Frequently Asked Questions About Yeast Infections
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Answered in this article are some frequently asked questions about yeast infections. There is a lot of information covered here so hopefully you will find what you need!
What is a yeast infection?
A yeast infection is the result of an overgrowth of a fungus that lives on your body. This fungus lives naturally on all of us and is kept in small numbers by the good bacteria and our immune system. If something happens to kill the good bacteria or to weaken the immune system the fungus called Candida Albicans will grow very quickly and cause a yeast infection.
What causes a yeast infection?
There are a number of causes that people should be aware of. These include:
- Prolonged use of antibiotics – antibiotics kill all bacteria good and bad, and so with those good bacteria dead there is nothing controlling the growth of the fungus.
- Hormonal changes – this is especially a cause in women. Women have a lot of times in their lives when hormones are changing. A disruption in the natural balance of the body’s chemicals can lead to a yeast infection, so during pregnancy, menstruation and menopause when taking HRT a woman is more likely to suffer from a yeast infection.
- Poor diet – a diet that is high in sugars is a very bad thing. The yeast feeds on sweets and sugars. Also bad are refined, processed and junk foods, alcohol and yeast.
- Use of harsh chemicals and soaps – Using scented items around the vagina can upset the natural flora there, just as deodorants, perfumes and soaps can elsewhere.
- Hanging around in wet clothing – since the yeast loves areas that are wet and warm, the worst thing you can do is hang out in a wet bathing suit or sweaty workout clothes.
- Birth control pills – more recent pills are not as strong but they do change the levels of hormones in a woman’s body and so can cause a yeast infection.
- Unprotected sex – this is the most common way a man can get a penile yeast infection, from having unprotected sex with an infected partner.
- Weakened immune system – from fighting off another illness, or from some treatments such as chemotherapy. AIDS and HIV sufferers are more prone to yeast infections.
- Stress – when stressed chemicals are released into the body that can result in a yeast infection as they weaken the immune system.
- Diabetes – diabetics can also be prone to recurring yeast infections if they do not control their blood sugar levels. Remember yeast loves that sugar.
- Tight clothing – keeps the body sweaty and warm creating the ideal yeast infection environment because air cannot get in.
- Synthetic materials – do not let the skin breathe and so also create a warm and moist environment.
How do I know if I have a yeast infection?
There are some common symptoms to look for though they can vary from person to person:
Vaginal and penile yeast infections – itching, redness, swelling, cottage cheese like discharge, yeasty odor, pain when urinating, pain when having sex, inability to have sex, irritation, discomfort, blisters, a rash, tenderness.
Oral yeast infection (Thrush) – white spots on the tongue, cheeks, possibly down the throat, beneath which are red lesions that bleed easily. Pain when swallowing, burning.
Skin yeast infection – rash with scaly edges, flaking, itching.
Intestinal yeast infection – gas, bloating, diarrhoea, constipation, stomach pains, fatigue.
Breast yeast infection – usually a problem when breastfeeding a baby that has gotten Thrush, it is painful to feed, sore, red nipples, blisters, itching.
How do I treat a yeast infection?
You have a couple of options, natural methods or conventional drug based treatments. Natural methods include raw garlic which is naturally anti-fungal, live probiotic yogurt, which replaces the good bacteria in your body or cranberries which make the environment too acidic for the yeast to thrive in. Conventional treatments can be bought from a pharmacy and come in pill, cream or suppository form. There are lozenges for oral infections. If you visit a doctor he or she may prescribe something stronger if your infection is more severe. Effectiveness seems to vary from case to case unfortunately. Some are very happy with the cream they use whereas others find conventional treatments ineffective and swear by natural methods.
Where on the body does a yeast infection happen?
Anywhere that is warm and moist, both internally and externally. Intestines, mouth, throat, under arms, under folds of skin in the obese, vaginal, penile and anal are all common places.
Are natural treatments better than conventional drug based treatments?
That is a case of personal preference. There are a lot of articles online today that are very strongly for natural treatments and anti conventional drug based methods. They argue that drug based are expensive, treat or mask just the symptoms, have side effects and can become ineffective as the yeast infection builds a resistance to it if you keep having to use it. On the other hand natural remedies are simple, cheap and effective with no side effects. At the end of the day you should find and stick with what works for you.
A lot of people find they have to try several treatments before they find one that works for them so be prepared for this. Also keep in mind that both natural and drug based are really just treating the symptoms of the infection. If you have a diet high in sugar even if you find a treatment that clears up your infection symptoms, the cause is still there, the infection will return and if you do not act you will enter a cycle of recurring infections.
Why does my yeast infection keep coming back?
Very likely because you have not dealt with the root of the problem! There is no point in just dealing with the symptoms. If you do not identify why you got a yeast infection it will keep coming back. It is also possible that you are diabetic and have not been diagnosed. Have a doctor check this out as a lot of people find out they are diabetic when they keep getting recurring yeast infections.
Can I pass a yeast infection on during sex?
Yes you can. The best course of action is to abstain until treatment is successful, but if not the man should wear a condom. Remember he can get a penile yeast infection if the woman has a vaginal yeast infection, and then he can pass that back to her again becoming a n annoying cycle unless stopped.
Can men get a yeast infection?
Yes, a yeast infection is not limited to women and their vagina! Though that is the most common form, anyone can get a yeast infection, old or young, men and women.
Will a yeast infection go away if I ignore it?
NO! Ignoring a yeast infection is the worst thing you can do as the longer it goes untreated the worse it gets, the worse the possible complications and the harder it is to treat. As soon as you think you may have one visit your doctor for a confirmed diagnosis and a talk about treatment.
How do I prevent a yeast infection?
- Eat a healthy balanced diet full of vegetables and fruits, drink plenty of water and get some exercise.
- Relieve stress.
- Wear loose clothing and underwear made from cotton.
- Change out of wet clothing as soon as you can.
- Do not have unprotected sex.
- Talk to your doctor about other birth control options if you are on the pill.
- Control your diabetes.
- Avoid over use of antibiotics and steroids.
- Take supplements to keep your immune system strong such as probiotic, and fish oil.
- Get enough sleep.
- Use gentle unscented soaps and laundry detergents.
Do I have to visit a doctor?
Ideally yes. It is embarrassing if it is a genital yeast infection, but your doctor has seen it before and will do so again. It is a common problem and is not anything to be ashamed about. Just get it over and done with! However people that should absolutely see a doctor would be pregnant women and those with a recurring problem that self treatment isn’t helping with.
If I am pregnant can I still use yeast infection treatments?
There are treatments that are safe for a pregnant woman to use but you should still talk to your doctor first. Do not self treat as you do not want to take any chances with yours or the baby’s health.
What do I do if my baby has a yeast infection?
Yeast infections in babies is less stressful than the adult versions. You should talk to the baby’s doctor. Babies can get Thrush, but this can clear up by itself after a couple of weeks, just keep cleaning the baby’s mouth. If it doesn’t the doctor will suggest a treatment. A baby can also get a yeast infection around the genital area. It may at first be confused with just a general diaper rash, but the parents will notice it does not respond to diaper creams. Keep the are clean and dry, change the baby regularly and again if it does not clear up re check with the doctor.
Will douching help if I have a vaginal yeast infection?
No! Doctors are very much against douching at anytime now. The vagina is self cleaning and that along with your cleaning in the bath or shower with a gentle unscented soap is all that is needed. Douching upsets the balance of the vagina and kills the good bacteria that control the fungus.
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