Male Yeast Infection
If your sexual partner has a yeast infection then there's a good chance that you could also get the yeast infection from them. Although yeast infections are not regarded as a sexually transmitted disease, they can be passed back and forth through sexual intercourse. That's why, although it's not all that common, a male yeast infection can occur.
In these cases medical help should be sought first of all to determine whether indeed a male yeast infection is present. You then have the choice of getting prescription medications to treat the infection or you have the choice of using a natural treatment.
Although most of the natural cures are designed for the cure of a vaginal infection, and not a male infection quite a few, if not all of the remedies can be adapted to suit the male form.
There is also the choice these days of looking into over-the-counter cures for a male infection. Again here as well, most of the medication is aimed at vaginal infections but that doesn't mean that it won't work, especially if the medication comes in cream, or pill form.
These are easy to take and don't involve the use of such things as vaginal suppositories or boluses which are slightly difficult to take as treatment for a male infection!
If in doubt however about these over-the-counter medications you can always ask your doctor whether any of them are right to cure male infection symptoms.
And if you don't feel fully comfortable using any of these over-the-counter cures or natural remedies, you can always stick with good old fashioned prescription medications which also work just as well.
Again, although the medications are aimed mainly at women they are also good in the case of male infection, and if they come in pill or cream form, can be used in much the same manner.
One particular medication which bears some looking into is called Diflucan. It's a prescription medication but you only need to take one tablet. This one dosage is all that's needed to clear yeast infections, and it should work the same for a male infection as well. Again, if in doubt, ask your doctor about this particular medication.
Then again, a few common sense measures can also help to cure, and in some cases prevent male yeast infection from occurring at all.
These include but are not limited to, abstaining from sexual contact and intercourse until the infection has cleared up, and changing your diet to reflect a healthier lifestyle like staying away from refined foods, carbohydrates, sugars, alcohol, fermented foods, yeasty foods such as breads, and red meats.
It might sound tough at first but it can be done, and these measures along with whatever remedy you're taking can help in the fight against male yeast infection.
Source: Free Articles
Author: gwinmill
Yeast infection secret - How to cure a candida infection
Yeast infection secret show you a safe and natural way to treat any kind of candida infection and how to prevent infection reoccurrence. This book was written by Jenny Simmons, she is a health researcher, nutritionist and health consultant. She is also a former candida sufferer and know from first hand experience how it can effect and take over your life.
What is Yeast infection? It is a fungal infection that is usually found in exposed parts of the body. Also known as candidiasis .There are more than 20 species of Candida, the most common being Candida albicans. Common signs and symptoms of yeast include itching and irritation in the vagina, redness, swelling, or itching of the vulva & etc.
You can get yeast infection from your partner via sexual relation. It can also occur due to stress and anxiety a situation that may cause hormonal disturbance. The most common foods that can be a cause are from grain foods, beef, alcohol, caffeine, sugar products which will cultivate mold on them as they become stale. It can also be caused by tight and restrictive clothing.
How to cure it permanently? More and more people are choosing natural remedies due to hardly any side effects are reported. People who treat a yeast infection by a using medication, it can only cures it temporarily. When their Candida infection returns it comes back worse than when it started and will have built up some resistance to the medication and make it harder for your body to fight.
If you suffer Candida infection and can’t seem to get rid of it, you could benefit from reading Yeast infection secrets. You'll be free of Candida if you follow the program. The program isn't a magic potion, but it will show you the simple, effective, all-natural steps to permanently curing your candida infection.
To read more about Yeast infection secret visit : Yeast infection secrets or Yeast infection program review
How to Cure a Yeast Infection in a Toddler - Easy and Simple Treatments
So you would like to learn how to cure a yeast infection in a toddler? This can be very painful to not only your toddler but also you. Knowing that your toddler is in such a great amount of pain can really hurt you as well. It is great that you are searching for ways on how to cure an infection in a toddler. This article will reveal you some advice and tips on how to get that nasty infection gone in a toddler.
Depending on if the yeast infection is mild or not, you could try to get an anti-fungal cream. If the infection in the toddler is not mild, then this may not work and you may want to look at other ways of treating the yeast infection. If you are unable to find another way of treating the toddler's infection, then there are many natural yeast infection cures that may work on the infant toddler as well.
In order to prevent your toddlers yeast infection from getting worse, you must also constantly change their diaper. The yeast can stay on the diaper, making the yeast infection get worse and not cure at all. Remember that these infections tend to grow and multiply where there is heat that is trapped.
Make sure the infection does not spread. This can of course spread the yeast infection to and also make it worse. It's important that if you use a towel to wipe the area, that you never use the same towel.
Would you like to discover how to cure a yeast infection in a toddler naturally with no drugs? What you need is natural yeast infection treatments. These natural yeast infection cures will not only remove your toddler's yeast infection in just hours, but it will also eliminate every symptom that came with your yeast infection.
Discover how you can easily and naturally cure your yeast infection by visiting http://www.EasyCureYeastInfection.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sara_Joanny
Male Yeast Infection or Penile Yeast Infection?
Penile yeast infections rarely come and go with the frequency your question implies; and a penile yeast infection would not show up immediately after sex, it would take several days. In some cases, male yeast infections will be noticeable as a penile yeast infection that has dry cracked skin although the infection can occur most anywhere on the skin.
Men are also susceptible to penile yeast infections, as well as an oral form of yeast infection. Prolonged antibiotic use can also cause you to develop a penile yeast infection, although this form is far less common than sexual transmission. Yeast Infection Symptoms in Men It is true that men can get yeast infection and it is not just thrush but also penile yeast infection which is not a very pleasant thing to have.
