Yeast Infections

Also called: Candidiasis, Moniliasis

Candida is the scientific name for yeast. It is a fungus that lives almost everywhere, including in your body. Usually, your immune system keeps yeast under control. If you are sick or taking antibiotics, it can multiply and cause an infection.

Yeast infections affect different parts of the body in different ways:

  • Thrush is a yeast infection that causes white patches in your mouth
  • Candida esophagitis is thrush that spreads to your esophagus, the tube that takes food from your mouth to your stomach. It can make it hard or painful to swallow.
  • Women can get vaginal yeast infections, causing vaginitis
  • Yeast infections of the skin cause itching and rashes
  • Yeast infections in your bloodstream can be life-threatening

Antifungal medicines get rid of yeast infections in most people. If you have a weak immune system, treatment might be more difficult.

Symptoms of Yeast Infections

The following features are indicative of Yeast Infections:
  • vaginal itching
  • vaginal irritation
  • burning sensation, especially during intercourse or while urinating
  • redness and swelling of the vulva
  • vaginal pain and soreness
  • vaginal rash
  • watery vaginal discharge
  • thick, white, or odor-free vaginal discharge

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Common Causes of Yeast Infections

The following are the most common causes of Yeast Infections:
  • antibiotic use
  • pregnancy
  • uncontrolled diabetes
  • impaired immune system
  • use of oral contraceptives
  • hormone therapy treatment

Other Causes of Yeast Infections

The following are the less common causes of Yeast Infections:
  • vaginal infections

Risk Factors for Yeast Infections

The following factors may increase the likelihood of Yeast Infections:
  • antibiotic use
  • increased estrogen levels
  • uncontrolled diabetes
  • impaired immune system
  • sexual activity

Prevention of Yeast Infections

Yes, it may be possible to prevent Yeast Infections. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:
  • wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting pants or skirts
  • immediately change out of wet clothes
  • avoid hot tubs and hot baths
  • avoid unnecessary antibiotic use

Occurrence of Yeast Infections

Number of Cases

The following are the number of Yeast Infections cases seen each year worldwide:
  • Common between 1 - 10 Million cases

Common Age Group

Yeast Infections can occur at any age.

Common Gender

Yeast Infections can occur in any gender.

Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Yeast Infections

The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Yeast Infections:
  • Pelvic exam: To examine external genitals for signs of infection
  • Vaginal secretions test: To identify the type of fungus causing the infections

Doctor for Diagnosis of Yeast Infections

Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Yeast Infections:
  • Infectious disease specialist

Complications of Yeast Infections if untreated

Yes, Yeast Infections causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Yeast Infections is left untreated:
  • extensive redness
  • swelling
  • itching
  • uncontrolled diabetes
  • weak immune system

Self-care for Yeast Infections

The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Yeast Infections:
  • Apply a cold compress: Helps easing the discomfort
  • Avoid irritants: Helps preventing irritation
  • Don't douche: Helps decreasing the risk of vaginal infection
  • Use a latex condom: Helps avoiding infections spread by sexual contact
  • Wear cotton underwear: Helps preventing yeast infections

Alternative Medicine for Treatment of Yeast Infections

The following alternate medicine and therapies are known to help in the treatment or management of Yeast Infections:
  • Use vaginal insert boric acid suppository: Helps in treating the chronic strains of candida
  • Intake yogurt: Gives relief from yeast infection symptoms

Is Yeast Infections Infectious?

Yes, Yeast Infections is known to be infectious. It can spread across people via the following means:
  • sexual contact

Related Topics

Last updated date

This page was last updated on 10/18/2021.
This page provides information for Yeast Infections.

Related Topics

Fungal Infections
Vaginitis

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