Getting a Yeast Infection
Here is a little background on candida yeast infections.
Botanist Christine Marie Berkhout described the genus candida and species candida albicans at the University of Utrecht.Over time the classification of the genera and specie has evolved.
There are about 150 species of candida.Most do not cause infections in humans. The most significant of these is Candida albicans. Others include Candida tropicalis, Candida glabrata, Candida krusei, Candida parapsilosis, Candida dubliniensis, and Candida lusitaniae.
Although candida yeasts can usually be found in the body, their growth is normally limited. Growth is kept down by the human immune system and by other microorganisms, including bacteria.
About 20% of healthy women have low numbers of candida in their vagina without noticing a yeast infection.
The vagina contains good bacteria such as lactobacilli, and when the balance is upset a yeast infection can grow.
Risk factors are:
Douching
Hormones that are out of balance
Stress
Pregnancy
Oral contraceptives
Yeast contamination from the anus
The glycerin in some lubricants
Diabetes
Antibiotics
Antibacterials
The food you eat
People are more likely to get a Candida yeast infection if their immune system is weakened.A candida infection can, in extreme cases, get into the bloodstream, causing systemic yeast infection.
Female yeast infection of the genitals is more common than in males.Sexual intercourse with an infected partner along with low immunity, the use of antibiotics, and diabetes are some of the main causes.
Symptoms
The symptoms of a candida yeast infection vary depending on the area affected.
An infection of the vagina or vulva can cause a discharge along with itching, burning and pain.
The male genitals can get red sores with severe itching and a burning sensation. Candidiasis of the penis can also have a white discharge, although uncommon.In fact, it’s common to have no symptoms for quite a long time.
Diagnosis
Physicians usually use microscopic examination and/or culturing to diagnose yeast infections.
When diagnosing by light microscopy, a scraping or swab is taken from the area and placed on a microscope slide. A drop of 10% potassium hydroxide solution is added to the specimen.The candida cells can be viewed when the solution dissolves the skin cells.
The swab is put on a culture medium and incubated to allow the yeast to grow, if present.{The growth characterics can allow an initial diagnosis to be made}.
Treatment
Candida is most commonly treated with antifungal drugs in the form of pills, creams or suppositories in the case of vaginal candida yeast infection.
Although this treatment usually works well, symptoms may reappear at a later date.
in order to stop recurring yeast infections it’s important to keep the environment in the body healthy, so that the yeast does not proliferate.A holistic and natural approach is usually needed.