The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Garlic, Yogurt, Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Karen (Manila, Philippines) on 09/04/2008
★★★★★
I had UTI last week and been taking antibiotics for 7 days (today is my last day). On the 3rd day of taking antibiotics I feel really itchy. I just ignore it and thought it was normal having UTI. On the 4th day I am experiencing extreme itchiness and swollen vulva that is really painful to urinate.
After reading all the post about yeast infection. At 1030pm I cant find any ACV nearby so I decided to buy hyrogen peroxide, Yogurt, Yakult and Garlic,
I eat 2 yogurt and drink 2 yakult. then inserted garlic clove. i cant stand the 15-20 mins. so just leave it for few mins. 2 minutes total. coz it was really painful. then washed with hyrogen peroxide dilluted in water. I was able to sleep without pain. the itchiness had lessen by 70%. its not swollen anymore. from flaming red color its now back to normal. i will buy organic ACV today and will update my post. Thank you very much for this site. Thank you for saving lives.
Garlic, Yogurt, Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Jingkatphil (Cagayan De Oro City, Philippines) on 02/05/2012
hi karen, has your vaginal yeast infection cured? I too took antibiotics which resulted to this infection.. I hope you'd reply on this.. I'm from the philippines too..
Acidophilus
Posted by Kesha (Birmingham, Al) on 07/22/2011
That's exacly what it is. You're getting re-infected by him. He may need to eat some yogurt as well and try some things and you guys wait for at least a week to have sex until the infection is gone.
Acidophilus
Posted by Notmesaidme (Birmingham, Alabama) on 08/09/2011
Can my husband take this too so that we do not pass this back and forth to each other and we can nip this in the bud, so to speak??
Apple Cider Vinegar, Acidophilus
Posted by Traci (New York, USA) on 08/21/2008
★★★★★
I had a horrible itch due to an allergy to latex and then I got my period right after having sex so it was so much worse. then...I woke up and realized I had been scratching in my sleep. The next morning, the lips and c litoral hood were swollen horribly and it burned and itched. I went to get monistat for seven days, it barely took away the itch. Then I went for acidopholus pills which helped then i started bathing and dabbing with vinegar. After four days of this, the internal itch is gone and the external itch is minimal. I decided to take a few teaspoons of ACV today and I feel good rightnow. I will write back tomorrow to let you all know how well its working. It's just this nagging external itch every so often that bugs me now...are there any other suggestions for this?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Ms.B (Seattle, WA) on 08/17/2008
★★★★★
So i have been having reoccuring yeast infections and monistat helped however, it kept coming back over a period of time and finally i decided to use one the home recipes. Low and behold it does wonder! I don't feel any pain and the irritation, the pain its all gone. I used 2 cups of Apple cider vinegar and 2 tsp of epsom salt. Voila!
Apple Cider Vinegar and Salt
Posted by Joyce (Joelton, Tn) on 08/12/2008 490 posts
Hello CL, Go to Dr. Mercola's site and watch his video of Doug Kaufman interviewing Italian Dr. Tullio Simoncini. Dr. Simoncini says that in Italy, they now think that cancer is caused by a fungi (yeast infection is also fungi). They are now effectively treating cancer there by injecting baking soda into the area of the cancer in order to kill off the fungi without killing off the host. So, taking the above into account, perhaps the best treatment for vaginal yeast infection would be a baking soda douche, or a baking soda soaked tampon. If I had the problem, I'd certainly give it a try because it isn't likely to cause any unwanted side effects, unless used excessively.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Salt
Posted by Erin (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) on 04/13/2012
Remember to always heavily research some of these facts presented on comment threads. Yeast survives in an acid vagina. Your vagina should be acid(y). (4.5 ph). If your vagina is alkaline then you probably have BV. A basic ph test is how many ob/gyns make the determination between yeast or bv. You can buy ph strips pretty cheaply online or in health food stores. Put a little vagina fluid on the strip. Follow the guide that comes with the strips. If you are experiencing an issue down there and the ph is acid, then you probably have a yeast infection. If the ph is alkaline, then you probably have bv. Search any explanatory yeast infection videos and they will all tell you the same. Drinking ACV has never worked for me. I am currently eating two garlic cloves a day and about to take an ACV bath. I just had a colposcopy and cannot put anything up there and unfortunately (before the colpo) 7 days of monistat and a diflucan did not get rid of the yeast infection that I got from antibiotics.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Salt
Posted by Erin (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) on 05/09/2012
Update: The results of my colpo came back clear except for some inflammation of my cervix (no HPV or cancer which is awesome). I went back on the typical BV antibiotics which I handled much better with probiotics and eating really well. And also a positive attitude. Stay away from antibiotic reviews. they will make you crazy. After that it was diflucan. A week later, I am good to go. No more issues.
