help!  I'm going to go to the store today and try the
    yougurt and boric acid stuff.  I'll leave the special diet as a
    last resort.  
    
    Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!
    
    Y'all have a great weekend!
    
    Corinne (-:
    

    I've had the same problems.  My doctor treated me for a yeast
    infection, and it just never went away.  It turned out that I had
    2 infections -- one was a yeast infection and the other was a flagyl
    vaginal infection.  I ended up taking the big blue pills for the
    flagyl infection and usind the cream that the doctor prescribed
    (Monistat 9) for the yeast infection.  Until they both got treated
    at the same time, I couldn't get rid of the problem.  I had my
    infections for several months, which didn't please my husband too
    much, although fortunately I had not transmitted the flagyl infection
    to him, so we didn't keep reinfecting each other.  Try asking your
    doctor if you might have more than one infection.  If he or she
    stopped looking after diagnosing the yeast infection, there may
    be another infection there that hasn't been found yet.
    
    Good luck.
    Cathy

    One of my college roommates used to get yeast infections constantly
    - she was really miserable over it.  She finally went on a special
    diet of no fermented products (also no cheese; she ate a lot of
    yoghurt) and eventually it cleared up.  So maybe there is something
    to the diet theory.  (I've never had one of these yeast infections;
    I must be lucky.)
    
    Good luck!

    boy did that hit a panic button with me.  I first encountered my
    particular foe when I was 18.  I had to insert nasty pills, and
    it was awful, but it sent away.  Then I began to get them regularly
    (once a month) just before my period.  Things that make them worse
    include:  being on The Pill, being on corticosteroid drugs (I have
    asthma), being on any kind of penicillin (which kill your body's
    defenses in there - it's not too particular about the difference
    between "good bacteria" and "bad bacteria"), wearing nylon underwear,
    not washing too frequently, eating fermented stuff, etc, etc.
    
    My solution?  2 Tbs plain yogurt (very fresh, homemade if possible,
    and NOT lowfat - that has less power) in 2 quarts warm water.  Douche
    with it once a day.  From what I've heard, the acidophilus
    (lactobacillus) in the yoghurt kind of puts up an "organic warfare"
    inside, controlling the yeasties (in my case it was candidas albicans),
    and fortifying your body's natural defenses.
    
    Also, the infection not only caused me pain and tenderness inside,
    but caused sores outside, which were easily treated with mild
    hydrocortisone.  Also, a cream which you can "inject" to kill candidas
    is called "mycelex" (I think).  
    
    After having had it for so long, and realizing I'm never going to
    completely get rid of it, I have come to know the early symptoms,
    and am relieved that the hormonal changes that come with my period
    generally get rid of it if other measures haven't.  My SO is really
    understanding about it, which helps.  
    
    Also, a BIG factor which triggered mine was STRESS.  This lowers
    the body's resistance to many infections.  If you're really STRESSED
    OUT, you might want to add some relaxation techniques.
    
    good luck, and be well
    
    -Jody
    

You  might also try getting lactobacillus bacteria from acidopholus capsules,
which you can get from a health food store or maybe even a well-stocked
drugstore.

Whenever I take antibiotics, I always take 1-2 acidopholus capsules at
the same time and also eat yogurt. That does seem to help prevent
yeast infections resulting from the antibiotics killing all the usual
other stuff that keeps the yeast in check.

With respect to store-bought yogurt, my understanding is that you
should be sure that the package says it contains active cultures.
Otherwise, there may be no live lactobacillus bacteria in it to help
you out.

in sympathy,
reg

    Re (.2, .3)
    
    Yeast infections are *not* caused by any kind of bacterium.  Yeast
    infections are caused by yeast, bacterial infections are caused
    by bacterium, and Trichimonias infections are caused by Trichimonias
    protozoa.  It is possible to have more than one type of infection
    at a given time though.
    
    Flagel is dangerous, according to, among other sources, _Our Bodies,
    Our Selves_.  They suggest that women *not* take this drug, unless
    everything else has failed.  Also, taking Flagel can *cause* a yeast
    infection to flair up.
    
