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Yeast Infections
         What Women & Men Should Know About Them

Yeast infections are a common cause of irritation of the vagina and vulva (area around the opening to the vagina). About 75 percent of women have a vaginal yeast infection during their lives. A kind of fungus called Candida causes vaginal yeast infections. It is normal to have some yeast in your vagina.

Lisa S. Lawless, Ph.D., C.E.O. HolisticWisdom.com Founder

Usually yeast is in balance with other organisms. But sometimes the balance is lost, and yeast overgrowth occurs. Hormonal changes can affect the acidity of the vagina and lead to yeast overgrowth. Another common cause of yeast infections is taking antibiotics.

Can Men Get Yeast Infections?

Yes, men can get yeast infection of the penis. Yeast organisms are a common cause of infection of the tip of the penis, a condition called balanitis.

You're more likely to get balanitis if you:

Are uncircumcised
Have diabetes

Signs and symptoms of balanitis due to yeast infection include:

Itching or burning of the tip of the penis or the foreskin

A red rash on the affected areas If you're uncircumcised, you can help prevent balanitis by practicing good hygiene.

Each day, gently pull back (retract) the foreskin on your penis and clean the skin with soap and water. Then dry the skin carefully. You may also apply an antifungal cream periodically to prevent recurrence.

Treatment of balanitis includes:

Cleaning under the foreskin of the penis Applying antifungal creams at least twice a day Men with recurrent balanitis who are uncircumcised or can't retract the foreskin of their penis to clean or treat the area may consider circumcision.

Symptoms Of Vaginal Yeast Infections

Symptoms of vaginal yeast infections in women may be mild or painful. Symptoms may include: Itching, burning, and irritation of the vagina Itching, redness and irritation of the vulva Painful urination and/or intercourse Abnormal vaginal discharge, usually described as looking like cottage cheese. But discharge may vary in amount and appearance. It typically does not have a bad odor. Symptoms of yeast infections can be similar to symptoms of other kinds of vaginal infections.

What Causes Vaginal Yeast Infections?

Conditions that may make yeast infections more likely include: Pregnancy and other causes of hormone changes. Use of oral contraceptives (birth control pills). Diabetes that isn't well controlled. High blood sugar can help yeast to multiply. A weakened immune system. Use of steroid drugs. Use of antibiotics. Antibiotic drugs kill bacteria in the body including the vagina, allowing yeast to multiply and cause an infection.

Other Possible Causes

Some women get mild yeast infections towards the end of their menstrual periods, possibly in response to the body's hormonal changes. These mild infections sometimes go away without treatment as the menstrual cycle progresses. Pregnant women are also more prone to develop yeast infections. Sometimes hot, humid weather can make it easier for yeast infections to develop. And wearing layers of clothing in the winter that make you too warm indoors can also increase the likelihood of infection.

Sexually Transmitted?

Yeast infections seem to be only rarely passed from one person to another through sexual contact. A male partner of a woman with a yeast infection usually will have no symptoms, but some men may get an itchy rash on the penis.

The biggest cause of Candida infections is lowered immunity. This can happen when you get run down from doing too much and not getting enough rest. Or it can happen as a result of illness. Though not usual, repeated yeast infections, especially if they don't clear up with proper treatment, may sometimes be the first sign that a woman is infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

The FDA requires that over-the-counter (OTC) products to treat yeast infections carry the following warning: "If you experience vaginal yeast infections frequently (they recur within a two-month period) or if you have vaginal yeast infections that do not clear up easily with proper treatment, you should see your doctor promptly to determine the cause and receive proper medical care." Repeated yeast infections can also be caused by other, less serious, illnesses or physical and mental stress.

How Is A Yeast Infection Diagnosed?

Your health care provider will examine you and use a swab to take a sample from the affected area. A lab test of the sample will show if yeast is the cause of your symptoms. How is a yeast infection treated? Yeast infections are treated with antifungal drugs, such as clotrimazole or miconazole. There are creams and tablets used in the vagina, skin ointments, and pills.

Antifungal drugs usually work well to treat a vaginal yeast infection. But infections that do not respond to treatment are becoming more common. Taking antifungal drugs when they are not needed can help make yeast resistant to the drugs. For this reason, you should not use antifungal drugs unless you are sure that you have a yeast infection.

The Over The Counter (OTC) products for vaginal yeast infections have one of four active ingredients: butoconazole nitrate (Femstat 3), clotrimazole (Gyne-Lotrimin and others), miconazole (Monistat 7 and others), and tioconazole (Vagistat). These drugs are in the same anti-fungal family and work in similar ways to break down the cell wall of the Candida organism until it dissolves.

They should not be used by men or for yeast infections in other areas of the body, such as the mouth or under the fingernails.

If you are sure that you have a yeast infection, you can buy over-the-counter products to treat the infection. Be sure to follow the directions for using the product. If you are not sure whether you have a yeast infection or another type of infection or problem, you should see your health care provider. You should also see your health care provider if you have recurring yeast infections.

How Can You Prevent Yeast Infections?

Yeast (candida) multiplies rapidly in dark and moist environments. As a result, clothing which allows for good body ventilation is recommended. All clothing worn next to the skin should be removed and washed after each wearing. Bathing suits should be changed as soon as possible after swimming.

The genital area should be kept clean and showers are preferable over bathing in bathtubs. Plain unscented soaps should be used for bathing. Frequent douching is to be avoided.

The amount of sugar and milk products consumed should be limited, as well as the amounts of products containing artificial sweeteners. Most sugar and artificial sweeteners encourage the growth of yeast cultures.

Antibiotics should be avoided if yeast infections are a problem. Antibiotics act to destroy various harmful bacteria but also destroy helpful bacteria within the vagina and intestinal tract. A doctor should always be made aware of any problem with yeast infections before writing a prescription for any antibiotic.

While treatment for a yeast infection is underway, sexual intercourse should be avoided. Any other activity which might result in excessive exertion or sweating should be avoided as well, until the condition is relieved.

Treatment For Yeast Infections

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