Yeast Infection Treatment: Facts and Fiction

Yeast infection? More common that you may think. Prior to examining this topic of yeast infection treatment it is essential to establish a basic understanding of what a yeast infection involves. Here a number of facts and myths about yeast infections that you should be aware of.

7 Facts About A Yeast Infection

Fact 1:

The term “yeast infection” or “thrush” is the common name for fungal infection that is known in medical circles by a variety of names such as candidiasis, candidosis, moniliasis and oidiomycosis. The most used term of these three appears to be the “candidiasis” when discussing a yeast infection.  You may also see the term “Candida” used as well since this term refers to the species name for all types of yeasts.

Fact 2:

Candidiasis is a broad term that may be used to refer to a wide range of infections from minor conditions such as oral thrush and vaginitis all the way to extremely serious involving cancer, transplant and AIDs patients.

Fact 3:

A yeast infections or canddidiasis involve simple infections of skin and mucus membranes causing inflammation and itching are very common and are not life-threatening and can be treated, however if left untreated serious complications may arise.

Fact 4:

Yeast infections do not only occur in women. Both men and chlldren can suffer from a yeast infection as well.  The term “thrush” is often used to descibe infections involving infants and young children.

Fact 5:

Most cases of a yeast infection treatment involve specific areas of the body such as the bladder, the vagina (women), the penis (men), the oral cavity, the intestinal tract and the esophagus or throat.

Fact 6:

Yeast infections involving sexual organs may be transmitted from one partner to another during normal sexual intercourse if left untreated.

Fact 7:

All human bodies contain Candida type yeasts even under normal conditions, however their growth is generally controlled by the body immune system to prevent any outbreaks.

7 Myths About A Yeast Infection

Myth 1:  All yeast infections are alike

Wrong! Actually there are over 200 strains of  yeast, although over 80% of yeast infections are linked to Candida albicans. In fact sometimes wiping out a Candida type yeast infection results in triggering a different type of yeast infection which will require more treatment methods.

Myth 2:  Itching in the vaginal region means a yeast infection

Wrong! While itching in the vaginal region is often symptomatic of a yeast infection there are other type of infections that will also cause itching such as allergies and chlamidia.

Myth 3:  Vaginal discharge indicates a yeast infection

Wrong! Many yeast infections are not characterised by any type of vaginal discharge.

Myth 4:  Yeast infections are not linked to sexually transmitted diseases

Wrong! There is mounting evidence to support the fact that a yeast infection can be transmitted between partners during sexual intercourse. So even though a yeast infection is not classified as a sexually transmitted disease or STD, it still can be spread through sexual intercourse.

Myth 5: Yogurt can be used to cure a yeast infection

Wrong! There is no evidence to support claims that eating yogurt will cure or prevent you from getting a yeast infection.  While eating yogurt is certainly healthy and does help add beneficial bacteria to the body, it does nothing to treat or prevent a yeast infection.

Myth 6: Yeast infections stop pregnancy

Wrong! There is no scientific evidence to prove that having yeast infections will hinder or prevent a women from becoming pregnant.

Myth 7: Douching with vinegar will kill a yeast infection

Wrong! Since yeast has the ability to grow in both alkaline and acidic conditions, using vinegar as a douching solution will do nothing to destroy a yeast infection. In fact this process may actually make the situation even worse that before.

Becoming aware of the facts about a yeast infection is an important first step in being able to recognize what is an effective treatment option rather than just some hype or hearsay about yeast infections.

 

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