Causes of yeast infections

Yeast infections are caused by the fungus candida albicans, sometimes called monilia. Yeast infections occur because of the overgrowth of yeast due to an imbalance in the ph-factor. Overgrowth of candida albicans does not only appear in the genital area but also in the mouth and skin. The jock itch (itchy burning sensation in the genital area) experienced by some men is also caused by this pestering yeast. Athlete’s foot is also associated with the candica albicans. Just like jock itch and athlete’s foot, thrush, usually found inside the mouth, is also caused by yeast infection.

Overgrowth of yeasts can be brought about by long exposure to antibiotics where the good bacteria is destroyed paving way to multiplication of yeasts. Too much sugar also causes yeast infection. Yeasts live on sugar and this is the reason why diabetics frequently suffer recurring yeast infections.

Environmental disruptions also pave way to growth of yeast. These are increased heat and moisture, allergic reactions and hormonal changes.

Symptoms of the yeast infection

Manifestations of over growth of candida albicans are itching and burning sensations on the skin. In severe cases, the affected area may have inflammation. Affected area may be inflamed because the continuous itching, followed by scratching resulting in several small wounds and infection.

Treatment of the yeast infection

There are many over-the-counter drugs for yeast infections. They can take the form of cream, ointment or spray. However, it is advised that before bombarding your infections with these drugs, it is better to have your infection treated with boric acid – the best home remedy for yeast infections,

Boric acid and yeast infections are related in the sense that one is a treatment for the other. Boric acid is not a natural substance; it comes from the chemical boron. When borax combines with sulfuric acid, boric acid is formed. Boric acid combined with water results to a very mild antiseptic that can cleanse and disinfect the affected areas. It heals and prevents inflammation. Itchiness and burning sensation is culminated.

It has also been found that most of the pharmacy bought cream and ointment for yeast infection treatment contain boric acid as an ingredient. This only sustains the allegation that boric acid is an effective relief for the infection. And these creams and ointments are expensive. So – why spend your dollars on such medication when you can just use boric acid.

Affliction with yeast infections is unavoidable. The causes are beyond human control. The good thing is that the infection is not contagious and malignant. Treatment can be very easy; just try boric acid for yeast infections.

Yeast infection attacking every month is very detestable. Imagine experiencing the same annoying symptoms every month, and the patterned episodes can make you paranoid. This happens to many women who are still menstruating. When a woman’s period is nearing, she is experiencing chemical imbalances that cause the overgrowth of yeasts. Thus yeast infections may occur. The monthly period of a woman is the trigger of the monthly yeast infections, a monthly recurring affliction.

You are a woman. You know the time when a yeast infection is going to attack – that is because you know the schedule of your monthly period. You will begin to feel the itching, the redness, burning sensation and swelling. At this time the PH in the vaginal area causes imbalance – the genital area becomes acidic. The yeast infection is imminent.

Would there be medicine to prevent recurrence of this monthly yeast infection? The first option is to try natural remedies, since these do not have side effects. Never negate the power of home natural remedies. They have been used for many years in the past with great success. There is nothing wrong with medicine, but when natural remedies can be effective, why not try them? Besides, home remedies are less expensive and devoid of chemicals.

There are lots of home remedies available. You can even search the internet for natural remedies. But be warned to be discriminate – not everything you read on the internet is appropriate. Our suggestion is to read forums where you can get valuable information.

Here are some ways to prevent the monthly yeast infection.

1. Use of drugs or medicine. Doctors recommend the use of over-the-counter anti-fungal cream or ointment a few days before the onset of menstruation. This will prevent the overgrowth of yeast and consequently, curtail  the attack of the yeast infection.
2. For the natural remedy, you can try garlic or vinegar which both contain anti-fungal properties that can give relief when yeast infection happens. Vinegar can be added to water and used as a douche. Vinegar can add to the acidity of the vaginal environment. And garlic can be used just as you use a vaginal suppository.
3. Take a warm bath with a few tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. This is another home remedy that can alleviate the symptoms of the infection. The vinegar will help increase the acidity in the genital area.
4. Use of boric acid is another home remedy. Add boric acid to water for relief in the symptom of the yeast infection.
5. Change in diet is another precautionary measure. Avoid sweets because to much sugar in the urine will pave way to breeding ground of yeast. Processed carbohydrates should also be avoided, being another breeding ground for yeast.

Women are the most affected when it comes to monthly yeast infections. This emanates from the fact that women experience monthly change in their PH balance.

Recurring yeast infection is also called chronic yeast infection. When you experience four instances of yeast infection in a year, you are a case of recurring yeast infection. The recurrence can be alarming because this can signal other diseases such as diabetes and chronic urinary tract infection.

Recurring yeast infections are common to diabetics. This is also a common problem of people who have a diet high in sugar content.