ACV, garlic, yogurt inserts (never do this... It is gross and unecessary), etc did not cure anything.
Though the medications did the curing, ACV external compresses (sometimes I would dilute the ACV and sometimes I would not) helped with yeast symptoms while I waited for the flagyl dose to be over.
If you find that BV/Yeast issues reoccur after sexual exposure, ask your gyno or free clinic to test you specifically for trich. Trich is treated just as BV is, and BV meds are usually followed with yeast meds, so doctors do not test for trich unless you ask them to. Tests are expensive and doctors will avoid ordering them unless absolutely necessary depending on your insurance (they do this for you and for themselves). If you have trich, they will dose your partner up as well, and you will both be good after a week. In the mean time, probiotics (orally... Don't stick foreign objects up your vagina) and ACV (externally) for symptoms. Works great to get you through the meds!
Yogurt, Garlic, ACV
Posted by Haley (Hackberry, LA) on 08/09/2008
★★★★★
1c ACV in med. deep bath for 30 min = 90% relief for me! THANKS!
2 days ago I started getting a terrible vaginal yeast infection which was progressively getting worse. I bought the monistat ovule yesterday and used it at about 10pm. Today, I woke up at 1:30am absolutely miserable. I couldn't hardly walk the area was so irritated; it was absolutely unbearable. I sat in the shower under cool/warm running shower & tried to go back to sleep. Tough luck, absolutely no improvement. So I Googled "yeast infection instant relief" and as always, Earth Clinic was one of the first sites to pop up. I quickly read some reviews and followed three of them. (1) I ate a container of (flavored) yogurt (that's all I had...no plain) (2) I minced a large clove of garlic into some water & chugged it (3) poured about 1c of ACV into a medium-depth bath (enough to lay back & the area still be covered). 30 minutes later I got out & am now posting this...the itching is completely gone. The skin around my v-jay was very very red and irritated/raw. I do still have a little burning, but I will definitely be able to fall asleep. Wow. EC, Thanks so much for being here when I need you! (P.S. it's 3:23am & I am FINALLY going to SLEEP!) xoxo - hk
Yogurt, Garlic, ACV
Posted by Hank (Albuquerque, Nm) on 05/01/2010
Ok ladies. I need to know if any of these remedies will work on a guy. I've had a very painful, itchy and vivid yeast infection down the middle of my buttocks (visual diagnosis) for 3 months now and none of the creams or the one pill, Fluconazole, has worked. It's really uncomfortable. Do guys get this?
Yogurt, Garlic, ACV
Posted by Tee (Chicago, Il) on 05/02/2010
How do you know if you have yeast on your skin? What does it look like. I have acne all over my body plus I've been told I have too much yeast in my blood. How can I know if the rashes on my body are yeast???
Yogurt, Garlic, ACV
Posted by Eggy (Toronto, Ontario, Canada) on 05/26/2010
I tried all 3...for me, inserting a garlic clove, made the rawness and itching worse, as for the ACV, it did get rid of the itching, but it burned like a mother f'--r! I felt the ACV just numbed the pain out, but the rawness of the rash was still there. The only thing that seems to work for me is the plain yogurt. It seems to calms down the itching, and relives the rawness and swelling. I took a turkey baster and about 1/2 cup of the yogurt and shot it on up there! Also used the yogurt externally too. I think it's a trial and error thing for an individual, the only way you'll know what will work on your body, is by trying out all 3 either in combo, or separately. I can't say that Yogurt has cured me, but it has temporarily subsided the yeast infection aggravation.
