What is a yeast
infection?
The yeast infection, also known as candidiasis, is
a very common infection caused by a type of yeast-like
fungus called candida. Small amounts of candida in
the form of minute organisms are normally present
in our bodies all the time but we usually have the
right balance of bacteria to prevent them from multiplying
too much. Sometimes these yeast-like fungi do start
to grow and this can cause an infection.
Both men and women can have a yeast infection in
any part of the body such as the underarms, the nails,
the mouth, the genitals and between the toes. These
infections usually appear in the warm and moist parts
of the body. The infection can have different names
when it appears in different parts of the body –
for example thrush
when in the mouth or a woman’s vagina and balanitis
when affecting a man’s penis.
Women and vaginal yeast infections
Fifty to seventy five per cent of all women will
have at least one vaginal yeast infection (candida
or thrush) during their lifetime. This is the most
common type of yeast infection and the medical term
is vulvovagina candidiasis. In the vagina, its acidity
level prevents yeast from growing. If the level of
acidity in the vagina decreases due to any reason,
then too much yeast growth causes the vaginal yeast
infection. Some of the reasons for this decrease in
the level of acidity could be due to diabetes, pregnancy,
immune deficiency, poor nutrition or some medications
such as antibiotics and birth control pills.
The signs and symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection
are itching and irritation in the vagina as well as
swelling and redness of the vulva. The folds of skin
outside the vagina are called the vulva. There may
also be a thick, white discharge from the vagina and
a burning sensation when urinating and/or intercourse
as well as general discomfort in the area around the
outside of the vagina. The discharge has been described
as having a cottage-cheese, white appearance but it
can vary from watery to thick. Sometimes, these symptoms
can be quite mild and clear up on their own while
other times they can be very bothersome and need treatment.
If you are at all concerned, it is important to seek
medical advice in order to get a correct diagnosis
because it is possible to confuse the symptoms of
a vaginal yeast infection with those of sexually transmitted
diseases as well as other vaginal infections. A fever
and an unpleasant odor from any discharge would be
a cause for concern. Your doctor or clinic may take
a small sample of the discharge with a swab if the
cause is not clear and this is sent to the lab for
confirmation. You can then commence treatment.
Many women know when they have thrush and treat it
themselves as soon as possible. The yeast infection
should be treated as soon as it is detected as it
can enter the blood stream leading to sore joints,
chest pain and sinus problems.
Read on about Vaginal Yeast Infections
Part 1 | Part
2 | Part
3 | Part
4 |
