By: John Cielo
Submitted: 2011-06-02 13:40:56 | Word Count: 488
Yeast infections are more common than you may think and affect both sexes, although they are more prevalent in females. They are caused by a fungi in our bodies called Candida albicans that, when it is allowed to overgrow, causes the symptoms of a yeast (Candida) infection. More than 50% of sufferers will have more than one infection, with a good proportion of those having multiple infections. But, recurring infections can cause serious health issues if not attended to properly.
Now, under normal circumstances, the Candida albicans fungus is kept under control by our bodies' friendly bacteria, so that it doesn't grow and spread. But sometimes, our good bacteria can become compromised, thus allowing the overgrow leading to a full-blown infection. As well as beneficial bacteria reductions, the other key causes of these infections are; a lowered immune system, hormonal imbalance, drug therapies, and too high blood sugar levels.
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So what are the signs you might have a yeast infection?
(a) Typical vaginal infection symptoms are:-
1. Thick white discharge.
2. Itching.
3. Inflammation and swelling of vulva, etc.
4. Pain when urinating.
5. Difficulty / pain during intercourse
(b) Oral yeast infection symptoms are:-
1. Raised whitish spots over tongue and mucous membranes.
2. Thick white coating over tongue that when scraped off reveals bleeding underneath.
3. Difficulty swallowing.
4. Slight burning sensation in mouth and throat.
5. Flat red spots over lips.
(c) Penile signs are:-
1. Blister-like spots over the glans.
2. Dry / flaking skin.
3. Severe itching.
4. Painful urination.
5. Painful / impossible intercourse.
There are many more, but these will give you a general idea of what kind of signs to look for. If you haven't had a Candida infection before, then you should consult your doctor for a proper diagnosis, because many of these can be symptoms of other conditions.
Most folks use over-the-counter or prescription medications for their infection. But these can have some negative side effects for many sufferers. And they tend to focus on the symptoms rather than the underlying causes you saw above. This is one of the reasons why many people suffer recurring yeast infections that can eventually damage their health.
Luckily, there are many natural remedies for yeast infection out there that, when combined with some simple dietary and lifestyle changes, can help to prevent infections occurring in the future...
