Yeast Infection: Description, Causes and Treatment

What is Yeast Infection?

This kind of infection is most common among women. However, many remain ignorant or unaware of this medical problem. It is important to know the symptoms, dangers, and related conditions of yeast infection to be able to treat it early on. It is also necessary to determine the various causes of this disease to be able to avoid it before it even happens. Finally, it will be most helpful for any female person if she is also knowledgeable of the several possible treatments for yeast infection to be able to curtail it immediately.

Not many women are familiar with the term “yeast infection”. However, more women are probably aware of or have experienced previously the symptoms of this condition. The top three signs of having yeast infection are itching, burning and pain, and discharge. Itching of any part of the skin or body is usually caused by an infestation of foreign organisms such as fungi or bacteria in a particular area of the body. In the case of yeast infection, the affected portion is the vaginal part and the surrounding areas. The infection can cause intense itching that rashes or redness usually develop secondary to scratching. Another indication is a burning or painful sensation in that area especially when urinating. The skin in a woman's vaginal part may already contain sores due to frequent scratching that when placed in contact with the acidity of urine may cause pain or a burning sensation. This feeling may be similar to that which is experienced when having urinary track infection, however, they occur at different areas of the body. Lastly, some women report of having discharges that are usually described as odorless, white, and cheese-like. At other instances, a starch-like odor is said to be observed from the discharges.

Yeast infection itself is not considered as highly dangerous, however, it can be very irritating and disturbing especially among women who are already preoccupied with other responsibilities or tasks. On the other hand, like most infections, it is highly transferable to other individuals including the opposite sex. Certain conditions of the body may make it easier for a person to acquire this disease such as diabetes and use of antibiotics.

Other health problems which are usually associated with yeast infection include urinary tract infections and possible complications during pregnancy. However, these are not scientifically-based and are yet to be proven or negated in future studies.

What causes Yeast Infection?

The scientific term for yeast infection is Candidiasis. This was derived from the the yeast organism or fungus-like Candida that causes this condition. Fungus thrives in dark and moist areas such as the vaginal area of women. Certain health conditions such as pregnancy and diabetes make people, especially women, more prone to acquiring yeast infection. Pregnancy causes a change in the metabolic balance and vaginal acidity of women which is more favorable to fungus growth. Fungus are also known to thrive among individuals with high sugar levels such as in the case of people with diabetes and those with defects in sugar metabolism.

What are the treatments for Yeast Infection?

Various oral medications such as Diflucan or fluconazole and topical treatments may be prescribed by doctors to cure yeast infection. Home remedies such as using yogurt and garlic, whether internally and externally, can also be done. It is, however, important to consult a doctor first prior to applying any of the available remedies to avoid complications and further harm.

Male Yeast Infections – The Truth

It is not uncommon for a man to experience a male yeast infections . Yeast bacteria get into the penis and result in itching, burning, pain on urination, and possibly penile discharge.

Sometimes, males can have this disorder without experiencing any symptoms of any kind.

Any male, regardless of age or sexual activity can get this disorder but it is more common in sexually active men and in men who practice certain sexual behaviors.
However, a young child can get a candida infection without having experienced any sexual contact of any kind.

Most frequently, men get infections from having unprotected sex with a female partner who already has an overgrowth of vaginal yeast bacteria.

This means that male yeast infections can be a sexually transmitted disease (STD), yet unlike many STDs, this is not the only means of getting the infection.

When monogamous couples practice unprotected sexual intercourse, if the female has a vaginal yeast infection, some of the bacteria can get into the opening of the penis, permitting these bacteria to multiply and resulting in an infection.

While the female may obtain treatment and get better after only a few days, if the male partner is not also treated, it is quite common that the very next sexual encounter will result in the passing of the infection back to the woman. This can become a cycle until both partners are properly treated.

A male child, especially a boy baby, can easily get male yeast infections in the event that feces contact the penis. The bacteria present in feces can get into the penis and result in an infection of yeast.

A boy can also get an outbreak because of being in damp clothing which provides the perfect environment for yeast bacteria to multiply into an infection.

Yeast Infection Treatments

If you believe that yeast infection is something that you only get from direct contact with someone that has it, then think again. There are a number of possible causes of yeast infection. Among the possibilities include using oral contraceptive pills, taking oral steroids, about to get your period, being a diabetic, use of applications like soap, douche, hygiene products, and wearing tight, damp, and/or warm clothing. There are a number of solutions to treat the infection. But unknown to some, having the correct diet is also as important as any other yeast infection treatments .

Detoxing, that would be the more appropriate term when it comes to a yeast infection diet. Yeast infection is a direct result of an overgrowth in some areas of a natural occurring microorganism, or Candida albicans as it is known in the scientific community. There may be some variations in the suggested diet but most often than not, with a strict adherence to the regimen, it is possible to encounter some relief from the infection in as early as three weeks.