    I am constantly amazed about the ignorance of many doctors.  A doctor
    I once had treated a yeast infection with antibiotics - further
    killing the defenses against yeast.  I ended up with a systemic
    yeast infection that did not go away, even with anti-fungal drugs
    and the "yeast free" special diet for many months.
    
    Another cause not yet mentioned for yeast infections is too frequent
    douching, especially with "cosmetic" douches - you know, the kind
    that are scented with ****, and make you "feel fresh".  In fact,
    women who get yeast infections are usually people who keep themselves
    fastidiously clean.
    
    Douching with an acidic douche will often help, especially in mild
    cases.  Vinegar or Boric acid both serve this purpose.  Boric acid
    can be made into suppositories and used for this purpose also.
    
    Elizabeth

    Before we go any further on the acid douche business... I would
    really like to check with a good gyn. The doctor who cured me
    told me that the vinegar douches I had been using at the advice
    of my internist had encouraged the yeast infection to grow and
    it was as bad as it was (which was *awful*) *because* I had 
    been using vinegar.

    
    Same here!  My GYN had me using the vinegar douches - ??? I'm confused.
    
    I have to go to the dermatologist tomorrow, and I'm going to ask
    him about all the suggestions here, and see what he thinks.  If
    he gets offended, I'll go home and try the stuff, and find another
    doctor.  (I think he'll work with me though, he's a nice guy). 
    My mom says that when she was my age, she had the same problem with
    yeast infections, and her doctor used the genitian violet to finally
    get rid of it.  I'll ask what he thinks of vinegar douching also.
    
    Hopefully I'll have some good news soon.  Sigh....
    
    Once again, Thank you very much!  
    
    
    Corinne
    (-:
    

    I too, was finally cured with gentian violet after a full year of
    miscellaneous creams, suppositories, douches.
    
    The one thing I haven't seen here is avoidance of transmission via
    the use of condoms.  Yeast infections are passed back and forth.
    Men, however, do not have any symptoms.  I strongly suggest that
    your SO use condoms while you are on medication and for at least
    a month after your infection has cleared up.  
    
    If your SO was not circumscised, you should consider using condoms
    on a regular basis.  Uncircumscised men tend to harbor bacteria
    and yeast type infections without any symptoms.  

    
    Just incase my doctor isn't familiar with it, what is Genitian Violet,
    and how is it applied?  My mom remembers it as a purple liquid,
    but not much else.
    
    Thanks!!!!
    
    Corinne
    

    It is a dye, and it is applied in the form of suppositories
    or the doctor can "paint" the patient with it. It stains everything!

    Corinne,
    
    My doctor once told me that the only kind of yogurt that was
    good for yeast infections is the NON-PASTEURIZED kind you get
    in health food stores.  Apparently, pasteurizing removes some
    of the bacteria/culture that's beneficial to yeast infections.
    
    Have you ever had an infection where the doctor prescribed
    a creme that gets "injected" into the vagina?  The medication
    comes in a tube (like toothpaste).  A special plunger is
    screwed onto the end of the medication tube.  You squeeze the
    tube until the plunger fills up with creme.  You then "inject"
    the creme.  He said the yogurt is used in this same way.  It's
    not applied <to> the vagina, but <into> it...
    
    Ask your doctor about this, too.
    
    

    I just talked to my doctor today about a similar problem.    She
    has been encouraging me to try the Candida diet for quite a while
    now (just for one week!) to see if it makes a difference.  She gave
    me a copy -- if you want to look at it, send me mail, and I will
    send you a copy.  It's straightforward enough.
    
    According to her, even doing it a week at a time can make a big
    difference to some people.
    
    She also thought the fact that I constantly crave fermented foods
    (soy sauce, nuts, wine, cheese...) and sugar was a sign that it
    may well be Candida.
    
    She also gave me a book to read called "The Yest Syndrome" (I
    think...it's out in the car).  Has anyone read it?  What do you
    think?
                                                  
    
    Holly

    Men can get the symptoms also. One thing my wifes gynecologist told
    me was that if the woman to man to woman cycle gets started and
    the man is uncircumcised it becomes very hard to cure. In this
    case the man becomes the major carrier and in some cases the men 
    have to be circumcised to get the infection stopped.
    
    dave

    A friend of mine who suffers from frequent yeast infections
    says she dips a tampax into yogurt and puts it in before
    she retires at night.
  