Signs that a man may have contracted a penile yeast infection include redness or itchiness of the penis, or discomfort during urination or sexual intercourse. Just remember, that if you’ve never experienced a penile yeast infection before, it's a good idea to visit your doctor, get checked out, and take his treatment advice to experience effective relief.
However, penile yeast infections in men usually demonstrate no symptoms at all if they're sexually transmitted. Since vaginal and penile yeast infection irritations can be very discomforting it would greatly help to use the super soothing Yeast Rescue that will provide instant relief. If you believe yourself to have a penile yeast infection, you and your partner should consult a doctor immediately and both of you would have to be tested.
In some cases the doctor is more benefit than a home remedy, learn how in Yeast Infection Site.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alejandro_Bustos
A diet to treat yeast infection
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 to treat yeast infection is also as important.
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 to treat yeast infection 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.
Getting wet while having a yeast infection
It is very common that people believe a number of fallacies, myths and urban legends just because of hearing some weird stuff from a friend who saw or heard something from another friend. The chain goes on and on until it reaches a point that what started out to be false become accepted as truth. Let’s focus on the problem at hand, shall we? It has been said that swimming or getting wet with a yeast infection would aggravate your current condition.
Now, having yeast infection may result to having some restrictions but it does not mean you cannot enjoy some daily activities like exercising and in this case swimming. On the contrary, keeping your body fit by exercising may be more beneficial for treating your infection. As you exercise, body wastes are removed from your system. It also helps restore balance within the body.
One of the reasons behind yeast infection is that fact that there is a massive growth of Candida albicans in the body. Candida is a fungi that resembles yeast. It is a naturally occurring organism and finding it in our body, specifically in the digestive track and vulva area, should not be a reason to be extremely alarmed. It is the unusually growth of Candida that causes the imbalance of microorganism in the body resulting to a Candida infection.
So does swimming have anything to do with worsening the infection? According to some observations and studies, it does not. You can go swimming all you want, on cold water or hot warm water even. What concerns me is what comes after swimming your heart’s out.
The process of swimming itself does not but keeping yourself wet during long periods of time wearing damp or moist clothes can affect the infection. By wearing damp clothing over long periods of time, you are creating a very favorable environment for the growth of Candida. Just like all other fungi, Candida like dark and damp areas to grow.
Also one of the things that keeps circulating is the notion that yeast infection can be passed on to others swimming in the same pool. That is not true at all. If you’re swimming in a pool, the chemicals that keep the pool clean will keep the microorganisms from being passed on to others. So don’t worry yourself that much about swimming with yeast infection. Just be more concerned in keeping yourself dry after you’re done with your swim. That is the most important thing. The same goes with sweaty clothes if you’re accustomed to working out.
You can avoid yeast infection by not using perfumed soaps all the time. The strong components of the soap can irritate the vaginal area. Natural non-perfumed soaps would be the best choice. Taking antibiotics might also cause some yeast problems. The antibiotics generally upset the balance between the fungi microorganisms and other organisms in the body. So to help maintain balance of microorganism in the body, you can start with a diet of plain yogurt. Avoid the sweetened stuff for the sugar content can also trigger the growth of the Candida fungi.
Another avoidance technique is wearing loose clothing instead of sticking with your slick, tight attire. The more loose the clothes, the better when it comes to yeast infection. Having too tight pants do not allow the skin in the affected area breathe. Furthermore, cotton would be the ideal choice of clothing material instead of nylon or any other material.
So getting wet while having a yeast infection definitely does not cause any further problems with the infection as long as you keep yourself dry afterwards and observe some hygiene conditions.
Say aaah! yeast infection in the mouth
Candida which is also known as Monilia (hence morniliasis) is a naturally occurring fungi that looks like yeast. It is normal to find Candida in small amounts in the digestive track as well as in the vaginal tracks of women. You might have heard of yeast infections in women, this is the same Candida that causes the yeast infections in the mouth. Commonly, the infection begins when the Candida which should normally be in just small quantities start growing rapidly. The fungi then infect the moth and throat by targeting the tissues or by producing some toxins which causes some burning and quite painful sensations.
A number of reasons can trigger the infection of Candida in the mouth and throat areas. One of these is taking antibiotics. Drug treatments like chemotherapy also make the body more susceptible to yeast infections. These drugs make the environment more favorable for Candida growth. The other microorganism that keeps the yeast in place is reduced due to the effects of the drugs allowing an overgrowth of the Candida fungi.
Diabetes, malnutrition, drug abuse and a compromised immune system can also induce changes which make Candida growth more favorable. This is why babies and people with advanced age are more likely to develop oral yeast infections. Their immune system is still not that strong to withstand any small change in their environment.
Also, it has been found out that people with dentures that don’t fit well are more likely to develop yeast infection in the mouth that those with perfectly fitted dentures. Dentures that don’t fit well might damage the mucous membranes in the mouth. The damaged areas may serve as a doorway for the Candida fungi to invade the tissues.
Oral yeast infections have been observed to have discharges that vary from white to cream-coloured. At times, yellow spots in the mouth are also good indications that yeast has already grown considerable and began infecting the mucous membranes of the mouth. This can become unbearable to adults since oral yeast infections comes with burning sensation in the mouth and throat.
In treating the infection, the cause of the problem needs to be addressed. If dentures appear to be the trigger, then replacing them would be the first step. A compromised immune system, however, might be a little tricky. But doctors will find a way around it.
