Candidiasis yeast or fungal infection – causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention

By: Dr Sadhna Singhal | | Updated: June 5, 2015 1:34 pm

Tags: Female Sex Problems Women's health

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Yeast is a type of fungus that normally lives in the vagina in small numbers. A vaginal yeast infection means that too many yeast cells are growing in the vagina. The scientific name for the yeast that causes vaginitis is Candida. Thus, the infection it causes in the vagina is sometimes referred to as yeast vaginitis, Candidal vaginitis, or Candidal vulvovaginitis. Also Read - High blood pressure may lead to sexual dysfunction in women; Know how to deal with it

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A vaginal yeast infection is caused by the fungus candida, which is a microorganism normally present inside the vagina along with bacteria. The vagina naturally contains a balanced mix of yeast and bacteria. The Lactobacillus bacteria produces an acid that discourages the overgrowth of yeast in the vagina. But disruption of the healthy balance of yeast and bacteria can result in an overgrowth of yeast. Too much yeast in the vagina can lead to vaginal itching, burning, and other classic signs and symptoms of a yeast infection.

There is a common belief that yeast infections only occurs in women. But can men suffer from it too? Other than the vagina where else can one have a yeast infection?

Candidiasis is a fungal infection can affect primarily the genitals. It is a fact that genital infections are more common in women than men, but when it does occur in males, Candidiasis affects the head of the penis and the foreskin. Men can get affected by having unprotected sex with a yeast-infected woman, prolonged use of antibiotics, diabetes and using condoms with nonoxynol-9 added to the lubricant. Besides the genital areas, Candidiasis of the skin is most likely to occur on areas where the skin is folded that includes areas in the armpits, throat, between the fingers and under the breasts.

Who is most susceptible to the condition?

Fungal infection can be passed on quite easily from one person to another, but this does not mean that the fungus will inevitably infect the other person. Some people are more susceptible to fungal infections than others and in these people the presence of fungi on the body will necessarily result in fungal infections.

What are the most common symptoms of the condition?

Yeast infections comprises of a common set of symptoms. Leaving the yeast infection untreated results in a direct impact on how severe the symptoms are. Some of the frequent symptoms include itching, burning, large or small amounts of vaginal discharge with a cottage cheese appearance, pain during sex, soreness and rashes in and around the genital areas.

How is it diagnosed?

The diagnosis to detect yeast infection is quite simple. A suspected patient is asked to give his/her medical history for gathering information about any past vaginal infections or sexually transmitted infections. Following this, the external genitals are visually examined through an instrument (speculum) for signs of infection. Sample of the vaginal discharge is collected for examination under a microscope or to perform a vaginal culture test. As per the test results, an effective form of treatment is prescribed.

What are the treatment options available?

Treatment for yeast infection differs depending upon its severity and complications. For simple yeast infections, a few-day regimen of an antifungal cream, ointment or tablets are recommended. Meanwhile, for complicated infections like severe redness, swelling,

sores and tears in vaginal tissue or the patient has more than four yeast infections in a year, an aggressive course of treatment is required. The treatment would include long-course vaginal therapy, multi-dose oral medication and a maintenance plan.

How can one prevent it from recurring?

Well women can’t always avoid a yeast infection; however, they can help lower the risk of getting one by simply including few habits in their daily regime.

One must wash their vaginal area just with water and unscented soap instead of douching the vagina or using bubble baths, scented soaps etc.
Wearing loose clothes are the best way to prevent the vaginal area from being constantly warm, moist, and airless.
Beware of prolonged use of antibiotics as they may kill the normal harmless bacteria in the vagina which helps to defend against Candidiasis fungi.
Also, friction during sex may cause minor damage to the vagina which again is likely to make it infected. So, it should be made sure that the vagina is well lubricated when having sex.

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