Yeast infections are caused by Candida albicans primarily, and to a lesser extent, by other types of yeast. You can normally find them in the vagina, rectum and mouth but in woman it is quite normal to have a certain amount of yeast in a vagina that is healthy anyway. If the woman’s system becomes out of sync for whatever reason, a large growth of organisms that are yeast like in nature could occur and cause a discharge that is white and thick.

There are a lot of reasons for a yeast infection to happen, including antibiotic treatments, taking oral contraceptives, pregnancy, stress, diabetes, and more. Some people could find that certain irritants such as new detergents, soaps and powders can also cause a yeast infection.

It’s not just women that suffer from yeast infections either; men can be at risk from the infection if, for example, they have sexual intercourse with a woman who has a yeast infection. If the infection is not treated, they will continue to re-infect each other. Men who suffer from yeast infections tend to develop an irritating itching around their genitals, and this is more prevalent if they have not been circumcised. The difference to women though, is that men do not suffer with any kind of discharge during the infection.

The normal symptoms for women with a yeast infection consist of vaginal irritation and itching and a thick discharge that is white in color. Other possible symptoms could include rectal itching, pain while having sex and a burning sensation whilst urinating. Diagnosis by your doctor is recommended but most women tend to recognize the symptoms of yeast infections and can use one of a plethora of treatments available over the counter. To be on the safe side though and to be sure the infection is not something like gonorrhoea or Chlamydia, a visit to your doctor is suggested.

By using the wrong kind of treatment a woman’s body may become resistant to typical yeast infection medicine, so by visiting the doctor, he can perform a vaginal examination and be able to diagnose a yeast infection properly and prescribe the proper medication. This normally pertains taking an antifungal pill or even an antifungal cream or suppository, with the treatment being a single dose or a week long course. Women should avoid any sexual contact while suffering from a yeast infection.

Some yeast infections can be avoided by taking a few precautions, including getting sufficient sleep, avoiding deodorized tampons and deodorant sprays and by trying to wear light, easy fitting cotton clothing.

Bear in mind that yeast infections are not dangerous and will normally clear up by itself over time. Nevertheless, if you suffer repeatedly from infections, it is probably better to find out the underlying cause and get it treated.

Male Yeast Infection - Yeast Infection Treatment