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That Itchy Feeling Called Yeast Infection

Picture this, you're facing a formal interview and, at that very moment, a fierce itching at a most embarrassing part starts to bother you. You fidget and you squirm, but dare not reach out to scratch. But, wriggle as you may, this itching just won't go. This is yeast infection at its worst! And it can throw your life out of gear. You'd be surprised to know that about seventy-five percent of women experience vaginal yeast infection during their lives(3). Let's see what this infection is and how it can be cured.

Defining yeast infection

Yeast infection is a vaginal infection caused most commonly by a fungus Candida albicans. Although, this fungus is widespread, it's usually found in small amounts in the vagina, mouth, digestive tract and the skin. Surprisingly, despite its presence, almost twenty-five percent of women remain free of this disease(2).

However, Candida yeast infection is most common in teenage girls and women between the ages of sixteen and thirty-five, although it can occur in younger girls and older women too. Men and boys can be infected too, but it's rarer. And you don't have to be sexually active to get this infection(1). Want to know how yeast infection looks like? Just see this yeast infection picture on(2).

Symptoms of yeast infection

Itching is the main yeast infection symptom, but not all itching can be blamed on it. Your physician is the best person to tell whether it's really yeast infection or something else. Generally the telltale vaginal yeast infection symptom includes white thick, curd-like and odorless discharge from the vagina. Although some women may experience discharges midway between their menstrual periods, these are usually not yeast infections, especially if there's no itching. The sign of yeast infection may also manifest itself as soreness, rash on the outer lips of the vagina and burning sensation during urination(1).

However, these infections are not confined to the vagina alone, but may occur on other parts of the body as well. These may occur in both the sexes(1).

Causes of yeast infection

The cause of yeast infection is due to an imbalance of normal microorganisms and the yeast fungus in the vagina. This happens when the environment inside the vagina turns favorable for the growth of Candida albicans. This environment makes it difficult for the other microorganisms to thrive, causing an imbalance(2). The likely causes for yeast infection are:

a. Tight clothing: Especially if it's worn in a hot, humid weather. This gives an ideal environment for yeast infections to develop. Even layered clothing worn indoors during winter can cause it(1).

b. Birth control pills: Use of birth control pills, especially those containing estrogen, is a leading cause amongst women.

c. Pregnancy: Yeast infection in pregnancy is a common occurrence, because of the increased hormone level. This causes changes in the vaginal environment, making it perfect for fungal growth.

d. Antibiotics: Taking antibiotics, particularly tetracycline, suppresses the growth of protective bacteria in the vagina, affecting the normal balance of microorganisms.

e. Diabetes: Those with diabetes remain susceptible to yeast infection.

f. Lowered immunity: Not getting enough rest and illness can lower the body's immunity. Even some diseases, like HIV and AIDS can affect it, leading to (oral yeast infection) , esophageal candidiasis and skin yeast infection .

g. Sexual contact: Most men develop male yeast infection, like itching and penile rash following sexual contact with an infected partner suffering from vaginal candidiasis.

Yeast infection treatment

There are a number of treatments available for yeast infection. Let's see what they are:

a. Over-the-counter drugs: An effective over-the-counter drug is (diflucan for yeast infection). This FDA approved oral drug clears the infection in just one dose. Other drugs like Femstat 3, Gyne-Lotrimin, Monistat 7 and Vagistat, containing active ingredients butoconazole nitrate, clotrimazole, miconazole and tioconazole respectively, help dissolve the fungus.

b. Suppositories and creams: Vaginal suppositories and creams, with special applicators, are effective for mild forms of yeast infections.

c. Home remedy for yeast infection: Natural cure for yeast infection includes cranberry juice and yogurt. These two foods help prevent the occurrence of yeast infections and aid in their treatment(2).

Timely action can save you from the agony of yeast infections. So, show yourself to your physician at the slightest discomfiture and follow his or her advice meticulously.