Treatment does not stop there. You will be directed to take antifungal drugs to help eliminate the fungi from your mouth and throat. Most often, the antifungal drugs used for treating oral yeast problems come in the form of pastilles. By sucking on the pastilles, the antifungal medicine acts on the infection directly.
Firstly, the condition that caused the thrush must be brought under control. This might involve investing in new and better fitting dentures, or adjusting diabetes treatment. For AIDS patients, it is not always possible to correct the immune deficiency, and a course of oral treatment using antifungal drugs has to be used.
There are cases, however, that the infection has become severe that antifungal pastilles are no longer effective. There are other treatment options for yeast infection in the mouth at your disposal. So, don’t worry, I’m sure your doctor will guide you all the way.
Pinpointing Vaginal Yeast Infection Symptoms
Not so normal sensations
The easiest way for a woman to make out if she has yeast infection is that she itches severely in and around her vaginal area. The itching may not be present at all times. But when it does, it itches a lot so badly she finds it difficult to walk. It may also be accompanied by a burning sensation or be generally painful for her to urinate.
Separating the issues
One good way to make a distinction of the burning sensation that is due to a yeast infection and a urinary tract infection is to take notice when exactly the burning occurs. If the burning sensation is felt when the urine reaches outside, then she is most likely having yeast infection. This is due to the acidic, coming into contact with the irritated of the vulva. Urinary tract infection, on the other hand, causes a burning sensation as the urine passes through the urinary tract on its way out.
A contained redness
Another yeast infection sign is the slight redness localized in the vaginal and vulvar areas. Soreness and irritation of the said areas are also present, which makes it for the woman to experience pain and discomfort during sexual intercourse.
As mentioned earlier, Candida is normally present in the skin and in most areas of the body that are warm and moist. This means that signs and symptoms of candidiasis may also appear in different areas of the body in many different ways.
A nasty clump of white stuff
Most women bracket together a thick discharge that looks like cottage cheese with vaginal yeast infection. However, not everyone gets a discharge. In fact, only about 20% of infected women experience it. The discharge may have a starchy odor to it – something that resembles the smell of bread or beer – or sometimes none at all. Its consistency may typically range from thick and not clumpy at all, faint yellow to white, and to thin and clear.
Since not everyone who has vaginal yeast infection gets a discharge, still the best and easiest way for a woman to tell whether or not she is experiencing yeast infection symptoms is that she itches in and around the vaginal area.
Aside from the vaginal infection
Oral candidiasis, or oral thrush, is characterized by white, lacy patches that can form on the palate, tongue, or elsewhere in the oral cavity. These patches sometimes appear resembling curdled milk. Candidiasis may also appear as red flat rashes with scalloped edges in diaper areas and skin folds. Satellite lesions – smaller patches of rashes nearby – usually are also present, which may cause itching and pain in the area. Male yeast infection, although less common, include symptoms such as red patch sores of the glans penis and the foreskin.
There will be some differences to its vaginal yeast infection symptoms counterpart, but for the most part they are similar. In people with weakened immune system, candidal infection may also affect the esophagus and the stomach.
Pregnancy and yeast infection
Yeast infection is also referred to as monilial vaginitis or vaginal candidiasis. The fungi Candida seems to be the main culprit in spreading out the disease. More specifically, the fungus Candida albicans causes for most part the infection in women’s vagina area. However, do be aware that Candida is already present in a woman’s body. The fungus occurs naturally and should not be a cause for alarm.
The food you eat, your personal hygiene and the even the lifestyle you live all can affect the growth of the fungus in your vagina area. If you eat too much sugar and carbohydrates, the fungus has a lot better chance of surviving and growing eventually causing the full development of the yeast infection. High sugar levels in the blood and body feeds the Candida fungus more.
For pregnant women, the usual cause of infection would be the changing estrogen levels during pregnancy. As the estrogen level goes high during the months of being pregnant, the body also produces high levels of glycogen. Now glycogen will make the area more susceptible to yeast growth. This according to some experts an a few studies. According to them, glycogen might cause the yeast t grow faster and even allow the fungus to stick on the walls of the vagina.
Taking antibiotics will also help the growth of the fungus. If you have been taking antibiotic pills for a long time, the harmful bacteria will be killed but it may also affect the beneficial bacteria that grows in the vagina area causing the fungus to overpower the helpful microorganisms. Once the fungus has taken over the area, the body will tend to react too it resulting to an infection.
Among the signs that you should look out for includes itchiness, irritation, burning sensation, soreness and redness of the vagina and surrounding area. These at least are the early symptoms of the infection. Once it progresses, you might observe the discharge of an odorless, white, creamy chess-like liquid. Also, I do not know how often you do it especially now that you’re pregnant, but be wary with the sex. The infection might cause some pain during secual intercourse so it would be better to put things off for a while.
The good thing, and I know you mothers are already itching to know, yeast infection does not have any negative effects on the baby inside the womb. The infection will not affect the development of the baby as well.
Another good thing is that treating yeast infection cases in pregnant women is the same with the treatments available to normal cases. However, it would be better to consult your doctor since you don’t know what possible effects yeast infection medicine does to you. There are also over the counter antifungal creams that could be prescribed to you by your doctor. There might be specific product that are intended for yeast infections in pregnant women.
It is said that fifteen percent of all pregnant women will experience yeast infection during their pregnancy. But do not be alarm, that’s bad for the baby so don’t. Pregnancy and yeast infection might be hard to separate. But the thing is yeast infection can be treated.
Quick relief solutions for yeast infection
Those who have the infection usually suffer a great deal of itching, redness, and irritation. The use of medicines, either commercially available or the use that are home made or alternative medications are pretty much sought after by women who suffer with the infection. There are still a number of techniques where people can use to have an immediate relief from the accompanying conditions of the infection.
