Yeast Infection an epidemic

Yeast, scientifically referred to as Candida is a variety of fungus. It is commonly present on the human skin and in the moist areas of the body, such as the mouth and the vagina. A study shows that 20% of women normally carry yeast in their vaginal areas. It grows on the body’s form of sugar, such as glucose. Anything that increases your blood sugar, or changes the hormonal balance that maintains the blood sugar promotes its growth in the body. Diabetes, pregnancy or immune-compromised states like cancer treatments or HIV infection are vulnerable conditions for yeast growth. Apart from this, usage of birth control pills, steroids or antibiotics also contribute in its growth within the body.

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