One of the basic necessities in diet programs is drinking adequate amounts of water. Water is an important aspect of detoxing. It helps flush out the toxins inside the body. It has been also suggested that fresh fruit juices and even green tea be added to the liquid intake. But emphasis is given to drinking at least eight glasses of water per day.

It is also important to eat food that is fresh. It would be best to void processed and highly fatty foods, not only for your yeast infection but for your general health as well. Don’t overcook your food as well. Foods have a tendency to loose much of its nutrients when heat is applied so be sure to cook your food just right. Steamed and sautéed would be the ideal cooking preparations. Vegetables don’t need cooking, just make it a salad and you’re ready to go. However, we do suggest that you avoid eating sweet vegetables like carrots, corn, potatoes, onions, and sweet potatoes.

Eat a lot of garlic. Garlic contains antibacterial properties which help in eliminating the overgrowth of yeast. Be generous with your fresh greens and limit your intake of meat. Fish, beef, lamb, poultry and eggs are okay in moderation. It has been suggested that an ideal serving of meat should be no larger than half the size of your palm. Adding more to this portion would be too asking to your digestive organs.

Sometimes there are other foods that you would like to include in your diet. Eating the foods you like will not affect much your diet as long as you eat them in moderation and in relatively small portions. Yogurt is something that you could add as well as small servings of brown rice or buckwheat.

For condiments, sea salt is okay as well as pure virgin olive oil. In fact, you can be liberal with the use of olive oil. Fresh ginger can be a good condiment for your yeast problem as well. Plus you can use it in a number of dishes like salads, tofu, meat dishes, and soups. Not only does it contain properties that might help treat the infection, but it is generally good for your digestion as well.

A good diet as one of your yeast infection treatments is a necessary step in the general treatment of the infection. You must learn to be healthy when it comes to your hygiene and the food you eat. You are now killing to birds in one stone because you can now be fit while treating eyast infection

Yeast Infection Home Remedy

Vaginal Yeast infection in women is very common. Yeasts or Candida fungus are minute organisms that live in small numbers on human body. Yeast infection occurs when the number of these organisms increases beyond a certain level. Now the question is that, what are the best yeast infection home remedy that you can readily apply once you've seen the symptoms occur.

Typically, the acidity in the vagina keeps the level of yeast low. But with the drop in the acidity level due to various conditions like menstruation period, pregnancy, diabetes or birth control pills, yeast grows and causes the infection.

Symptoms - Mild to intense bouts of itching and burning in the vagina, vulva - the skin surrounding the vagina becomes tender, itchy, burns and sensitive to even the lightest of contact. White, thick and odorless vaginal discharge, burning sensation in and around vagina during and after urination. Pain and discomfort during sexual intercourse.

Causes - Reduced body immunity levels, use of strong antibiotics, physical and mental stress, use of birth control pills, menstrual periods and diabetes are some of the common causes for vaginal yeast infection.

Yeast Infection Home Remedy

Wear loose fitting undergarments and panties as it allows for air circulation, avoid being in wet clothes for a long time. Dry your affected body parts before changing into fresh dry clothes.

Stay away from deodorant sanitary pads and tampons, sprays such as deos, perfumes, bubble baths, coloured toilet papers that could cause irritation to the vaginal tissues

Take a tampon and dip it into yoghurt. Insert in the vagina at least twice a day and continue a day or two more after your symptoms have gone away.

Few drops of tea tree oil poured on tampon and inserted in the vagina, provides relief.

Eat plenty of foods that are high in vitamin C, such as potatoes, citrus fruits and broccoli.

Fill a bathtub with warm water enough to cover the affected area. Add ½ cup or so salt, enough to make the water really salty and ½ cup vinegar. Immerse your self into the bath tub for approx 20 - 30 minutes. This is easy cleansing solution for your vaginal area.

Mix 1 tbsp of apple cider vinegar in 2 cups of water with 1 clove of garlic. Let it stand for sometime and use it for douching.

Insert 1 or 2 boric acid capsules in the vagina, keeping it overnight for several days. Boric acid may cause burning and discomfort, but will also bring relief.

Peel a fresh clove of garlic, wrap it in cheesecloth and tie it with unwaxed dental floss and insert into the infected area. Leave it for several hours say overnight and remove it in the morning. If vaginal yeast infection is of a severe kind, do this twice a day. Repeat for day or two more after the symptoms disappear.

Dissolve a tbsp of potassium sorbate in 1 cup of water. Insert a tampon in the vagina and pour this solution inside to be absorbed by the tampon. Let it stay for overnight. Repeat this for several nights until the symptoms have resolved.

Mix olive leaf extract, grapefruit seed extract in a glass of water. This is a good curative tonic for this infection.

Now, this is your own yeast infection home remedy . It is effective, but the reader of this article should exercise all precautions while following instructions on the recipes from this article. Avoid using if you are allergic to something. The responsibility lies with the reader, not the site, and the writer.