One of the more simple and easy technique that can be used is the application of yogurt. Yes yogurt. Yogurt can be applied on the affected areas to achieve a soothing and cooling effect. Why yogurt? Yogurt contains friendly bacteria which helps control the population of the yeast microorganism in the affected areas. However, please note that the yogurt to be used should not be sweetened nor should it be heated. Yogurt is more effective if it is left on the affected area for at least 60 minutes after application. Just let the microorganism work and balance out each other before rinsing the yogurt.
This may not be an immediate solution, but maintaining a good diet would be a good way to treat a yeast infection. Poor diet can easily aggravate a situation like the overgrowth of yeast. The increase acidity in the digestive track as well as high acidity levels in the blood can create an environment favorable to the overgrowth of yeast in the body. You should understand that yeast is normally present in our body. It is their overgrowth which creates the infection.
Another quick relief solution would be that use of vinegar on the affected area. One of the most effective would be apple cider vinegar solution which is applied on the yeast infected areas. Others mix the vinegar in a warm water bath and spend a couple of minutes bathing in the solution. Apply cider vinegar is great to balance out the levels of acid and alkaline in the body. It flushes out the excess acid.
Another organic material that could offer some immediate relief is garlic. The antiseptic properties inherent in garlic help eliminate bacteria and fungi so it’s perfect for yeast. Also be aware the yeast infection is not limited in the private areas. The mouth is also a prime place where an overgrowth of yeast can occur.
Now, do understand that the various techniques mentioned are ideal for infections that can be considered less serious and mild. For conditions that are more severe, a combination of various treatment techniques would be a more effective method of curing the disease. Your doctor will most like prescribe a combination of treatments to effectively curb the grown of yeast in our body.
The best option would be to undergo a full treatment procedure. But at the same time, applying some quick relief solutions for yeast infection to, at least, get immediate reprieve from the itchiness and irritation.
A Candid Look into Yeast Infections
Yeast infections are infections confined specifically to the skin or mucous-like membrane, caused in human beings by a genus of fungi called Candida. It appears in laboratory-cultured agar plates as large, round colonies colored white, cream or whitish-gray. One of its most famous (or rather infamous) species is Candida albicans, though it must be noted that Candida albicans is not the only species that causes yeast infections in human beings.
Candida albicans lives peacefully with other flora in the human body, its growth kept in check by a certain bacteria. It makes its home inside the dark, warm, wet areas of the body. This is why yeast infections are found in areas such as the ears, the mouth, the blood, the gastrointestinal or “gut” area – and yes, the area “down there.” However, it also likes human skin, particularly warm, wet sections which like skin folds and armpits.
Candidiasis is also called “yeast infection” is because Candida albicans’ normal form is that of single oval yeast cells. When in yeast form, it duplicates itself through budding. This means the cells create genetic clones of themselves through bulbs that “grow” out of them. These bulbs stay attached to the parent cells for a while before letting go.
So what actually causes yeast infection? First, the human body’s temperature must be at a specific level and the pH levels must be balanced, two of the conditions necessary for Candida albicans and its partner bacteria to grow without disturbing other flora. But when the temperature and pH levels change, these bacteria die. This leaves the Candida albicans cells free to change into fungi and to replicate with no control over themselves.
Candida albicans fungi mark their territories during this population boom by causing any of these sensations: burning, itching, soreness, or tingling. Sometimes, two of these sensations can be felt at once. It’s a bad idea to scratch the irritated areas, since this act would only compound the overgrowth of the fungi.
Other signs include fatigue, drowsiness, muscle aches, pain or swelling in the joints, dizziness, fluid retention, tissue swelling, loss of balance, lack of coordination, lack of concentration, poor memory, mood swings, depression, anxiety, irritability, and cravings for sugars, carbohydrates and alcohol. But these are also common symptoms for other sicknesses, so they must be taken into consideration along with more reliable indicators.
The overgrowth also causes specific side-effects in afflicted areas. To name a few, yeast infections create white-or cream-colored patches inside the mouth, reaching as far as the soft palate. They cause digestion problems and make even bowel movement difficult. Afflicted penises have patchy sores near the head or on the foreskin. Candidiasis is also responsible for discharges from the ear, the bowels (in the stool) and the genitalia.
Yeast infections can cause serious, sometimes even fatal, diseases. This is particularly true for sufferers with weakened or underdeveloped immune systems, diabetes, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). However, sufferers can be permanently cured through immediate and proper diagnosis and medication.
A couple of tips to prevent yeast infection
Yeast infection results from the increase growth of the fungi Candida. The fungus is present in most of us so there’s no actual ways of preventing contact with the said bacteria. However, what you can avoid is having contact with a moist environment. Fungus grows well in a warm, most environment, and Candida is not an exception.
Among the things that you better avoid in order to prevent the full development of the infection includes wet clothing especially bating suits. These are quite obvious since we just mentioned that fungus likes growing in warm and wet environment. Tight fitted pants, most especially jeans are a no-no. You should avoid leotards and spandex as well. The tight contact of the clothes to your skin prevents the area to breathe. The close skin contact also might cause some uncomfortable feelings and also trigger some reactions worsening the situation.
Nylon material on your underwear is also a good thing to avoid. Cotton would be ideal choice being clean and has a fabric that allows breathing space. Likewise, avoid pantyhose. Or you really want to wear pantyhose, just wear cotton underwear underneath.
