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[W398]What Are Yeast Infections

by Janet Jamieson, Jan

Here is the scientific background on candida yeast infections.
According to Wikipedia, the genus Candida and species Candida albicans were described in 1923 by botanist Christine Marie Berkhout in her doctoral thesis at the University of Utrecht. The classification of the genera and specie has evolved over the years.
Candida includes about 150 different species. These rarely result in infections for humans. Among these, the major one is the Candida albicans. Candida krusei, Candida parapsilosis, Candida dubliniensis, and Candida lusitaniae.
Candida yeasts normally exist in limited numbers within the human body. The human immune system controls the growth of microorganisms and bacteria.
Studies show that about 20% of healthy women in developed countries have a small number of Candida albicans in their vagina without having a noticeable yeast infection.
Yeast infections occur when there is an increase in Candida which can be caused by a disruption in the amount of lactic acid and bacteria.
Risk factors are:
Douching
Hormone imbalances
Stress
Pregnancy
Oral contraceptives
Contamination from the anus
Lubricants containing glycerin
Diabetes mellitus
Antibiotics
Antibacterials
Diet
People are more likely to get a Candida yeast infection if their immune system is weakened. Systemic Candida infections may occur during extreme cases when the superficial infections of the skin and mucous membranes enter the bloodstream.
Men get yeast infection far less frequently than women do. A yeast infection is caused by a number of things, like an infected partner, use of antibiotics, and diabetes.
A candida yeast infection will have symptoms that manifest themselves in different ways according to where the infection is located in the body.
Symptoms of an infection of the vagina or vulva include, severe itching, burning, soreness, and irritation, and a whitish, or gray discharge, which has a curd-like appearance.
Male symptoms of yeast infections include red patchy sores, extreme itching, or a burning feeling. Candidiasis of the penis can also have a white discharge, although uncommon. You might still have the infection despite a lack of symptoms at the onset.
Normally physicians diagnose yeast infection through microscopic examination or through culture tests.
A diagnoses is made by viewing a scraping or swab under a microscope. A drop of 10% potassium hydroxide solution is added to the specimen. This liquid eradicates the skin cells leaving the Candida cells behind to be viewed.
The culturing procedure involves swabbing on a culture medium and incubating it at 37 degrees C for several days until the yeast or bacteria grows. The characteristics of the growths may allow an initial diagnosis of the organism that is causing the disease symptoms.
Treatment
Candida is most commonly treated with antifungal drugs in the form of pills, creams or suppositories in the case of vaginal candida yeast infection.
This treatment is usually effective, but symptoms may reappear in several weeks.
DO keep a healthy environment in your inner body to permanently eradicate candida yeast infections or for it to recur. Holistic approaches which are natural approaches are what is usually required in this process.

One of the most annoying conditions that almost every woman has had at one time or another is a ?vaginal yeast infection.? A vaginal yeast infection is also called ?Candida.? You probably have had at least one yeast infection in your lifetime. Sometimes this annoying infection caused by the Candida albicans fungus, will appear two or more times in a woman's life, however, this is a small percentage of women. Usually with the proper medical treatment these will improve with repeated treatment.

If you are a woman with unexplained, repeat episodes of vaginal yeast infections and your doctor has not already recommended you testing for diabetes or HIV, you might ask him for these tests. Diabetes and HIV are two conditions that suppress the immune system and increase the risk of repeated infections.

Who is more susceptible to getting a yeast infection?

?Women under stress from poor diet, lack of sleep, illness or when taking antibiotics.
?Women with immune-suppressing diseases like diabetes and HIV infection.

What are the symptoms of a yeast infection?

?Vaginal inching and/or soreness
?Thick, white, cheese-like discharge
?Burning feeling around the vaginal opening, especially if urine touches the area
?Pain and/or discomfort during sexual intercourse

When should you consult a doctor?

?Whenever you have vaginal discomfort or abnormal vaginal discharge. This is especially important if you are pregnant.

Most vaginal yeast infections are cured within two weeks or less with the proper medical treatment, and sometimes even with a few days.

What happens at your doctor's office when you express vaginal symptoms?

?He or she will probably do a pelvic exam. This is necessary to check for inflammation and a white discharge in the vaginal area, or around the vaginal opening.
?Your doctor may also take a sample of the vaginal discharge for an examination under a microscope in the office or to send to the lab. This is a test for yeast organism such as Candida fungi, which is the cause of a vaginal yeast infection.

What is the treatment for vaginal yeast infections?

?Antifungal Medicines that are inserted directly into the vagina. These include: Tablets, creams, ointments or suppositories.
?A single dose of oral fluconazole (Diflucan Oral) may also be used, but not recommended during pregnancy.

Most vaginal yeast infections are not transmitted sexually, therefore, male sex partners do not need to be treated. If a male sex partner shows symptoms of redness, irritation and/or itching at the tip of the penis, he may need to be treated with an antifungal cream or ointment.

If this is your first vaginal yeast infection you definitely need to visit a doctor. The importance of seeing a doctor for first time symptoms of a vaginal infection is to be certain that the vaginal discharge and discomfort is caused by yeast and not a sexually transmitted infection such as gonorrhea, Chlamydia or trichomoniasis. Over-the-counter treatments for vaginal yeast infections should only be used for treating repeat infections.

Tips to prevent vaginal yeast infections:

?Keep the external genital area clean and dry.
?Avoid irritating soaps and bubble baths, vaginal sprays and douches.
?Change tampons and sanitary napkins frequently.
?Wear loose cotton underwear (other types of underwear and tight underwear may trap moisture).
?Do not sit in a wet bathing suit for prolonged periods. Change quickly into dry clothing.
?Take antibiotics only when prescribed by your doctor. Never take antibiotics longer than your doctor recommends.
?If you are diabetic, keep close control over your blood sugar levels.

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Both Janet Jamieson & Connie Limon are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Janet Jamieson has sinced written about articles on various topics from Yeast Infection. Janet Jamieson was a long term sufferer of yeast infections. She has been yeast infection free for nearly two years now, because she discovered natural and holistic ways to heal herself. For more information on candida and candida yeast information visit. Janet Jamieson's top article generates over 2900 views. to your Favourites.

Connie Limon has sinced written about articles on various topics from Careers and Job Hunting, Dogs and Colon Cleanse. Author: Connie Limon. Please visit our Nutrition and Health Article Collection for re-print at http://nutritionandhealthhub.com. Connie Limon's top article generates over 135000 views. to your Favourites.