Yeast infections are very uncomfortable. While most people know of vaginal yeast infections for women, the truth is that is only one kind of yeast infection. Both men and women are susceptible to other forms of yeast infections. Vaginal yeast infections can even be transferred to men during intercourse as well.
Since yeast infections can become a persistent issue, they require treatment. There are many remedies to assist with yeast infections. Most can be handled at home without consulting a doctor. The rest may need some prescription treatments.
Symptoms of a Yeast Infection
Yeast infections are very uncomfortable. Many people who get a first one find themselves susceptible to getting more yeast infections in the future. The symptoms of a yeast infection are many and consistently felt across many of the women who suffer from them the most. Here are some of the symptoms that people consistently deal with:
- Burning/Itching - One of the most common issues is itching sensations in the vagina and vulva. It gets worse during intercourse and there will often be a very painful burning sensation.
- Redness - In addition to the itching, a yeast infection will typically cause the vulva to become very red and swell up. This is common with many different infections as well.
- Rash - A yeast infection will typically have an annoying rash.
- Altered Vaginal Discharge - There are two different types of vaginal discharge that may occur. There is an unexpected watery discharge as well as a thick white discharge.
What’s worse is that yeast infections can get worse and increase in severity. These complicated infections are far worse with bigger symptoms. All of the symptoms listed before apply. However they are worse and far more painful. Complicated yeast infections are far more likely to people who are pregnant, have diabetes or have an immune deficiency disease of some sort.
Yeast Infection Causes
Yeast infections will hit 3 out of every 4 women during the course of their lifetimes. So what causes it? Yeast infections are a fungal issue that are usually caused by Candida albicans. This is the organism responsible for the standard mild yeast infections.
More damaging yeast infections are caused by other organisms. Women are at an advanced risk for damaging yeast infections if they received 3 to 4 regular yeast infections each year, if they have diabetes or if they are pregnant. As if pregnant women didn’t have enough discomfort to deal with already.
Other Treatments and Home Remedies to Handle a Yeast Infection
The good news is that there are multiple options for getting a yeast infection treated. Medicated creams are common, while there are plenty of over the counter options at a pharmacy. Some people don't like making use of a pharmacy when they don't have to. To this end, several home remedies have been developed that can help fight a yeast infection.
- Apple Cider Vinegar - Don't use full strength apple cider vinegar. First dilute it and then ingest it. The other option is to take a bath which has had some apple cider vinegar diluted into the water. This can help with some of the symptoms, especially itchiness.
- Yogurt - Plenty of yogurt is loaded full of good bacteria. This can help counter the yeast bacteria and improve things. Surface yeast infections are easily handled by spreading yogurt on things. Vaginal yeast infections require a yogurt coated tampon to be inserted for around 2 hours twice per day for a few days.
- Garlic - You can take this remedy by eatting some fresh cloves of garlic each day. The secondary method is to crush the garlic into a paste and apply it to the affected skin area.
- Cranberries - Cranberries are better known for their help with urinary tract infections. The antibacterial properties of cranberries and cranberry juice can be very beneficial.