Other tips that we suggest cover your personal hygiene. Keeping yourself clean especially down there is something that all women should do. Keeping your vagina clean and dry after you take a bath or a shower will help prevent the unnecessary growth of the Candida fungus. If you’re accustomed in using deodorant napkins, perfumed tampons, or other feminine hygiene products that have been colored or perfumed, start avoiding them right away. Stick with the all natural stuff. It’s better for you, for the environment, and especially better for me.
If you have a pretty active sex life, be sure to insist using condoms. Although yeas infection is not a sexually transmitted disease, having safe sex is just a good advice. Okay, let’s move on shall we?
Normally medicines should be good for you but in order to prevent yeast infection, it is best to avoid antibiotics since this will upset the balance of microorganism in your body favoring the growth of the Candida fungus. Unless prescribed by your doctor, stay away from antibiotic pills for a while.
Also, foods high in carbohydrates and sugar are a source of food for the yeast as well. So unless you want to keep feeding your yeast something that will help it grow, then you better stick with some fresh foods like vegetables and fruits for a while. Also, in eating your food, it has been recommended to eat fresh fruits and vegetables separately from cooked food. When you combined cooked and fresh, the food will tend to ferment in your stomach. The fermented food will harbor the growth of more bacteria aside from the fungus that you already have.
The more you should learn t control your food intake if you are diabetic. Monitoring and keeping the appropriate amounts of sugar level is a good way to keep you healthy as well as keep the fungus at bay.
These are but a few tips to prevent yeast infection. As you move along your research, you will get to know more about the techniques that can be used to avoid yeast infection as well as other methods that would help you cure the infection, in case you already have one.
A Guide on How to Confirm a Yeast Infection
It is always a good idea to confirm that you have a yeast infection before finally deciding to treat it with over the counter medications. You may end up doing even more harm to your self if you treat a condition that you do not have. A yeast infection is a bothersome condition, to say the least. However, self medicating a suspected yeast infection may disrupt the normal pH balance of the vaginal area, causing the proliferation of microorganisms which may lead to actual infections.
The trouble with resorting to over the counter yeast infection medications right away is that women are using them for the treatment of something they do not actually have. A woman who goes through certain signs and symptoms in and around her vaginal area may immediately think she is experiencing a yeast infection. But the truth is there are many other infections that also demonstrate the presenting signs and symptoms of a yeast infection. These may include bacterial vaginosis, Chlamydia and even gonorrhea.
However, there are three specific signs and symptoms of a yeast infection: discomfort, appearance and odor. If you are experiencing the stated signs and symptoms, you are most likely suffering a yeast infection.
The most obvious symptom of a yeast infection is the discomfort in the affected area. This is certainly one of the revealing and most common symptoms of a yeast infection. The kind of discomfort is often described as an intense burning or itching sensation. Pain in urinating is experienced because of the irritated lining of the vaginal area. In severe cases the infected individual may experience extreme discomfort in the area that carrying out normal daily activities such as walking is impaired. Sexual intercourse too becomes painful for most affected women.
Another way which will help you consider the likelihood of a yeast infect ion is by taking note of the appearance of the affected area. Most individuals afflicted with a yeast infection describe in their private area – specifically, in the vaginal area – in terms of an unsightly white clump of material that resembles curdled milk. Redness and soreness is evident in the affected area. A discharge may or may not be present, depending on the case. Note that only about 20% of women afflicted the infection report the presence of a discharge in the vaginal area. The discharge may be clear to whitish or slightly yellowish, and may be anywhere from thin to thick consistency.
Lastly, another sign that may help how to confirm a yeast infection is the distinct odor. The discharge may or may not be accompanied by a starchy odor, the kind that resembles bread or beer. Notice that yeast is used in bread making as a leavening agent, and in beer making for fermentation. That is because the infection basically is a fungal infection – commonly caused by Candida albicans, a form of yeast.
Be aware of the various symptoms of yeast infection
Yeast, or Candida as it is known scientifically, are present on any normal human skin. Also, moist areas like the mouth and more specifically you vagina, are common places where yeast can grow. Do not be alarmed. According to studies, a large number of women carry yeast in their vaginal area. In fact it is said that almost 50% of women have yeast. So, if it is normal why the infection? There are actually several reasons, one of which is when there is an excess presence of yeast in the area. Another one is when new yeast materials are placed into the same area.
Some other reasons include taking oral contraceptives, diabetes mellitus, use of vaginal sprays like perfume and even hygiene sprays for women.
There are several tell tale signs that you might have some infection in your sensitive parts. But like what have been mentioned earlier, the symptoms of vaginal yeast infection have a number of similarities with symptoms of other infections
The first sign of possible yeast infection is experiencing itchiness in that region. There may be several other conditions where itchiness is the primary indication. That may be, but combining itchiness with the following other symptoms would help you narrow down your list of culprits and eventually identify the disorder as yeast infection. Other symptoms include burning, and soreness. A good indication also would be if pain is being experienced during intercourse.
Sometimes, pain is also felt during urination. You might want to have yourself checked since pain should never be ignored. If you feel pain, and this applies to all parts of your body, consult your doctor quickly. The matter might be worse than you earlier thought it was.
Also, the presence of vaginal discharge may be a good indication as well. Take note, however, that vaginal discharge is not always observed in women with yeast infections. Nevertheless, it is something that you should take note of. The discharge is often odorless and has a whitish color. The appearance and texture is similar to, pardon the comparison, to cottage cheese. Vulvodynia is the term used to describe the pain experienced in the vulvar area.
After knowing the symptoms and, of course, proper consultations from your doctor, hopefully your yeast infections might have been cured completely. There are times, however, when yeast infection occurs with the same women. An estimated size of 5% will experience problems of recurring yeast infections. The reasons why yeast infections recur may be due to more underlying medical conditions that you have.