    She also mentioned she labels her *special* yogurt so no one
    finishes it off when she's not around.

    
    	Thank you for sharing that with us...
    
    	(Bllllllaakkkkkkk)
    
    	Where's the formfeed?

     I recently went through a stage where I craved sugar and devoured
    as much as I possibly could get for two days.  When I ran out of
    sugar I started with the alcohol - beer, whiskey.  The third day
    I had a serious yeast infection!  Fortunately I had recently discussed
    these nasty infections with a friend who recommended Dr Crooks book
    "The Yeast Connection".  I actually rushed out and bought it.  That
    day, September 13, I began a serious diet which eliminates all sugar,
    yeast products, fruit, and anything that quickly turns to sugar during
    the digestive process - complex carbohydrates.  This leaves many
    meats (lean), fish, fresh vegetables.  I should have done this for
    about three weeks and then started to test out whether I am allergic
    to yeast by taking brewers yeast - BUT I get serious yeast infections
    also by swimming in public pools and I'm taking a scuba refresher
    course in a pool so I've remained on the diet.  My yeast infection
    has subsided as a result of the diet though the pool is causing
    a little problem.  
    
    I have been a chocoholic for most of my life and I've suffered from 
    yeast infections since I took tetracycline in the early '70s.  
    I've had such serious infections that I get migraine headaches too.  
    Even my ears get involved!  Though I'm still in the experimental
    stages I believe that the significant change in my diet is helping.  
    Getting rid of a yeast infection and the yeast colonies is a long 
    process according to the case studies mentioned in "The Yeast
    Connection".  I'm very tired of treating the symptoms and am after 
    the cause this time.    

    A nice side effect of this diet - I've lost 10 pounds since I began
    on 9/13 and am still losing!  I had set a goal of losing 15 pounds
    by Christmas, looks like I'll have done it by Thanksgiving! It is 
    an easy diet, I eat very well and in addition am taking a lot of 
    vitamines (not megadoses), minerals, and a few strange substances like 
    primrose oil, garlic, bee pollen, ginger root, selenium. 
        

    Next month I start experimenting with the brewer's yeast and
    adding a glass of wine or a cookie to my menu.  I can hardly wait!
    
    Pam

    re .24:
    
    what is the theory behind that "treatment"?
                                                   
                  /
                 (  ___
                  ) ///
                 /
    

    Apparently the monilia (the type of yeast that causes the infection)
    will thrive in the absence of normal body flora and fauna. For
    example many women get one of these infections first when they
    go on a broad spectrum antibiotic...
    
    The yoghurt treatment appears to establish a population of
    benign organisms that drive out the others.

re .16, .17

On page 518, the _New Our Bodies, Ourselves_ says about yeast infections:

	Candida grows best in a mildly acidic environment. The pH in
	the vagina is normally more than mildly acidic (4.0 to 5.0)
	except when we take birth control pills or some antibiotics,
	are pregnant, have diabetes, and when we menstruate (when
	the pH rises to between 5.8 and 6.8, because blood is
	alkaline). Obviously, we often find ourselves with a vaginal
	pH favorable to monilia.

Elsewhere on the same page it also says that diets high in refined
carbohydrates can radically chagne the normal pH of the vagina,
making it less acidic.

Suppose, as a result of any of the above possibilities and whatever others
there are, one had a pH that was *less* than mildly acidic, maybe
neutral or even slightly alkaline. Perhaps in a case like that,
using a vinegar douche would create just the mildly acidic environment
that yeast like. 

Also, all vinegar douches probably aren't equal in their acidity and maybe 
thus have varying effects.

reg

        
    Bonnie,
    
    	Oppps, I tried to delete mine too and thought it went away,
    I guess not...only half of the note stayed and was unfinished.
          
    What I was saying is that my SO DID suffer from yeast infections
    and I, as well, had to take the little pills just incase I was
    re-infecting her. 
    
    I just thought the reply before that was unessary.
    
    Todd
    	

    
    	How about deleting .30 and spelling "unnecessary" correctly.
    
    	Sorry.
    
    	Todd

    RE: .25
    It never occured to me that a statement about labeling
    a container of yoghurt could be offensive.  
    Sorry (and puzzled).
    