Common causes of recurring yeast infection

1. Use of birth control pills has been identified as a culprit in recurring yeast infections. Studies disclosed that women taking birth control pills suffered yeast infections. However, these attacks of yeast infections can be stopped by stopping the pill.
2. Eating too much sugar is another cause of recurring yeast infection. Too much sugar in the urine can promote the growth of yeasts. Too much of the yeasts will result in a yeast infection.
3. Moisture trapped in the genital area has been traced as cause of recurring yeast infection.
4. Low immune system can be a cause of recurring yeast infection. Women with HIV are prone to recurring yeast infection.
5. Too much use of antibiotics and steroids can induce recurrence of yeast infections.

Many patients who suffered yeast infection and have consulted their doctors are usually placed on prescription drugs. However, many medical practitioners do not want a continuous treatment for fear of becoming immune to the drug. It is suggested that people suffering recurring yeast infection try alternative treatments: one course of  over-the-counter medication followed by one course of prescription drug . There are some patients of recurring yeast infection who do not favor the conventional mode of medication. Instead, they go for the natural or home remedies. Among the common home remedies are boric acid, vinegar and garlic.

Before treatment, it is important that the patient be subjected to proper diagnosis. This is crucial because this can give assurance of the proper treatment for the yeast infection. Some patients do not want to go through the hassle of consulting a doctor, thinking a yeast infection is a non-alarming disease. Consultation is recommended to ascertain that the experienced symptoms are only from a yeast infection – not from another more serious ailment. A consultation is also necessary to prescribe the appropriate treatment for the disease. Some medications are only for the relief of symptoms. Others may be for cure of the yeast infection. When you are under treatment for a yeast infection, it is recommended that you observe abstinence from sex while undergoing treatment.

Recurring yeast infections are not only annoying. They are alarming because of the possibility of other diseases associated with the symptoms. The most important thing for recurring or chronic cases of yeast infection is a consultation with a doctor.

There are 7 known types of yeast infections.

1. Men yeast infection

Sometimes, it is surprising to note that men also have cases of yeast infection. The disease has been associated with women but men are also susceptible to yeast infections, called penile yeast infection. This is rare but terribly painful and  can cause other health problems.

2. Vaginal yeast infection

The vaginal yeast infection is called vaginal candidiasis (monilial vanginitis) and is caused by irritation of the vagina and the area around it. The presence of yeast in the vulva is normal and common. However, when the yeast has overgrown too much, then it will pose a problem. This will lead to vaginal yeast infection. Statistics reveal that about 5% of women will experience this infection once in their life.

3. Pregnant yeast infection

The pregnancy yeast infection usually occurs during the second trimester of pregnancy (4 to 6 months). This is caused by drastic hormonal changes in the pregnant woman’s body system. High level of estrogen during pregnancy leads to vaginal production of more glycogen, which eventually becomes the breeding place for yeast. It is just natural to have yeast in the vagina, however too much of it will cause infection. Although this infection does not have any adverse effect on the pregnant woman or the baby, the infection might bring discomfort because of the itchiness.

4. Children yeast infection

The most common type of children yeast infection is thrush. This is an instance when white patches appear inside the mouth or on the gums. Although thrush is a symptom of yeast  infection, it should be noted that there is possibility for other infection. As for many babies, they could have gotten the thrush from the mother, during delivery or during breast feeding.

5. Oral  yeast  infection

The oral yeast infection is called thrush or oropharyngeal candidiasis. This includes gastrointestinal yeast infections as well as intestinal yeast infection. Caused by the yeast candida (also called monilia albicans), the organisms invade the tissues of the mouth and throat. Oral yeast infection can appear inside the cheeks, on the roof of the mouth, on the tongue, gums and lips. Babies can get the yeast infection in the mouth. The most common symptom of oral yeast infection is white patches inside the mouth which can bleed when wiped away.

6. Skin yeast  infection

The most common type of skin yeast infection is the candidiasis.  This usually occurs in body parts that has moisture such as groin, underarms, under breasts, under lower abdomen, under the buttocks’ folds between fingers and toes. Babies get the infection when the skin is cut or there is sore wherein the yeast can easily penetrate.

7. Systemic yeast infection

The systemic yeast infection occurs when a type of fungus gets into the liver, urinary tract and blood circulation. The fungus penetrates deeper into the other parts of the body. People with low immune system are most susceptible to this yeast infection. The symptom is thrush which can spread to the esophagus and stomach.

The seven types of yeast infection can easily be treated. There are creams and ointments for external use. For internal fungus, it is best to consult your doctor. But you also have home remedies as optional method of treatment.

Yeast infections are not really alarming. There are bouts of yeast infections that just go away without treatment. Unknown to many, about half of the female population have undergone a yeast infection. This is because of the prevalence of vaginal yeast infection. The other common type of yeast infection is thrush which is common in children.

