Overgrowth of yeast results in skin rashes,
mouth infections (thrush), digestive disorders,
esophagus and vaginal infections (vaginitis).Since yeast
infections occur most frequently in moist areas of the
body, the mouth and the vaginal areas are most prone to
be affected by it.
Yeast
Infection an epidemic
Yeast
Infection
can be termed as “Yeast Infection an epidemic”.
So strong is its presence in the women’s diseases!!
Researches show
that
about 80 percent of yeast infections are caused by a
specific species of Candida, called
Candida
albicans. The remaining twenty percent of yeast
infections are caused by other types of Candida.
Yeast infection is very common amongst women,
making it an epidemic in their lives. It is reported
that as many as 75% of women are affected by it at some
point in their lives.
The
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
states that about 80 %women will experience a vaginal
yeast infection at least once in their lives. In fact,
it is estimated that 50% of college women in the United
States have been diagnosed with at least one yeast
infection by the age of 25. Luckily, yeast infections
are fairly easy to treat. But the only way to define
them is-Yeast infection an epidemic for women
Yeast
Infection-An overview
Causes
of yeast infections
Yeast infection is common and happens
due to irregularities in body balances. Some possible
causes of this infection are as follows:
-
Antibiotic
consumption
-
Oral contraceptives
-
Wearing tight
clothes or synthetics such as nylon, spandex or Lycra,
which increase moisture and warmth, fostering fungal
growth
-
High carbohydrate
intake, especially refined sugars and alcohol
-
Pregnancy
-
Diabetes
-
Deodorant tampons or perfumed douches
-
HIV infection
Other possible causes of this infection
can be irritants such as body soaps, powders, deodorants
and perfumed products.
Symptoms of Yeast Infection
A study shows that yeast infection
is very common amongst women. Most of the women face
irritations and itching because of a lot of external
factors. Some symptoms of this infection may be:
-
Vaginal irritation
-
Itching and burning
in the vagina and its surrounding skin area (vulva)
-
Thick white vaginal
discharge
-
Irresistible pain
during sexual intercourse
-
Swelling of the
vulva and irritation in the vaginal areas
-
Redness, swelling,
and/or cracking of the vulvar skin
-
Burning sensation
during urination
Prevention tips
Yeast infection is nothing major
and can be prevented by simple ways of hygiene and care.
It is important for all to know ‘what is a yeast
infection’ and what are the easy to prevent it. You
can prevent a vaginal yeast infection by following these
tips.
§ Avoid
wearing tight-fitted clothes or synthetic–fiber cloth
§ Wear
cotton clothes, as much as possible, especially the
under garments
§ Avoid
wearing panty-hoses or leotards everyday
§ Carefully
wipe and dry your genital areas after a shower. You may
use blow driers for this purpose.
§ Careful
wiping after using toilets helps prevent bacteria to
enter your vaginal area
§ Avoid
using feminine hygiene sprays, deodorant sanitary pads,
colored or perfumed toilet paper as they tend to affect
the balance of the vaginal acidity and can lead to yeast
infections.
-
If you go swimming,
get out of your swimsuit as soon as possible.
-
Don't use deodorant
tampons.
Treatment
As
observed, the normal course of treatment of yeast
infections
is by inserting medicines in the affected areas. These
medicines are normally creams applied to the vaginal
areas with the help of applicators, or they may be
suppositories that can be left in the vagina to dissolve
on their own.
Other
available forms of yeast infection medication can be
creams,
which can be applied on the vulva to help relieve
itching, or pills which can be taken by way of mouth
The
treatment for such infections is generally
by tropical or anti-fungal medications. Another way of
treating yeast infection is the use of Acidophilus,
which is a helpful bacterium and restrains growth of
yeast in the body. Home remedies like live cultured
yogurt are also used as treatment methods.
Though
it is rare, but there is a possibility of transmitting
a yeast infection to your partner through sexual
intercourse. In such circumstances, if symptoms of yeast
infections are observed, it is suggested that the
partner too undergoes the treatment
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