What is Yeast Infection (Thrush)?

Yeast is a fungus often found naturally on skin, in the mouth and vagina, the most common of which is known as candida albicans. A breakdown in the immune system can cause the fungus to grow and cause candidiasis or thrush. In rare cases (candidemia) the fungus can enter the blood stream and affect the throat, intestines and heart valves.

What Causes Yeast Infection?

A yeast infection (also known as candidosis, moniliasis, and oidiomycosis) can be brought on by a number of causes including a weak immune system, pregnancy, use of dentures, unprotected sexual activity, chemotherapy, diabetes, use of prescription medications, birth control and pregnancy.

Who Is At Risk?

Oral thrush is particularly common in infants and can affect men and women of any age. Candidiasis is more commonly known to infect women (vaginitis) although the symptoms can appear with men (penile candidiasis). Candidemia which is the rarest of all yeast infections is known to affect those with a low immune deficiency such as people suffering from cancer, leukemia or other AIDS related issues.

What are the Symptoms of Yeast Infection?

Oral candidiasis appears in the form of a thick white deposit on the mucous membranes of the mouth or the throat making eating or drinking uncomfortable.

Common forms of vaginal candidiasis include:

• Pain or discomfort during sex - It is advised to avoid sex until the fungal infection clears.
• Itching sensation around the vaginal area - It is best to avoid scratching if at all possible as it will only irritate the problem.
• Abnormal vaginal discharge - Vaginal discharge is considered abnormal when there is a noticeable change in colour or consistency as well as a change in odour.
• Red or swollen vulva - In some rare cases, even clothing touching the area can cause pain.
• Burning sensation upon urination - This is one of the more painful symptoms of thrush yeast infection which is unfortunately hard to avoid without treatment.

There are often no symptoms with penile candidiasis which can make it difficult to diagnose. Thrush is contagious however and can be passed from your partner directly through oral sex or sexual intercourse. It is best to visit your doctor if your partner has advised that they are suffering from a bout of thrush.

Common symptoms of penile candidiasis include:

• Red sores near the tip of the penis
• Chronic itch
• Burning sensation
• Pain or discomfort during sex
• Ulcers
• Discharge of fluid - This is however quite uncommon in most cases.

Managing Yeast Infection

Thrush is an extremely common complaint particularly for women and it is estimated that 75% of all women will experience a yeast infection at least once in their lifetime. Over the counter pharmacy medications can be used and is particularly of assistance for those with recurring infections or who do not have time to visit the doctor. It is however recommended that the subject is raised with your doctor at some point in order that they are able to effectively monitor your overall health. This is particularly important with recurring thrush or yeast infections which may indicate a more serious issue.

Treatments usually involve a form of tablet, suppository or douche.

If you are unable to visit a pharmacy or doctor there are some things you can do to ease the infected area. Wash with water avoiding all forms of soaps, gels or chemicals as these can worsen the fungal infection. Keep the area clean and dry and try to avoid sex as much as possible. The use of lubricants and condoms are also known to aggravate the problem.

One should also be directed to not only see their doctor but also by visiting their local health products retailer to speak to an alternative medicine practitioner.

In order to prevent the recurrence of thrush yeast infection for women, doctors often recommend the avoidance of chemical douches and the use of other intensive chemical laden products such as bubble bath and gels which can upset the bacterial balance.