    RE: .28
    The tampax theory is simple...yoghurt by nature is messy
    so why not make things easy on yourself and use an applicator?
    Plus, I suppose the longer the yoghurt is in the better the
    results.

    Does any of this require a formfeed?

    Jodi-
    
    (Todd, remember me? "Parts is Parts")

    
    
    When I was in my twenties I suffered from re-occuring
    yeast infections.  I had strep-throat two or three times
    a year (a job related illness - working with schools of
    children).  I discovered stong yoghurt and I now watch
    for the symtoms and begin treatment right away.  I really
    don't think that I am cured.
    
    _peggy
    

    
    Does this ever hit a sensitive nerve! I had a yeast infection for
    about 6 months my junior year in college - I definately can sympathize
    with the suggestion of amputation :*)..... I decided that if ever
    I wanted to put a curse on someone, this was one of the worse things
    I could think of.
    
    Anyway... at that time I was put on several different types of
    medication. I don't remember any of the names, but one was a yellowish
    paste to be applied to the itching area. Another were large yellow
    tablets, to be inserted in the affected area.
    
    The doctor also recommended frequent washing (not a douche though,
    just water) and also suggested eating unflavored plain yoghurt.
    Said the stuff with all the sugar and fruit would do nothing/or
    worse for the infection. This was to be eaten, with plain, fresh
    fruit mixed in for flavor. (also told me that plain yoghurt was
    an acquired taste - like whiskey :*)  ).

    I don't know what finally cleared it up, but it eventually (somewhere
    around two eternities) went away.
    
    Ever since then, I'm paranoid as soon as I even feel an itch. And
    yes, the monthly cycle does seem to bring it on. I usually eat lots
    of yogurt doing those days. Also, I found that using birth control
    cream (just the regual brand that I use for other activities - I
    think it is Delfen) seems to help. Whether there is something in
    the cream, or what, I don't know. But it definately seems to help.
    
    Also - (and I can't remember if this was already mentioned or not)
    but I was also told that tight pants seem to aggrevate the situation.
    I have noticed this to be true, at least for me. 

    Good luck with it.... as I said before, it is only something I would
    wish on my worst enemy (and even then I don't know!).
    
    janet b.

    ps.
    Something else that was told to me, but I'll put it after a form-feed
    so as not to offend anyone....
    
    Something else that I haven't seen here was a recommendation to
    be very careful when wiping yourself after using the toilet. It
    should be a front to back motion, because a back to front motion
    could bring forward bacteria that is present in the anal area.

I just read a brief article in a mag. this morning while waiting for an oil
change.

1.  high sugar levels in blood can contribute to yeast infections, so
	don't eat candy. It said that many diabetics have problems with yeast
	infections.

2.  yeast thrive in moisture.  Therefore make sure your underwear has
	cotton crotches, don't wear tight pants, don't hang around in a
	wet swimsuit too long.

3.  plain yogurt helps, eat it and insert some into vagina.

Can't remember anything else, but this seems to corroberate what others
have said.

...Karen

    
    	Well, here's an update, sort of.
    
>    	    Anyway... at that time I was put on several different types of
>    medication. I don't remember any of the names, but one was a yellowish
>    paste to be applied to the itching area. Another were large yellow
>    tablets, to be inserted in the affected area.

    	We've tried both of these ideas, sometime earlier this summer,
    	 I think it was.  Helped a bit, but never totally cleared it
    	 up.  She's also been off the pill for several months, and that
    	 hasn't helped any.
    
    	We had been going to a specialist, a dermatologist that Corinne's
    	 gyn had recommended.  He's now stumped, and has suggested another
    	 specialist.  Her appointment is Dec. 10th.  We'll see what
    	 happens then.  I'm not sure what kind of dr. this one is, and
    	 I think Corinne would kill me if I went and asked her now..
     	 :-)  :-)
    
    	I really hope we make some progress this time.  I really feel
    	 sorry for all she's going through.  I know it's an almost
    	 constant irritation for her.  Because of this, we _know_ it's
    	 not a case of me re-infecting her.  Sometimes I wish it were,
    	 because at least then we'd know what's causing it and could
    	 stop it....  :-(

    	Please keep the suggestions coming, folks.  We're trying the
    	 yogurt trick now.  Many thanks!
    
