Abnormal or overgrowth of naturally occurring yeast organisms, in exposed and moist parts of the body like vagina, penis foreskin, oral cavity, ear, nostrils, armpit or in diaper area is termed as yeast infection. This is a fungal infection and mostly caused by a type of fungal species called cadida albicans; this infection is also called as Candidiasis. Most common form of yeast infection is vaginal yeast infection and it is the main cause for vaginitis in many women. Yeast infection also affects male genitals in penis foreskin area.
Common symptoms of yeast infection are:
People suffering with HIV infections and diabetes are at a higher risk to get affected with yeast infection. Consuming antibiotic medication or birth control pills which disturbs the natural balance of micro organisms in body usually triggers yeast infection. Most often yeast infection grows spontaneously, and contrary to popular believes, yeast infection is NOT sexually transmitted.
Apart from this, clothing that increase moisture and heat in genital area like wearing tight nylon under wears, thongs, bathing suits etc can also cause yeast infection. Also activities like exercising, jogging, riding bicycles in humid or hot environments that raise temperature in vagina and makes it moist is also found to increase the risk of getting affected with yeast infection considerably. Lack of sleep, overstress and poor diet are other known causes which may aid in developing yeast infection.
While yeast infection is very common in women but it should be noted that ‘Everything that itches in vagina may not be yeast infection’. It is found that 33% of women who self medicate themselves for yeast infection are mistreating themselves. Doctors or health care providers collect a sample of fluid and get it tested in laboratory; if tests confirm candidiasis then only treatment for yeast infection should start. Doctors prescribe medicated creams and vaginal suppositories for applying on affected area, doctor may also prescribe certain dosage of oral pills for fast recovery.