Women are more commonly affected by yeast infections (Candida) but men can face this problem as can babies and children. The causing fungus,, Candida Albicans loves moist and warm areas of the body, like the mouth and under skin folds, but the vagina is especially a perfect breeding ground. Candida Albicans live on us naturally in small numbers but when an overgrowth happens it leads to a yeast infection.
If an oral infection happens it is usually referred to as Thrush, and this is a common infection that babies can get. Symptoms are white patches in the mouth and possibly down the throat. Adults can get Thrush too but in them it is more painful and less common. Men do not get yeast infections as commonly as women, but can get penile yeast infection.
Symptoms can vary amongst women but there are some common ones which include redness of the vagina, soreness, and itching that gets worse the longer the condition continues. It does not go away if ignored and in fact the whole thing gets worse. It is important to get yourself treated as in rare cases it can become a chronic problem which has some very undesirable symptoms and can even lead to death though this is very unlikely.
Candida Albicans over grow when the opportunity presents itself and a trigger occurs that leads to an imbalance in the body. Examples of things that can cause an imbalance are antibiotic use for prolonged periods, a weakened immune system possibly as the result of an illness, and in men, sex with female partners who have a vaginal infection can lead to a penile infection if it is unprotected.
Traditionally women visit their local pharmacy and get an over the counter treatment which come in the form of pills, creams and suppositories. A visit to your doctor may be needed if your infection is too severe and is not responding to such measures. He or she can prescribe a drug that is stronger. Alternatively more women are using natural remedies to treat themselves. There are many natural remedies that are suggested, the most commonly used being yogurt, garlic, and tea tree oil.
A lot of women get very embarrassed and even experience shame about having a vaginal yeast infection, when in fact it is a very common problem. Act quickly to treat it so you can get on with your life and be sure to deal with the root cause rather than just using a cream on it, as if you do not deal with what caused it, it is likely to become a recurring infection.
For more info on how to deal with candida, check out our yeast infection treatment website, where you can find plenty of information on the subject. Today’s special: yeast infection home remedy