Yeast Infection : The Symptoms, The Causes and The Treatments

What is Yeast Infection?
• Yeast infections are caused by a fungal type of yeast known as Candida Albicans (formerly known as Monilia). This is actually common yeast, exists naturally in a warm, moist, airless, damp area particularly in genital areas, mouth and gastrointestinal tract. Yeast infections triggers when the natural balances of bacteria in the body is disturbed, thus cause Candida to multiply unchecked.
• In vast majority, women suffer vaginal yeast infection (also called vulvovaginal candidiasis). This happen when natural defenses in vagina (mucus and ‘friendly’ bacteria) get upset by certain causes and no longer able to protect vagina from infections.
• In most men, yeast infections are caused by the same Candida as in women. This inflammation of the head of the penis is called Candidal Balanitis. However, this type of infections is much less common.


What are the signs and symptoms?
• Inflammation – skin becomes red (erythema), swollen, cracks, hot or sore.
• Itching and irritation in the vagina.
• Vaginal discharge – odorless, white, thick (like cottage cheese) or with pus (purulent).
• Dysuria – feeling discomfort and pain during urination.
• Superficial dyspareunia – feeling discomfort and pain during sexual intercourse.
• As for men, there is inflammation of the head of the penis (often in the skin folds).


Who will likely get Yeast Infection?
• Pregnant women – due to psychological and hormonal change, emotional stress (cause weaker immune system therefore less able to counteract infections) and food cravings (often the types of food that yeast likes to feed on).
• Babies – due to undeveloped immune system and from infected mothers through giving birth or breastfeeding.
• Women – due to diabetes, antibiotics intake and weakened immune system.
• Men – due to diabetes, uncircumcised (yeast are likely to grow in the folds under the foreskin) and sexually transmitted (though no clear evidence for this).
• People who use steroid inhalers for asthma or other lung conditions.


What are the causes?
• Pregnancy – hormonal changes, stress and food cravings.
• Diabetes – increased blood sugar level (yeast love to feed on sugar) and lack of key nutrients to impair immune system.
• Antibiotics intake – some antibiotics kill ‘friendly’ bacteria that helps prevent yeast infections.
• Weak immune system – those with HIV/AIDS and recipients of cancer treatments (chemotherapy) have lack of ability to counteract the infections.
• Douching – destroy the natural protection of normal yeast present in the vagina.
• Hormonal change – due to monthly cycle or birth control.
• Poor hygiene – lack of awareness and practice.
• Contraceptives – oral contraceptives may raise the risk of yeast infections but not for all cases.
• Sexual intercourse – oral sex may increased the risk to women (woman is the recipient of oral sex) while men may be transmitted from infected partners. Somehow, some doctors consider yeast infections as a common occurrence, not a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
• Clothing – fitting cloth may inhibit the free flow of air onto the skin.


What are the treatments?
Oral Medication
• Patients aged 12 to 16 – antifungal are given such as Fluconazole or Itraconazole.
• Women with sores in the vulva – topical creams are given such as Clotrimazole or Econazole.
• Non-prescription, single dose tablet is available OTC (over-the-counter) in most countries such as Fluconazole.
• Side-effects – upset stomach, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, constipation and/ or bloating.

Intravaginal Medication
• Also called Intravaginal Pessaries.
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women – they are given Clotrimazole, Econazole or Miconazole.
• It is recommended to insert a pessary by hand rather than using an applicator as it might cause injury to the cervix.
• Can cause mild irritation, damage latex condoms and diaphragms (contraceptives).

Probiotics Supplements (natural remedies)
• Also known as ‘friendly’ bacteria, probiotics are proven to suppress the growth of Candida.
• Examples are Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Lactobacillus Rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus Fermentum RC-14.

Boric Acid Suppositories (natural remedies)
• A type of mild antiseptic and antifungal.
• Available in pharmacies, it usually contains herbs and natural substances.
• Not to be taken by mouth, or on open wounds due to the toxicity.
• Not meant for pregnant women and children.
• Side-effects may include vaginal irritation and burning.

In fact, holistic techniques will be rather greater approach to cure yeast infections. The natural essences are known to tackle the conditions right from the root causes. It is safe, proven and wonderfully works. A renown nutritionist and also health consultant, Linda Allen, has come out with her solution on how to cure yeast infection the holistic way. Check her website for more info.

Useful Tips
• Wear loose, cotton underclothes. Avoid jeans and pantyhose
• Avoid douching, perfumed soaps or shower gels to wash vaginal area. Simply use plain water.
• Avoid using lubricants, latex condoms and spermicidal creams.
• For diabetes patient, always monitor blood sugar levels and keep it normal.
• For men, circumcised may reduce the risk of infections. However, if uncircumcised, paying greater attention to personal hygiene may prevent the risk.


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