Yogurt, Garlic, ACV
Posted by Marica (Clearwater, Florida) on 07/24/2010
★★★★★
I had a YI for several months. I tried most everything here and it helped temporarily. Acidophilus worked well but what really worked was witch hazel used topically and internally as a douche. I did this for a week and have not had a YI for years now. Witch Hazel has been around for a very, very long time and people just don't know about all its uses. Try it you will like it.
Yogurt, Garlic, ACV
Posted by Badger (Guffey, Co, Usa) on 04/21/2011
★★★☆☆WORKED TEMPORARILY
Not sure if it's Yeast or BV or ? Symptomatic for nearly 6 mos. itching made itchier by scratching, but impossible to leave it alone! Burning and sometimes it feels like someone bit me way up in there. It seems to have a cycle, tolerable at times, intolerable at others! Been trying holistic stuff the whole time, finally thought to try a traditional doctor as well, she gave me Flouconazole? Seemed to clear up fast since I took it a week ago. Dang, today I felt that "old familiar feeling" down there. No cheesy discharge, but there seems to be a granular substance coming out of me, and my mucous alternates between slick & sticky like glue. My vulva is swollen & sore, and a couple of days I also sported a bright pink rash on my inner thighs. Feels inflamed!
I've tried ACV on a cottonball, Super results wearing a pad soaked with ACV for a few hours. Enjoy drinking ACV or lemon juice added to my water & tea. These were great help, but only temporary help. Tonight, I made ACV baking soda paste and applied liberally. Felt so good for a few hours. Now I fear it's degrading, feel an itch coming on again. Tried clove oil and I warn you: WATER IT DOWN. It felt like it was burning the heck out of me. When I looked no damage, and it did relieve symptoms for a whole day or two! What to try next.................. B3, Magnesium, Borax. I think Ted really knows his stuff!
Yogurt, Garlic, ACV
Posted by Happy Vj (Kc, Mo) on 09/01/2011
★★★★★
the plain yogurt worked like a charm and only cost me 99 cents as opposed to the monistat that cost 20 bucks and didn't work at all. Thanks for all the suggestions! So glad to have my happy vajayjay back!
Yogurt, Garlic, ACV
Posted by Sophia (Wheaton, Il) on 10/04/2011
Had a yeast infection and immediately tried Monistat for three days and the infection became worse! Found this incredible site and took some suggestions from different posts. On day 3 now and my infection is almost completely gone!! Bought a squirt bottle and filled it halfway with ACV and warm water. I sprayed it twice a day to the infected area.. BURNS LIKE A MUTHA! After that I took a tablespoon of plain yogurt and broke a capsule of acidophilus (20 billion) into it and spread it on the infected area. Sooo much relief. Wear a pad! Going to start taking Vitamin C tomorrow (as suggested in a post). BTW-tried the hydrogen peroxide, don't do it! It is so painful and drying, much worse than the ACV. Also, some people wrote to place the probiotic up the ying yang, mine did not dissolve. Not sure how that is supposed to work. I tried two different brands. Good luck. So glad I found this site. Thanks for all of the great info! P.S. Stop eating sugar and yeast during this period, it only contributes to the problem.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Amanda (Valdosta, Georgia) on 08/07/2008
★★★★★
I tryed the ACV remedy... both ways. I had seen that it was recommended that I use about a 1/2 of a cup in my bath water and soak for a while *(20 minutes)* and the itching would go to way... It worked...however it did not work instantly. By the time my soaking was done... the itch was infact gone. Now, the other thing that was recommended was to douche with ACV, this DID NOT WORK FOR ME.. it burnt to the point that I was in tears... I do not recommend this for anyone.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Christine (Montville, New Jersey) on 06/28/2008
★★★★★
For about two weeks I have had a terrible yeast infection plus UTI. I tried monistat powder and cream,it helped that day but after that it came back. Now Iam on vacation and I will not let this infection keep me from having fun. So my dad told me I can drink Apple cider vinegar mixed with alittle bit of water. What I did was drink 1 glass of this mixture and then I took one cup of vinegar poured it in warm water and took a bath in it.In a matter of about 15-20 minutes both the pain from UTI and the itching from the yeast infection was gone.(No Douching) Now Iam just drinking the cider and water for a couple more days just to make sure everything is cured.
