What is a yeast infection? A yeast infection is an over growth of fungus known as Candida albicans. This fungus is normal in small amounts around the vaginal opening, the mouth, and digestive tract. When this fungus grows at an abnormally high rate is when you get a yeast infection. This fungus is not only found in woman, it is also found in men as well. There are many myths about yeast infections, three major myths and the realities of yeast infections include the following:
o You can always tell that you have a yeast infection because of the symptoms.
This myth is incorrect because the symptoms of a yeast infection can be the same symptoms as
a bacterial or viral infection.
o Yeast causes yeast infections.
Yeast is a symptom not a cause.
o Yeast infections are basically harmless.
This can be slightly true but yeast infections kill more than 10,000 people a year.
Some people get yeast infections only a few times in their lifetime, however there are some that get recurring yeast infections. Recurring yeast infection can be caused by many things ranging from being a secondary infection from such medical conditions including, HIV, pregnancy, taking antibiotics, or diabetes. They can also be caused by environmental conditions including, type of soap, type of underwear, or stress just to name a few.
A vaginal infection such as a sexually transmitted disease can easily be confused for a yeast infection. Some yeast infection symptoms include, intense itching, burning, discharge, and painful sexual intercourse. Other vaginal infections have all these symptoms as well. It can be hard to distinguish between the two. If in doubt always consult a physician. They can run a few tests and while waiting for the results start you on treatment for yeast infection. Should it turn out to be a secondary infection they can then treat that.
Many woman get recurring yeast infections from taking antibiotics, being pregnant, not completing treatment, or having a medical condition such as diabetes. There are many treatments available for yeast infections. These treatments include prescriptions pills such as Diflucan, creams such as Gynazole and suppositories such as Terazol 3. There are also homeopathic or over the counter treatments such as Monistat which comes in cream or suppository form, eating yogurt, drinking buttermilk, the use of tea tree oil.
Before beginning any treatment for a suspected yeast infection you should see a physician to rule out the possibly of an actual infection or for recurring yeast infections to find the cause. Yeast infections are a common occurrence and easily treated. Recurring yeast infections can be embarrassing, extremely uncomfortable, and possibly dangerous. Always complete treatment, seek further medical advice if infection continues to be bothersome, and discontinue sexual intercourse until infection is cleared up completely.
Mail this post
Recent Comments