About Yeast Infection

Yeast infection also known as candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by any of the Candida species, members of the gut flora - microorganisms that normally live in the digestive tract and are very important for healthy digestion. However, when the balance between microorganisms is disturbed and one of the Candida species proliferates - most commonly Candida albicans occurs yeast infection.

Yeast infection can be caused by anything that disturbs the balance between Candida species and other microorganisms: weakened immune system, illness, stress, hormonal changes, pregnancy, use of antibiotics, steroids or birth-control pills. Yeast infection most frequently affects women causing vaginitis, an inflammation of the vaginal mucosa. According to some researches about 75% of all female population experiences yeast infection at least once in a lifetime. Symptoms of vaginal yeast infection include severe itching, burning and soreness of the vagina and thick, whitish discharge resembling a cottage cheese. Besides that vaginal yeast infection often also include redness and swelling of the vagina or vulva, while many women also experience painful urination. Sexual intercourse is very discomfortable and painful. However, yeast infection can also affect skin, mouth and throat and may also occur in men and children (diaper rash) although much rarer that in women. In severer form Candida can also infect the intestine causing series of health problems such as bloating, tiredness, weakness, headache and abdominal pain.

Since Candida albicans which is responsible for over 80% of all yeast infections is normally present in the body many people experience problems with recurrent yeast infection despite successful treatment. For thar reason is very important to take care for healthy diet and to avoid to closely-tight trousers, synthetic underwear, vaginal deodorants and other extremely perfumed soaps, and when using the toilet always to wipe from the front to back. Besides that all who have problems with recurring of yeast infection should especially take care for preventive of infection and perhaps have some remedy an hand all the time. After all, yeast infection is very disturbing and causes great discomfort and for that reason is better to treat it immediately to relieve its symptoms.