Avoid Spermicides
Posted by Angela (Kitchener, Ontario) on 05/06/2010
Spermicidal film gave me a horrible yeast infection as well. I'm assuming the spermicidal foam would do the same.
Caprylic Acid
Posted by Joan (Ny) on 04/26/2016
What concentration were the caps? 600 mg?
Garlic
Posted by Justine (Edmonton, Canada) on 06/10/2008
★★★★★
Hello! I'd like to say that after 6+ yeast infections/year, I went off my birth control pill, and it helped a lot (cut my infection rate in half)! Secondly, the acidophilus and garlic suppositories (pessaries for those in the UK) are really, really effective at reducing itching etc. Especially more so that diflucan or OTC treatments. I will try the boric acid with my next infection, but rest assured, some natural help is out there (and on this page!!) Thanks.
Homeopathic Remedies
Posted by Julie (Las Vegas, Nevada) on 05/31/2008
★★★★★
When I had constant yeast infections, from having candida overgrowth, I used Yeast Gard homeopathic (available at drugstores). It kept me relatively comfortable, until I was able to cure the overgrowth. I also had itchy anus - I used a little bit there, too.
Acidophilus
Posted by Mandi (Fort Worth, TX) on 05/30/2008
I've been having a reocurring yeast infection for almost a year and a half now. (A few bouts of BV every now and then as well) I had never had either problem ever until a year and a half ago.. it's so frustrating. The only thing that really worked was taking 9 diflucan pills over the course of 3 months. But, after a few months of relief, i got another yeast infection. and, now since it's summer i guess, i've had a yeast infection since the beginning of may that won't go away. doctor gave me terazol and diflucan, it only got worse.. i tried acidophilus, but i guess i took too many a day because it made my stomach hurt! I just tried yogurt insertion. I hope it works. I don't know what else to do. I'm considering getting off of birth control as well, or at least taking it in a way where i don't get periods. Maybe that'll help. Has getting off birth control worked for many people?
Acidophilus
Posted by Niese (Houston, TX) on 09/08/2008
Mandi: I would not continue to take too much more diflucan. I recently went to the doctor for what I thought was a yeast infection, later I found out it was a bacterial infection; however, she told me that continued long use of diflucan will eventually make your body not respond to the medicine, and when this happens it will be almost impossible to get rid of a yeast infection. The most effective thing to do is to use a 7 day cream. Old fashion I know, but it's safe and effective.
Acidophilus
Posted by Niccole (Manhattan, Montana, USA) on 11/04/2008
Response to Mandi from Fort Worth.
I also dealt with constant yeast infections for about a year to year and a half. I finally went off birth control. After 2 months of being off them I felt better than I had in years! No more itching, no more burning, no more pain during intercourse. Plus, for me (and it seems the opposite for most people), I had a shorter period! "naturally" my period became only 2.5-3 days long. Heavy, but manageable. And then done with. On the pill, it would drag on for 8 days and be just enough bleeding to be an annoyance. Plus two days after it stopped, a new yeast infection would start. After being off the pill for a year, I tried going back on. Within 1 week I had the same aweful symptoms I had the year before. So I went right off it the next month. Just this past month (another year and half later) I have given the pill a third try... and guess where I am? On this site looking for more remedies to try!! An infection started last night- 3 days after the end of my period, and two days into a new pack of pills. My obvious answer is to stay away from the pill (which I had taken for nearly 15 year before I ever had problems like this). And yes, i have tried different doses and brands. But I am wanting a method of birth control that isn't permanent or requires too much preparation (i.e. diaphram). So my quest continues... I have tried boric acid suppositories (they work ok- less mess- but the infection always came back), I have tried all the doctor prescribed creams, gels, tablets and they have never worked, other than giving me a few days relief. The tablets (diflucan, etc.) only made me feel ill and upset my stomach. I have been eating yogurt everyday for the last 2 years. I went on a "yeast free" diet for a while. I am going to now try the apple cider vinegar approach. But ultimately I see myself back at the doctor's office trying to get a different form of birth control. In my experience, the only noticeable difference, and CURE, was going off the pill. So Mandi, if you can, try it and see what happens. Good Luck!