    
    				-Rich
    

    I was wandering through a health food store a while ago and saw
    a box that said it was for yeast infections (primarily the systemic
    ones, but I suspect a stubborn yeast infection may well be related
    to something systemic).  It claimed to be a "natural" way to fight
    the yeasties, and although it was very expensive, if modern medicine
    fails then it might be worth a try.
    
    -Jody
    

    re .40:
    
    Yes, there is one on the market called "Cantrol", that worked quite
    well, though rather slowly, at eventually clearing up the systemic
    yeast infection that was causing all of the vaginal infections.
    It was reccomended by my DR.  It is a lot cheaper if you buy it
    from a large supermarket with a health food section.  It took me
    about 5 months, and a very restricted diet, but it was certainly
    worth it.
    
    Elizabeth
    

    I recently saw a package of "pills" in a health food store, I think
    it was "cantrol", and it contained the same variety of vitamins
    and minerals and things like primrose oil that was suggested by
    Dr. Crook in "The Yeast Connection".  I read that book in September 
    and switched to a sugar free, complex carbohydrate diet, and take
    a variety of vitamins: basic multi, extra minerals, calcium/magnesium,
    slow acting C, E, primrose oil, garlic, ginger, selenium, bee propolis,
    beta cerotene, pancretin and I think a couple of others.  I am
    delighted to report that I have conquered the yeast infection! 
    Well, I'm sure it will only be a victory as long as I can control
    my longing for sweets.  Since the first of November I have begun
    to experiment with sugar/refined carbohydrates and can now allow
    myself a desert or glass of wine once in awhile (I'm keeping those
    treats down to once a week).  When I get too much sugar I begin
    to notice the symptoms again.  
    
    I've also noticed a difference in my moods.  I am much happier and
    joyous than I've been in a long time, even my SO commented on that
    and drew a similar conclusion to mine, that it is related to the
    absence of yeast colonies.
    
    I thank those of you who suggested the yogurt preparations.  I am
    using them periodically, especially after I indulge in a sugar treat,
    and that too seems to be helping.
    
    So, based on my own experiment, I really believe that removing sugar
    and refined carbohydrates from the diet is key to eliminating the
    problem of yeast related infections.  
    

    RE: 520.42
    
    How could I forget the most important suppliment of them all:
    
    ACIDOPHILUS

    I'm not sure how to insert a formfeed, so I'm put the info below
    under a jillion carriage returns, for the sake of persons with delicate
    sensibilities
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    A friend who used to have recurring vaginal infections told me that
    her doctor had said the yeast (? bacteria?) could actually live
    in douching equipment.  So, then she started keeping track and noticed
    that sure enough, 2 or 3 days after each time she douched, she'd
    start to notice the symptoms of an infection.  She's a very tidy
    person, so I'm assuming that normal cleaning of the stuff is not
    sufficient to kill off the whatever it is.
    

    To anyone who wants to insert formfeeds in their notes for the
    protection of readers' sensibilities (or even just not to give away
    the punch line of a joke ;')
    
    Type a V and an L both while holding down the control key.
    
    Works a treat.
    
    						=maggie

    The following article by Denise Fortino appears in the January '88
    issue of Ms. magazine. 
    
                               The Yeast Beast
    
         You probably know it as a household remedy for everything
         from roaches to eye infections.  But boric acid powder
         has also proved to be highly effective against vaginal
         yeast infections (Candida albicans).  
         
         In a recent study reported inn the Canadian Medical
         Association Journal, significantly more women who used
         boric acid powder intravaginally remained free of infection
         up to a month after therapy than did those who used the
         powerful prescription antifungal ointment, nystatin. 
         
         (To use this remedy, Dr. Ronald Hoffman, medical director
         of the Whole Life Medical Center, recommends filling two
         empty "double O" gelatin capsules with boric acid and
         inserting them like vaginal suppositories daily over a
         two-week period.)
         
         In another study, yeast cultures were isolated from the
         urine of almost half of the husbands of women who developed
         recurring infections.  This suggests that some men harbor
         the fungus in their genitourinary tract, which may help
         explain why their partners become reinfected.  Those male
         "carriers" should also be treated.