For the most part, it would be best to observe closely your health and the various yeast infection symptoms to get to know what steps you would need to undertake next.
Examining Yeast Infection Causes
Common Yeast Infections
Yeast infection can happen to anyone. In fact, it affects men, women and even children. The most common types if yeast infection are, vaginal yeast infections, thrush, diaper rashes and nail bed infections.
Vaginal Yeast Infection
The most frequent yeast infection in women is vaginal yeast infection when there is abnormal growth of yeast in the vagina that causes vaginal burning, itching and discharge. This type of infection is usually caused by taking antibiotics and steroids but it can also be prompted by pregnancy, sperm, diabetes and taking birth control pills. Vaginal yeast infection happens more to women after menopause.
The first symptom of vaginal yeast infection is noticing a white cheesy discharge from the vagina that causes the area to itch. Experiencing pain during sexual intercourse and urination is another symptom.
Thrush
Thrush is a yeast infection of the mouth. Thrush can occur to people who take anti-inflammatory medicines, antibiotics or birth control pills. A person is likely to get thrush if they are a smoker or wear dentures that are either too loose or too tight. Mothers can also get thrush from their babies through breastfeeding.
An indication that of thrush infection seeing white creamy cuts that appear slightly raised anywhere in the mouth. These cuts can sting especially if they are scratched off. Other symptoms of thrush include having trouble swallowing and fever especially if the infection has spread to the throat
Diaper Rash
Diaper rashes can also be caused by yeast infection and it happens to babies not older than two years old and to adults who use diapers. Since the candida fungus thrives in moist places, it’s not uncommon that it would infect the area where the diaper meets the skin. Diaper rashes appear as bright red splotches in the skin and it can occur after taking antibiotics.
It’s easy to spot a diaper rash. The irritated area of a diaper rash can spread all over a baby’s bottom, their genitalia or in specific areas. It can also appear in the folds of the skin.
Nail bed Infections
Yeast infection can also occur on the skin under the nails. Aside from the common causes of yeast infection, nail bed infections also happen when the hands are exposed to water frequently or when a manicure had been badly done.
Nail bed infections are painful and the area around the nail will appear red and swollen. The worst kind of nail infection can cause the fingernail to separate from the skin so that the nail bed turns into an ugly shade of yellow or white.
Yeast infection is a treatable disease and it goes away without any complications. These common types of yeast infections get cleared up in one to two weeks. The best defense against yeast infection causes is having a strong immune system that will protect you from the recurrence of the disease.
Finding Yeast Infection Treatments
Treating Vaginal Yeast Infections
Vaginal yeast infection is easily treated with over the counter antifungal creams like Miconazole, Tioconazole, Butoconazole, or Clotrimazole which should be applied to the infected area for one to seven days. Using birth control methods like a condom or a diaphragm is not advisable during this period. For pregnant women it’s best to consult a physician for a remedy.
To prevent vaginal yeast infection from occurring, avoid using douches, feminine sprays, scented toilet paper and deodorant tampons. It is also best to wear cotton underwear and avoid wearing tight pants or panty hoses. When wearing a wet suit or a bathing suit, it is recommended to change out of it right away.
Treating Thrush
The yeast infection of the mouth called thrush can be treated with medicated mouthwashes or lozenges that dissolve in the mouth. A recommended mouthwash to use should contain nystatin that can kill the yeast fungus.
The best prevention for thrush is maintaining good oral hygiene by brushing the teeth at least twice a day, flossing at least once a day and using a mouthwash. For those using dentures, clean them thoroughly before using it. For breastfeeding mothers, it’s best to have a breast check up for yeast infections.
Treating Diaper Rashes
Diaper rashes caused by yeast infection can be treated with over the counter antifungal creams that contain nystatin or through supplements like acidophilus.
Protecting infants or adults from diaper rashes means keeping the covered area clean at all times. It also helps to allow the skin to breathe by not using a diaper at least an hour a day. It’s also recommended to use cotton diapers more often than the disposable ones since cotton allows the skin to breathe more easily.
Treating Nail Bed Infections
Yeast infections of the nail bed are more difficult to treat. A prescription for an antifungal pill is needed but it can also be treated with antifungal laquer which is only proven to work in mild to moderate infections when the nails have not yet been infected by the fungus.
To prevent this infection from occurring and recurring is to regularly keep the skin dry and clean. It is also advised to avoid contact with anyone who is infected with this disease. Wearing gloves when gardening also lowers the chance of nail bed yeast infection from occurring. Another way to go about this is to avoid sharing personal items such as nail clippers or socks.
Yeast infections and its different types are highly treatable and preventable diseases which should last an average of one to two weeks and any time exceeding this means a trip to the doctor. Information on yeast infection treatments and preventions are available through online medical journals and medical sites but for highly advanced states of yeast infection it’s always best to consult a physician.
Getting it right, diagnosing yeast infection
Yeast infection has been one of the more common infections that are often misdiagnosed. Thinking that what they have is yeast infection, women will often buy and apply various treatments in their attempt to cure a condition that they do not have in the first place. So instead of being cured of a simple condition, these women will end up with a more complicated condition requiring full treatment procedures. They will then have to spend twice the time and twice the money for their treatment. It’s totally a waste.
Why does this keep happening? There are a number of reasons really but one of them is the fact that we think we’re better than the doctors we come to for help. Some of us think that we are paying these doctors too much for simple diagnosis that we can do ourselves. Or we think we are paying too much for the medicine that they prescribe.
