Yeast Infection
A yeast infection will usually occur on the skin and / or mucous-like membrane and is caused by a fungal bacterium called Candida Albicans. These yeast cells occur naturally within the human body and are important maintaining the body’s delicate natural balance. In certain instances these natural yeast cells may start duplicating themselves and multiplying to the point that you may experience a yeast infection, also known as Candidiasis. These infections may thrive on skin and especially in warm, wet conditions. This contributes to the most common types of yeast infections being vaginal yeast infections and oral yeast infections.
Yeast Infection Causes
A Yeast Infection is caused by the overgrowth of Candida Albicans (Yeast) within the human body. It’s important to note that this overgrowth is often cause by outside factors disrupting the body’s internal Ph. Balance. Here are a few outside factors that could increase your risk of contracting a yeast infection:
Yeast Infection & Antibiotics
Getting a yeast infection from antibiotics is unfortunately quite common. Antibiotics have become known as a very effective cure for a variety of illnesses. The reason for its effectiveness as a cure is also the reason it may cause a yeast infection. Antibiotics attacks and destroys bacteria, but does not distinguish between the bad bacteria causing the illness and the good bacteria needed to maintain your body’s internal balance. By destroying the good bacteria and disrupting this balance it may trigger the overgrowth of yeast and cause a yeast infection. It is best to request alternative medication if you are experiencing or have recently experienced a yeast infection.
Yeast Infection & Tight Clothing
As mentioned before, Candida Albicans flourishes in warm, moist places. Any clothing that may impair your body’s ability to self-regulate and does not allow your skin to “breath “or that causes irritation on the skin, could contribute to creating this perfect environment for a yeast infection. Thongs or G-Strings have often been considered to increase your risk as they may be constrictive and cause irritation on more delicate skin. When swimming it is importance to change out of your wet bathing suit as soon as you can and where possible have cleansing shower.
Yeast Infection & Pregnancy
Yeast infection and pregnancy unfortunately seem to go hand-in-hand. The hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy may upset the balance of good bacteria found naturally within the vagina and this imbalance creates a perfect environment for candidiasis (yeast infection) to thrive. Most women will contract at least one yeast infection during their nine month pregnancy.
Yeast Infection Signs / Symptoms
The most common signs of a yeast infection include the following:
- Itching
- Burning
- Substance Sensitivity
- Lack of Coordination
- Depression
- Diarrhea
- Shortness of Breath
- Inflammation
Yeast Infection Prevention
There are a few very easy steps you can take to significantly reduce your risk of a yeast infection. The three main things to keep in mind are (1) maintain your body’s internal balance, (2) personal hygiene and (3) fungus grows best in moist, warm environments (Candida Albicans is no different).
Avoid the following as far as possible:
- Tight fitting Clothing (Especially tight fitting jeans, leotard & spandex)
- Nylon underwear (Opt instead for cotton as it “breaths” better)
- Colored or Perfumed tampons (All Natural really is the way to go)
- Unprotected Sex (Sperm may upset the delicate Ph. Balance of the Vagina)
- Food High in Carbohydrates and Sugar (The Foods may contribute additional yeast to the body)
- Eating Fresh and Cooked food together (Combining Fresh and Cooked may cause fermentation in the stomach)
Yeast Infection Treatment
When treating your yeast infection you want to be sure to treat the infection as well as the root cause. Many yeast infection sufferers make the mistake of treating the symptoms rather than the infection itself. This often explains regular reoccurring infections. The two most recommended home remedies for a yeast infection are garlic and yogurt. The active bacterium contained in yogurt not only soothes the infected area, but also kills yeast. Garlic has long been known to have antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. Taking a garlic supplement daily may reduce the frequency of yeast infections.
Male Yeast Infection
Yeast infections are often considered to be a problem only women have to deal with. The fact that vaginal yeast infections are the most well-known and most common type of yeast infection adds to this misconception. Men do however also have to deal with their own type(s) of yeast infection.
Penile yeast infections are most often contracted when having sexual intercourse with a woman that has a vaginal yeast infection, but other causes such as antibiotics, diabetes and those already mentioned also add to the risk of contracting a male yeast infection. Common symptoms of a male yeast infection include sensitivity of the penis head, visible red bumps or spots and white flakiness of the skin surrounding the penile shaft.
Conclusion
A yeast infection is something that we should all maybe take a bit more seriously. As anyone that has suffered from candidiasis will tell you, prevention truly is better than cure. Please feel free to browse our growing article section for more specific information about yeast infection.
