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What is a yeast infection and how can you get rid of it? If you’ve never before even heard of yeast infection and your physician suddenly tells you that you have one, what can you do? The first thing is to know and understand what you’re up against.
To start with, it can be stated that a yeast infection is not usually a serious condition, although in some cases a recurrent yeast infection can be a symptom of an underlying problem.
A yeast infection is a microbial infection which can occur due to any number of reasons, but the most common ones are a steady usage of antibiotics or steroids, and the wrong diet. It can also, though rarely, be transferred through sexual intercourse.
A yeast is a single-celled fungus which normally occurs naturally almost everywhere, without causing any harm. It is, however, an opportunist, and when the body has been weakened in some way it will exploit that opportunity, causing irritation and discomfort. The way to prevent this, or to reverse it when if has already occurred, is to close the loophole which allowed the yeast to multiply in the first place. Completely avoiding contact with yeasts is not possible, because they are so common, nor is it necessary. Just deal with the factors which allowed the yeast to thrive.
These factors can include stress, the wrong clothing, hormonal imbalances, and the use of scented feminine hygiene products and douches.
These are only the most common causes for a yeast infection to occur.There are others such as a weakened immune system.
It should be noted here that although a yeast infection can on rare occasions be transmitted from one partner to another during sexual intercourse, it is not classified as being an STD, a sexually transmitted disease. Even if your partner is suffering from a yeast infection, if you are in generally good health then the odds are that this will not affect you. Remember, yeasts can only thrive in a body which has been weakened in some way. Still, as a precaution, it may be advisable to refrain from intercourse until the infection has been treated.
A yeast infection can be cured with prescription medications, and lately with over-the-counter medications, but there is a chance that it could occur again, especially if you don’t take any preventative measures, or you are subjected again to the same conditions which led to the problem in the first place.
Symptoms of a yeast infection will normally make themselves well known, and if you are in any doubt you should consult a physician immediately to rule out any other condition as being the cause for the symptoms.
Symptoms can sometimes include intense and unbearable itching, rash, a burning sensation, vaginal discharge, and pain during sexual intercourse. You might also notice a slight swelling of the vulva, redness around the affected area, and the need for frequent urination.
The vaginal discharge which was mentioned above is a well known identifying sign of a yeast infection. It can occur as a thin watery or milky substance with an egg white appearance, it can be firm and yellowish, or it can have a cottage cheese-like texture to it.
The vaginal discharge might also have an odor accompanying it, and this can tend to be acrid and very pungent, sometimes with a sulphuric smell to it. It can also be quite odorless and in quite a few cases you will only get a slight yeasty smell.
A yeast infection if properly taken care of can be cured within a few weeks, sometimes just a few days, although in some cases it might take longer than that. With the necessary precautions and the preventative measures undertaken though you should be able to overcome this minor setback with little to no problems.
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