Causes

The overgrowth of the yeast candida albicans causes yeast infections. The areas often considered as breeding ground of the candida albicans are the mouth, skin and the genital areas, particularly the vagina. The yeasts multiply when they have adaptable breeding grounds. The PH imbalance, the over sweetness of the urine, frequent use of antibiotics and steroids are the most common causes of yeasts overgrowth. The monthly feminine cycle also is contributing factor to recurring yeast infections.

Symptoms

You have to recognize the symptoms of a yeast infection so when you feel the onset of an infection, the appropriate treatment can immediately be instituted. The symptoms are itching, burning sensation especially when urinating, pain, discomfort, discharge from the vagina and mild odor. Yeast infections can go away unnoticed and without treatment. There are some which cause more irritations when untreated. The untreated yeast infection can ultimately result in more severe situations.

What happens when yeast infections are not treated?

1. When untreated, the yeast infection can show more severe symptoms. You take the case of itch. When untreated, the itchiness can be aggravated and unceasing scratching can result in small wounds.
2. Pain is sometimes present when you have a yeast infection, such pain  can become unbearable if the yeast infection is not treated.
3. The untreated yeast infection can lead to major health problems.

What are the health hazards due to untreated yeast infection?

1. The patient might be sick of Sepsis. Sepsis pertains to blood circulation, a condition when bacteria spread through the blood stream.
2. The person may suffer vulbo vaginal candidiasis, a medical problem needed to be diagnosed by the doctor.

Although there are instances when the yeast infections go away unnoticed, the possibility of aggravated conditions should compel every afflicted individual to visit a doctor.  Women who suffer from the disease frequently or monthly need medical advice from their gynecologist.

Treatments

1. Conventional treatment – You can use over-the-counter or prescribed drugs for the treatment of your yeast infection.
2. Natural remedy – You can use natural ingredients usually found at home. These are boric acid, vinegar and garlic.

So, when you do develop an infection, it is important that you begin treatment right away, whether you decide to use conventional medications or natural home remedies.

The problem of yeast infection needs to be addressed. An untreated yeast infection may or may not lead to serious health conditions. But why wait for it to be aggravated? Once symptoms occur, go to your doctor and have it diagnosed.

Yeast Infection During Pregnancy – A Description

Yeast infections are regular vaginal diseases – very common to pregnant women. They are scientifically called “monilial vaginitis” or “vaginal candidiasis”. These are fungi that thrive during pregnancy because the acid and yeasts are not in balance. This is not a serious ailment, although it is prevalently appearing during the second trimester of pregnancy (after the third month to three months after). Actually, a woman’s vagina already has yeasts that tend to overgrow thus causing this non-serious ailment. The acidity in the vaginal wall indeed causes over growth of the yeast.

Causes Of Yeast Infection During Pregnancy

The estrogen level of a woman rises during pregnancy and this situation will cause the vagina to produce more of glycogen – the breeding ground of yeast. The yeast will be able to grow faster, thrive on the vaginal environment thus causing the infection. Prolonged use of antibiotics and steroids also causes this type of infection. The antibiotics kill the protective vaginal bacteria to pave way to growth of yeasts. Hormone and birth control pills, high blood sugar, vaginal intercourse, blood and semen and douching all are causes of yeast infection.

Symptoms

Among the most notable symptoms of yeast infections during pregnancy are itchiness, irritation, soreness, redness and sometimes swelling in the vagina and labia. White, sometimes greenish or yellowish vaginal discharge (like cottage cheese) which may be odorless or yeast smelling can be experienced. Other symptoms are discomfort or pain while having sex or burning sensation when urinating.

Treatments

Yeast infection is nothing serious – it may just go on its own but it is still important to consult the doctor to get correct diagnosis. The symptoms of yeast infection are similar to the STD’s, which could be a case of worse scenario. Topical anti-fungal cream or suppository may be the treatment but it is not advisable to just buy one over-the-counter of a pharmacy. It is highly recommended to get a prescription from the doctor. Oral medication is a big NO for pregnant women because the drug may adversely affect the baby in the womb. Although nystatin is the prescribed medicine for yeast infection, studies showed the better effectiveness of creams or suppositories with clotrimazole.

Avoiding yeast infection

Although a yeast infection during pregnancy is common, it is also avoidable. What should a pregnant mother-to-be do? As much as possible, keep the vaginal area dry at all times. Cotton breathable underwear is good prevention. Avoid tight pantyhose and pants. After swimming, shower immediately. Never douche, just clean your genital area with warm water and mild soap. Wipe the vagina from front to back. If possible, sleep panty-less at nigh to allow the air to circulate in the genital area.

As said, this is not a serious case. However, if the baby is born while having a bout of yeast infection, the baby might develop thrush in the mouth, not alarming though.

Although yeast infection during pregnancy is not among the threatening diseases that may affect both mother and baby, precaution is still advised. Its occurrence may bring discomfort and worry to the mother, especially if she is a first-time mother-to-be.