A yeast infection refers to a fungal disease caused by the fungus, Candida, which may affect several parts of the body. The disease typically affects warm, moist areas of the body—for example, the mouth and the vagina.
Both male and female partners can be affected. One of the most common signs and symptoms of the infection is the irritation and itching of the penis after having sexual contact with a woman who is infected with the fungus.
Typically a woman’s vagina is affected. Infections occurring in the vagina are called vaginitis, yeast infection affecting the vagina falls under this group and is called candidiasis. The fungus is usually present in the human skin, mouth and vagina, however, the symptoms only develop once new yeast or more yeast is introduced into the vagina. Men often contract the disease through sexual contact, however, the infection is not classed as a sexually transmitted disease as celibate women can be infected as well.
Symptoms
- Irritation and itching in the affected regions
- Redness and burning sensation
- Fluid discharge from the vagina—fluid may be thick, white and odorless
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Infection that affects the mouth region often causes small white patches to occur on the lips, gums and inside the cheeks. This white marks are often painful
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Depression, anxiety and other mood changes
- Impaired concentration
- Unusual reactions to certain foods
- Pain during sexual intercourse and/or urination
Treatment
- For vaginal infections, topical creams and non-prescription vaginal creams or fungal medicines can be used. The doctor may prescribe you a single dose of fluconazole, which should be taken orally.
- If the symptoms have not disappeared yet, visit your doctor to ask for additional treatment. He may advise long-course vaginal therapy, multi-dose oral medication followed by a maintenance plan to prevent further infections.
- A male partner may not require any treatment. However, your doctor might advise safer means of sexual intercourse such as wearing condoms. In case of itching or irritation, the male partner may use an over-the-counter fungal ointment as prescribed by the doctor.
- Some household remedies include ginger, yogurt and boric acid to treat fungal infections due to yeast.
Prevention
- For females, it is advisable to wear cotton underwear and avoid tight fitting undergarments. Additionally, wearing loose fitting pants and skirts may also reduce risks of developing the infection
- Wet clothes, underwear and swimwear must be changed as soon as possible. This also includes sweat pants and underwear after working out.
- It is recommended that you do not provide a suitable environment for the fungus by preventing your skin from getting moist and warm. This means you have to avoid hot bathtubs.
Learn More
To learn more about minor and major first aid emergencies enrol in St Mark James first aid and CPR training. Yeast infections are not covered in the major St Mark James programs, however, more serious emergencies such as circulatory and respiratory emergencies are part of each basic first aid course.
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