Acidophilus
Posted by Debbie (Queens, NY) on 12/08/2008
This is a question for Niccole from Manhattan, Montana... I have been on the pill for almost ten years. In the last year and 1/2 I have gotten a yeast infection every month after my period. Now it seems that its not going away at all after using diflucan and monistat. I have cut all refined sugar, wheat and limited dairy out of my diet, I drink ACV, take acidophilus and garlic in pill form and nothing works! Its really getting depressing and I dont know what else to do besides come off the pill. Do you think its possible that this is the cause even though I've been on it for almost 10 yrs straight? Also, after 15 years did you experience and side effects from coming off the pill?
Acidophilus
Posted by Angela (Kennewick, WA) on 01/17/2009
This is in response to Niese from Houston, TX I have a similar story to yours. I've had chronic yeast infections that was treated with diflucan. I've recently been diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis from e-coli. Do you know why you got BV? I'm curious if continued use of diflucan can allow certain bacterias to grow? Any information is helpful, thanks!
Acidophilus
Posted by Caralyne (New York, Ny) on 01/10/2010
I was suffering from recurrent yeast infections an BV a few years back. I got tired of taking the prescribed medications, because fighting the BV caused a yeast infection and then getting rid of the yeast would only last for a little while and back and forth and back and forth.
I started taking acidophilus orally (more than 100 million active per pil) twice a day and inserting garlic cloves into my vagina at night (strange right?) but it worked.
Also, I got rid of my partner. Sounds funny, but I do believe he was constantly passing the yeast and possibly even the BV back to me everytime I worked to get rid of it (that, and he was cheating on me anyway) but I noticed that after having sex with him (which was usually unprotected) I would get a yeast infection. I believe either he brought them to me or was carrying something that I may have given him but men usually dont get symptoms and so sex with him was disrupting my pH.
I suggest to any woman who is getting recurrent infections to definitely convince their partner to treat for yeast or to get a prescription of the flagyl to take orally for BV. It's very possible HE may be the reason you can't get a cure...and the pair of you might not even know it.
I haven't had a single yeast infection since I stopped dating and sleeping with him, but I also haven't had one since I started regularly taking Acidophilus, limiting my sugar intake and the garlic rememdy for about a week... and I eat yogurt (mostly, because I love yogurt tho! lol)
I am currently treating a very mild *so mild in fact i didn't know i had it until i had my annual pap smear* bout of BV with metrogel and am still taking my acidophilus regularly and will probably insert garlic vaginally and maybe even some capsules of the probiotic vaginally after i finish the metrogel just in case, as I dont want yeast to think they can come back!! Its been a great few years without yeast whereas i was having an infection every few weeks and was miserable!!
Acidophilus
Posted by Sheryn (Milwaukee, Wi) on 07/15/2010
Caralyne from NY, NY who noticed that every time she had sex with her boyfriend she'd get a yeast infection: while it's entirely possible he was passing it back and forth. . . If you were using lubricant for sex, that might also be the culprit. Most drug-store brand lubricants are thickened with glycerin, which is a sugar. And if it's flavored. . . That's usually even MORE glycerin. Yeast loves the stuff, so if you're prone to yeast infections, and notice that you get itchy after sex, you might want to check the label and find yourself a water-based lube that doesn't have glycerin in it.
Acidophilus
Posted by Mcbrooke (Baltimore, Md) on 01/24/2013
Definitely stop taking the birth control if you can. I just went to my gyn 3 days ago for having constant yeast infections. I started birth control well after I was having the yeast infections, but my doctor (a different doctor perscribed me birth control) said being on birth control would make make the issue worse. I just stopped a few days ago, so I don't really have any feedback for you other than that. Good luck to you though!
Honey, Yogurt, Apple Cider Vinegar, Garlic
Posted by MayBelle (Hudson, NH) on 05/24/2008
★★★★☆
I am trying this remedy for a yeast infection it is done in 4 parts:
1st: I applied Raw natural honey (not store bought) let it sit and then rinsed it off.
2nd: I put plain yogurt in an applicator but it must have NO sugar and have live active cultures. I left that in my vagina for at least one hour.
3rd: I douched with raw apple cider vinegar and water 1tbsp per 1 liter
Finally: placed the clove of Garlic mentioned here.