Other times we find our selves in a position as experts in a filed few, if there’s one at all, of us really know about. Just because we have experienced having an itch or infection once or twice we think that we already know everything, from causes to treatments. When faced with an itching predicament, first thing you should do is wash the area with soap and warm water. This way you can eliminate some of the other causes of itchiness in the affected area.
Now in terms of cleaning the affected region, one should avoid using various products like douches and hygiene washes since these can easily irritate more the vaginal area. Also, keep in mind that antibiotics can aggravate yeast infection so it is recommended that one should not take any antibiotic pills when one has yeast infection. In fact, even taking a single antibiotic pill can worsen the infection.
Also, it is best not to panic in situations that you think you have yeast infection. Sometimes the whitish discharge is just part of your menstrual cycle. The same goes with pain and discomfort. However, if you are feeling pain that seems to quite unusual, then consulting your doctor would be the best action you should take.
Recurring infections should also be looked at by your doctor. If despite several medications, the infection keeps coming back bringing with it the other symptoms of the condition, then checking with your doctor is an absolute necessity. There may be some underlying conditions behind which you failed to notice or failed to consider.
Diagnosing yeast infection should not be done by amateurs like you and me. Getting a right diagnosis is imperative to have a treatment schedule that would efficiently help you solve your existing problems.
Got Yeast? A Guide to Diagnosing Yeast Infection in Women
Not Quite Yeast, Actually...
To begin, vaginal thrush is not brought about by yeast. The infection is actually caused by a fungus called Candida albicans which has yeast-like properties. It grows naturally in warm, moist, dark regions of the body, like the mouth and the vagina. Its growth is kept checked by a kind of beneficial bacteria which also grows in the human body. The job of Candida albicans is to search for harmful bacteria and destroy them.
The problem starts when the good bacteria that monitor the growth of Candida albicans die, either because of antibiotics or a weak immune system. Once these bacteria die, Candida albicans grow rapidly and spread aggressively. Add to this the fact that all candida fungi can pass through muscle or organ walls in the body (it has been known to penetrate intestinal walls), and there you have it - an infection that irritates the vagina as well as the vulva.
So How Do You Diagnose It, Really?
The first step to determine the symptoms. The most telling symptom is if your body releases a white or whitish-gray discharge which comes out clumpy and has a smell that reminds you of bread or beer. Other common warning signs include severe itching, a burning and tingling sensation, and even soreness, all of which make walking, switching positions, urinating and sexual intercourse difficult. Some of these symptoms may be heightened through exposure to chemicals, such as perfumes and household cleaning materials.
Sufferers are also more prone to develop allergies through inhaling airborne mold. Damp, dark locations can make them feel worse. They may also display a craving for sugar, breads, carbohydrates and alcohol, though sufferers may not necessarily be tolerant to alcohol. But even then these symptoms altogether may make you a candidate for another infection called bacterial vaginosis, which merits its own article.
With these symptoms in mind, the next step is to visit your obstetrician-gynecologist or ob-gyne. The ob-gyne will begin questioning you about your symptoms, your medical history and your exposure to certain chemicals. He or she will take a swab of your vaginal discharge, and inspect the presence of candida from this sample under a microscope. The ob-gyne may also ask you to assist him or her in identifying the exact location of the itching or pain using a magnifying lens.
Keep in mind that not all doctors are able to diagnose thrush or yeast infections properly. There are times that the indicators could be signs of thrush as described here, and there are times that they may actually be symptoms of a kind of vaginitis, most likely bacterial in nature. Also, when left unchecked, thrush may cause dangerous side-effects, such as endometriosis, ovarian dysfunction and the release of toxins which may further jeopardize your immune system.
Diagnosing yeast infection can be difficult, mostly because its symptoms are no different with those of other illnesses affecting the genital region. Therefore, it is extremely important to be pro-active in getting an accurate diagnosis as soon as you experience the warning signs.
You must able to recognize and keep track of what is going on with you in your genital region. And you must be very forthcoming when asked about the medication you are taking and the products you are using.
Helpful Tips in the Prevention of Yeast Infection
- Always put on underwear that allows the area to breathe. The best material for underwear to be made of is cotton. Synthetic materials, such as Nylon or Lycra, may trap moisture in and around the vaginal area. So use panties made of all cotton, not just around the crotch area.
- As much as possible, avoid wearing tight clothing such as tight pants or pantyhose. Don’t use pantyhose alone; wear cotton underwear beneath it. Try to stay away not only from skin tight clothing, but also from those that are made of synthetic materials. A tight and moist environment provides for growth of yeast.
- Wipe from front to back every time after using the toilet. Yeast normally dwells in the intestinal area. Wiping otherwise than the prescribed front to back will only transfer the yeast from the rectum to the vaginal area.
- Dry the vaginal area thoroughly with a clean towel after showering or swimming. Remember that a moist environment only encourages the growth of yeast which may lead to infection. Try to remove your wet bathing suit after swimming as soon as possible.
- Try not to use any perfumed products in the vaginal area. Spare yourself from irritations which may eventually lead to infections by avoiding the use of scented or colored toilet paper, tampons, pads or panty liners. The chemicals used especially for such products can be irritating to the vaginal area.
- Staying away from the douche may do you no harm. Douching is not good for you because it washes away the naturally existing protective mucous of the vagina and it upsets the normal pH balance of the vagina. Imagine if the good bacteria in your vagina, like Lactobacillus, is washed out of it by douching – it only causes the bad ones to multiply and cause infections.
