Yeast
Infection Explained
An
overview of what a yeast infection is, what are its causes and
how it can be prevented.
Yeast is a
type of fungus, and is naturally present within humans
both on the skin and internally. Areas with high levels of
moisture such as the vagina, the mouth and the anus as
well as the foreskin of the penis is where a yeast
infection could thrive. It is important to note that a
yeast infection can affect both men and
women.
The inflammation of the vagina is called
vaginitis, and as such is common in women of all age groups.
The most common form of vaginitis is a yeast infection and the
medical term given to this is vaginal
candidiasis.While the healthy human
body has plenty of different bacteria Lactobacillus is the most
common and it has been found to regulate human bacteria and
keep other organisms under control. So for example, a healthy
vagina will have a small amount of yeast cells among many other
forms of bacteria however when the balance of these organisms
changes, yeast can grow to much higher levels than normal
causing a yeast infection.
Causes Of Yeast
Infection
An increase
in the amount of yeast cells in a given area such as the
vagina would cause a yeast infection. This infection can
occur due to a number of reasons including an injury to
the inner vagina, pregnancy, the use of oral
contraceptives, diabetes mellitus and also a suppressed
immune system perhaps caused by the use of anti-bacterial
drugs i.e. antibiotics. Those with a suppressed level of
immunity tend to develop this infection more often than
those with a normal level of immunity.
There are a
various amount of yeast infection symptoms which
include:
-
burning
sensation
-
severe
itching
-
irritation
of the skin around the infected area
-
soreness
-
discharge,
usually whitish Gray
-
painful
urination/odd colour and odour of
urine
-
pain or
discomfort during sexual intercourse
Symptoms are
more likely to occur a week before the menstrual
period.
Treating The Yeast
Infection
This can be
as simple as using an anti fungal cream or tablets if you
are not pregnant and are able to recognise the symptoms
correctly. It is often the case that the symptoms will be
mild and will clear up on their own as your immune system
become stronger. However if you have a high fever coupled
with lower abdominal pain and vaginal discharge you
should contact your doctor immediately. It is also
advisable to make an appointment with your doctor should
you have unusual vaginal itching and unusual discharge
painful urination or sexual intercourse and you suspect
that you may have a vaginal yeast infection. Doctors can
use your medical history as well as give you a full
vaginal examination.
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Preventing Vaginal
Yeast Infection
Prevention
is always better than treatment. By keeping the genital
areas dry as possible, and giving it the opportunity to
breathe as well as avoiding wearing nylon underwear in
favour of loose fitting cotton underwear would give you
the best chance of avoiding a yeast
infection.
The use of
pads during menstruation as opposed to tampons, scented
toilet paper and feminine sprays would also be advisable
to prevent an infection. For those already suffering from
an infection you could use a cool damp cloth on the
infected area or perhaps sit in warm water to help soothe
the pain. It would be best to avoid scratching the
swollen area to avoid further
discomfort.
Being aware
of general hygiene, for example, keeping the vaginal area
clean by using a mild soap with water to clean as well
as, for example, after using the toilet using tissue
paper to wipe from front to back as to avoid the spread
of bacteria from the anus to the genital area would help
the prevention of infection. A diet rich in fruits, green
vegetables low-fat dairy products and low sugar would be
advisable as part of a well-balanced lifestyle. These
measures would help contain and in some cases even
prevent the menace of a yeast
infection.
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