My friend told me that this remedy works fast.. So Since OTC doesn't work I figured I had nothing to loose. I am on the last step and I do have to tell you already feel so much better...
Yogurt
Posted by Veronica (San Antonio, Texas) on 04/18/2008
★★★★★
I have suffered from yeast infections since I was a teen. The otc creams are almost as bad as the yeast infection. I have found the less sugar I eat, the less infections I get. But the biggest help has been yogurt. Unflavored yogurt sucked up into one of those applicators used for the yeast infection medications really knocks out the pain and irritation within seconds and cures it in a matter of days. It is so much cheaper, kinder and faster then the creams.
Yogurt
Posted by Tiera (Winner, SD) on 04/12/2008
★★★★★
I just found this site, looking for help with my chronic sinus/dental problems and got side-tracked. I wanted to add my input on using yogurt for vaginal yeast infections. I rarely get yeast infections, but any time I ever did, I dipped a tampon in some plain yogurt and left it in overnight, and it always cured the problem immediately! In addition, a few years back, I was baking some bread and must have scratched my leg with a fingernail that had some yeast underneath, and within an hour I had what is known as "baker's infection"...something people who work in bakerys suffer from on a regular basis because of the live yeast surrounding them. My rash on my legs was spreading by the minute, so I finally ran a hot bath, dumped a carton of plain yogurt in, and it brought it to a screeching halt! The redness remained into the next day, but the spreading had stopped, along with the itching and burning! I had read that yogurt bacterias kill yeast on contact, and I know, from experience, that this is absolutely true!
Anti-Fungal Remedies or Medication
Posted by Christopher (Kirkland Lake, ON) on 03/30/2008
★★★★★
A few years ago i worked in a kitchen environment and a candy store. Ok obviously i had a bad diet... i developped a rash on the side of my hand. water made it worse and perhaps the plastic gloves for candy didnt help. this rash persisted for over half a year and disappeared only by moving up my pinkie. there it became obvious that aside from cracking skin that there were tiny pimple like bumps.
My dad got me cortisone cream and it flared. apparently i found out at that time that cortisone feeds yeast! i got to thinking i had a yeast infection on my hand!!! i did try ACV it brought relief but i think the infection was too deep. Or that the ACV would of worked better mixed with a cream... it would clear to reemerge once the skin became dryer again. I was so convinced it was a yeast infection...
One day i told my dentist what i thought and she helped me get some cold sore medication... nyaderm/betaderm.. just to say it was antifungal!!! after 3 days the rash never came back.... i know its not a natural cure but just to say had i made a something with garlic or you know something antifungal the rash would of left.
since that time ive formed a belief that almost all health problems stem from mycotoxins or fungus/yeast living in human tissue. i still have a coated tongue and in my best efforts have only been able to partially clear it up. sucking on a tablet for candida did clear it up for a few hours, enough for hope but yeah thats expensive.
Yogurt
Posted by Janet (Music City, USA) on 03/07/2008
★★★★★
re: Yeast and Bacterial Vaginitis. Hello, I don't know if this will work for bacterial infections, but when I have had yeast infections, I apply a couple of Tablespoons of plain, unsweetened, unflavored yoghurt to my inner and outer parts with a clean finger, and instant relief. Poof! No more yeast infection ! Its worth a try, it can't hurt, and its very cheap.
Don't Douche
Posted by Cal (Topeka, KS) on 01/15/2008
All throughout this article, women are douching to help rid themselves of yeast infections. This is ridiculous. Flushing water or anything else into the vagina will do nothing but force the bad bacteria further into the uterus, which can lead to worse complications. If you want to help yourself, take a daily probiotic and drink lots of water.
Don't Douche
Posted by Mary (Annapolis, Maryland USA) on 06/14/2009
I agree -- DO NOT DOUCHE! ACV gave me slight, temporary relief from my vaginal yeast. However, the douching flushed out the productive bacteria and set me up for a RAGING vaginal bacterial infection, which required an antibiotic cream. That remedy caused a yeast infection to recur. I am now committed to an anti-yeast diet, probiotics, and anti-fungal herbal regime. I work with an experienced herbal practitioner and am 2 months into my program. I urge all with yeast issues to research systemic candida. It's a growing problem.