- Remember not to use petroleum based products as substitute lubricants for vaginal lubrication when engaging in sexual intercourse. Always opt for water based lubricants instead. Using lubricants such as petroleum jelly is an oil by-product; not only is it bad for latex condoms, but it also provides an environment suitable for the proliferation of yeast.
- Try not to wear any undergarment, underpants or pajama bottoms to bed. Remember that a moist environment encourages growth of yeast. Letting your vaginal area exposed to natural air keeps it dry, thus inhibiting yeast from multiplying. Wear a night gown instead, or you may also go bare.
- Research has shown that daily consumption of yogurt also helps in the prevention of yeast infection. Yogurt contains the bacterium Lactobacillus acidophilus, which aids in counterbalancing the multiplication of yeast whenever a disruption in the balance of microorganisms in the body occurs. However, eating yogurt alone will not cure a vaginal yeast infection.
Prevention of yeast infection is simple once you abide by the list above. The fundamental approach is to create and maintain an environment which inhibits the growth of yeast in the vaginal area.
How to Fight Yeast Infection At Home
You can use Cranberry pills. This is sold over the counter in the drug store. What makes it so effective is that the ingredients help the body’s immune system to fight back the spread of the fungus until this once again reaches normal levels.
Another option will be to use apple cider vinegar and applying some on a cotton ball. Those who decide to try it should expect to feel a slight sting after applying but this can be countered by mixing it with a little garlic. Naturally, this vital organ will also smell. You can fix this by diluting in some water.
Yogurt is another alternative. You will only need to get a teaspoon and then apply this directly in the affected area or on a tampon first. If you don’t have yogurt, use curds. This should be applied twice a day until the infection is gone.
You can also mix olive leaf and grape fruit seed extract together with water and then apply this using a cotton bud. You can also get the same result using raw garlic juice. Just rub this over your fingers and then rub it over the affected area.
Whichever you use, you must never have sexual intercourse because this is an STD or sexually transmitted disease that could also cause problems for your male partner. If treatment for yeast infection takes about a week, this could lasts longer than you anticipated.
If treatment for yeast infection is not working, then it is time to try something that can be given by your doctor. There are creams, tablets or suppositories which are often recommended rather than using oral medication.
One thing women should keep in mind about yeast infection is that although this is caused by a fungus known as Candida, this is normally present in the body. If you are not experiencing any symptoms that are associated with it such as itching, soreness or burning then it should not be treated because it is not a disease.
Aside from the fact that yeast infection is treatable, there are also ways to prevent this from ever happening. The best is to drink a glass or two of milk daily as this ensures that there will never be an overgrowth of yeast down there. You must also avoid wearing tight pants or underwear. If you go swimming, get out of the wet swimsuit right away. Do not also use douches, feminine sprays, scented toilet paper and deodorant tampons.
You can fight yeast infection at home or with the help of your doctor because treatment is different for women who are pregnant. Sometimes you don’t even have to anything as this will clear up on its own. However, if this should happen again, then the doctor should do a more thorough examination and use hormone therapy to reverse or treat it.
Look Out! Ten Signs You Might Have Yeast Infection
First, there are five general symptoms which will almost always come together no matter which kind of candidiasis a person may be afflicted with.
1. The affected body part itches severely. Yeast infections will actually prefer to grown in locations where scratching would be next to impossible, such as the mouth or the vagina. Human skin affected by yeast infection will have red rashes, which may be more pronounced in skin patches with hair growing on them.
2. On one hand, the body part feels like it burns, or is sore to the touch. This may not necessarily cause blisters or include itchiness. On the other hand, the body part can feel tingly or numb. This lack of sensation does not mean that the part is safe from yeast infection.
3. Sensitivity to certain chemicals is heightened. Triggers include antibiotic formulas, sugar, refined carbohydrates (also known as most processed food), and of course, yeast.
4. Mental and physical coordination are also affected. Sufferers cannot balance themselves or move the way they want. They cannot focus on tasks, and become lazy through no fault of their own. Mood swings and heightened negative emotions are other indicators.
5. For genitalia and the digestive system, there is a white or whitish mucous discharge. In the mouth, there are white or whitish patches. Both the discharge and the patches have the consistency and smell of bread or a light cheese, though the smell can also be associated with beer.
There are also symptoms specific to the body parts affected by candidiasis, five of which are discussed below:
1. In gastrointestinal candidiasis, the digestive system is upset. The stomach in particular either bloats with constipation, or it acts up due to diarrhea or abdominal cramps (or, at times, both). Bowel movement is not spared either, because yeast infection causes the irritable bowel syndrome.
2. Women are the primary victims of genitourinary candidiasis. But men are also susceptible, and not just through sexual intercourse. Speaking of which, intercourse is painful and urination becomes more urgent for sufferers of yeast infection. Ladies may have unusual menstrual cramps while gentlemen may have prostatitis.
3. Oral candidiasis causes dryness inside the mouth. The tongue cracks while the gums bleed. Fissures appear at the corners of the mouth. Swallowing becomes difficult.
4. In respiratory candidiasis, persistent coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath can manifest. Another indicator is when the chest constantly tightens or is in pain.
5. Candidiasis causes chronic inflammation and irritation of the eye and the conjunctivae (the mucous that covers the white area of the eye). The retina (the nerve-ended part which captures images for the brain) may defend itself against yeast infection by collecting pus inside an inflamed tissue pocket. This may permanently damage the sufferer’s eyesight.
One last note of caution: despite the fact that you can name ten signs you might have yeast infection, you may actually suffer no symptoms at all. Or you may bear symptoms similar to those of other sicknesses. If you feel like something is wrong but cannot put a finger on it, be sure to consult a doctor.