Recognizing and treating a yeast infection

What are the symptoms of a yeast infection?

For women, the yeast infection symptoms start with a mild itch. You scratch, it returns. You scratch more, it itches more. Before you know it you start to develop a discharge that sort of resembles cottage cheese. This discharge may smell a bit like fresh bread or beer. In addition to intense itching, another symptom of a vaginal yeast infection is often a white curdy or thick discharge that is mostly odorless. You might also develop an inflammation around the outer lips of the vagina and you may also experience a burning on the outside of the vagina when you urinate.

Men may only experience a redness on the shaft, head, or foreskin of the penis but some men will develop a discharge that is similar to that of the woman.

If you've got these symptoms then the chances are that you have just been introduced to the Candida albicans fungus which is a yeast fungus that lives in everyone's body but can cause problems when it gets out of control.

Even though a yeast infection is not classified as a STD, it can be transmitted during intercourse so it is best to refrain while the infection is active. Also, because both female and male's symptoms mimic more serious diseases, it is important to visit the doctor to have your first bout diagnosed so you'll know what one looks like in the future.

The number one reason that Candida albicans fungus can get out of control is lowered immunity which may occur as the result of your not getting enough rest, or as the result of another illness. Other causes can include excessive use of antibiotics and some other medications, including birth control pills, a sudden and drastic dietary change, diabetes, and pregnancy.

Although some people will never experience a yeast infection, some are cursed with frequent or semi-frequent reoccurrences. Sometimes this can be an indication of a more serious condition such as HIV.

If a sexually active person, male or female, develops the infection, the other partner should be treated as well. Men are very often unaware that they are even infected but can continue to pass the infection back to their partner after the partner is cured.

If you do have a yeast infection then the chances are that your doctor will either prescribe an anti-fungal cream or ointment, or suggest that you purchase one of the over-the-counter (OTC) products. Make sure that any OTC product contains one of the following ingredients:

  • Butoconazole nitrate
  • Clotrimazole
  • Miconazole
  • Tioconazole

These are the only known drugs that are effective against the Candida fungus.

Remember that these OTC products are only effective against yeast infection. If you have other symptoms, including abdominal pain, fever, a foul-smelling discharge that is not yeast-like, or no improvement in your condition after three days of treatment, then it is imperative that you see your doctor at once because you may have a much more serious disease or infection.

This article is intended to give you a broad exposure to the subject of yeast infection but it is not a substitute for qualified medical diagnosis. Please, visit your doctor for advice on treating this easily cured disease. There is no reason to live with the pain, itching, and embarrassment that ignoring it will cause.