Yeast infection is a discomforting disease caused by the overgrowth of a fungus called Candida in the genital area of both men and women. Although it can occur in different parts of the body, it mainly occurs in the genital area, leading to several other discomforts and symptoms. Yeast infection should be treated right after it is discovered since it can lead to other dangerous diseases. Today, we will learn more about Yeast infection Symptoms and Yeast Infection Causes.
About Yeast Infection
Yeast Infection is a common type of fungal infection, mostly among women. It typically occurs in the genital area, and men can also experience this type of fungal infection. It is predicted that 80 percent of women have experienced this infection once in their lifetime.
Yeast Infection Information
But what is yeast infection really? Normally, yeast is found on different parts of the body and skin. It is a type of fungus, and all bodies have it. But, when yeast in the genital area grows too much, yeasts create an infection called Candidiasis or Yeast Infection.
Yeast Infection Symptoms
Yeast Infection symptoms can be different from one person to another. Some people even have no symptoms yet have a yeast infection. Nevertheless, general symptoms of yeast infection include itching, burning during urination, pain during sexual intercourse, and soreness.
Inflammation around the genital area, along with a thick and odorless vaginal discharge, can also be the symptoms of yeast infection. You can go to a medical center for a pelvic exam to diagnose a yeast infection.
Yeast Infection Causes
Our bodies have a mixture of healthy bacteria and Candida yeast cells. This mixture can be found in the vaginal or genital area too. They are harmless and don’t pose any danger to the body. Hence, with a little bit of changes in the vaginal area, it can lead to yeast infection because of the outnumbering Candida yeast cells versus healthy cells.
The causes of yeast infections can be categorized into several different factors. Using antibiotics that disrupt the balance of bacteria, fluctuations in hormones such as menstruation and pregnancy, and high blood sugar levels can be the main causes of yeast infection.
A weakened immune system due to conditions or treatments such as HIV/AIDS and cancer treatments can also cause yeast infection. Moreover, poor hygiene, tight clothing, stress, and sometimes sexual activity can trigger a yeast infection in your body.
Yeast Infection Treatment
The best treatment option for yeast infection is to use antifungal medications. Based on the level of yeast infection, the antifungal medication varies, and it should be prescribed by the doctor for the best treatment. Antifungal medications reduce the overgrowth of yeast in the body and balance them in the area. There are two types of antifungal medications.
Yeast Infection Treatment
One is oral, and the other is topical, which is Fluconazole and Clotrimazole. Fluconazole is very powerful, and it is given a single dose. It can cure the yeast infection very quickly. Another antifungal medication is Clotrimazole, and it comes in the form of a cream, ointment, or vaginal suppository. Clotrimazole should be used from three to seven days for a nice result, and it is easily available over the counter.
Yeast Infection After Sex
Many people believe that sexual activity can be a severe reason for yeast infection. But sex doesn’t cause a yeast infection, and it only increases the chance of getting it because it introduces new bacteria to the vagina.
Medical science also approves that yeast infection is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI), and there shouldn’t be any worries as yeast infections are common and medical treatments are available for it.
Yeast Infection in Man
It is true that yeast infection mostly happens among women, but this infection can be a threat to men, too. Yeast infection in men can affect their genital area and cause uncomfortable symptoms for men. Although there are OTC medications for this type of infection, learning more about it or how to prevent it can be beneficial for both men and women.
Yeast infection in men can come with a variety of symptoms, such as redness or soreness of the penis, itchiness, pain or discomfort during sexual activity, and small red spots at the top of the penis.
Yeast Infection Discharge
One of the common symptoms of yeast infection is discharge. The characteristics of yeast infection discharge are its appearance, odor, and consistency. The appearance of yeast infection discharge is normally thick, white, and lumpy, and it seems like cottage cheese.
Moreover, it has no odor or a little, helping to distinguish it from bacterial vaginosis or other infections, and usually, it is clumpy or curd-like. When the discharge associated with a yeast infection occurs alongside other symptoms, such as itching or burning, it can be very distressing or discomforting.
How Do Yeast Infections Happen?
Yeast infection mainly happens due to the overgrowth of fungus compared to healthy bacteria cells in the genital area. Yeast infection is common after puberty, and some factors can even increase the risk of getting this infection.
Skin Yeast Infection
Being pregnant and using antibiotics or birth control pills puts women at more risk of getting yeast infections. Also, certain daily routines, such as wearing tight clothing or not changing sweaty clothes, and even using vaginal deodorant, can cause a yeast infection to happen.
Yeast infection can be destroyed after a few days with medication or a week at last. Bear in mind that yeast infection doesn’t go away on its own, and it needs medications to destroy the infection.
What Happens If A Yeast Infection Goes Untreated?
Yeast infection necessarily needs medications. It is difficult to endure for someone who is dealing with a yeast infection, but there are ways to prevent it from happening. For example, the first and most important thing to do is avoid feminine deodorants that are used for the genital area.
Wearing cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothes, using water-based lubricants, and keeping a healthy diet along with a healthy lifestyle to control your blood sugar level can help a lot to prevent yeast infection or any other type of infection. Additionally, not douching can keep the balance of bacteria and fungus over time to prevent yeast infection.
Facts about Yeast Infection
- About 80 percent of women have experienced yeast infection, and it’s a common infection among them.
- Yeast Infection can happen to men, too.
- Keeping blood sugar levels in a normal range can prevent yeast infections.
- Itching, burning, and redness of the genital area are the common symptoms of yeast infection.
- Yeast infection treatment options are easily available, and you can easily get treated.
- Yeast Infection can cause stress and reduce self-confidence as it is a discomforting matter for a lot of people.
Tongue Yeast Infection
Final Words
Overall, yeast infection is a common issue affecting both women and men. It is a very uncomfortable and distressing matter and can be due to various factors. Prevention and effective treatments are available for yeast infections. People can address their problems with doctors or choose a healthy lifestyle to prevent or treat yeast infections. Remember that embarrassment or feeling reluctant to discuss your symptoms can make things hard, and check in with a doctor as soon as you experience the symptoms.
