Candida Yeast Infections

First, a little scientific background on candida yeast infections.

According to Wikipedia, the genus Candida and species Candida albicans were described in 1923 by botanist Christine Marie Berkhout in her doctoral thesis at the University of Utrecht.  The classification of the genera and specie has evolved over the years.

The genus Candida includes about 150 different species.  However, only a few are known to cause human infections.  The most significant of these is Candida albicans.  Others include Candida tropicalis, Candida glabrata, Candida krusei, Candida parapsilosis, Candida dubliniensis, and Candida lusitaniae.

Candida yeasts are commonly found in the human body, and their growth is usually limited.  Growth is kept down by the human immune system and by other microorganisms, including bacteria.

Get the best guide to stop yeast infections for ever

Studies show that about 20% of healthy women in developed countries have a small number of Candida albicans in their vagina without having a noticeable yeast infection.

The normal vaginal flora consists largely of lactic acid bacteria such as lactobacilli, and if that balance is upset there can be an overgrowth of Candida, causing a yeast infection.

Risk factors are:

• Douching 
• Hormone imbalances 
• Stress  
• Pregnancy 
• Oral contraceptives 
• Contamination from the anus 
• Lubricants containing glycerin 
• Diabetes mellitus 
• Antibiotics 
• Antibacterials 
• Diet 

People are more likely to get a Candida yeast infection if their immune system is weakened.  In extreme cases, the superficial infections of the skin and mucous membranes may enter the bloodstream and cause systemic Candida infections.

Male genital yeast infection is much less common than that in females.  The causes include sexual intercourse with an infected partner along with low immunity, the use of antibiotics, and diabetes.

Symptoms

The symptoms of a candida yeast infection vary depending on the area affected.

Infection of the vagina or vulva may cause severe itching, burning, soreness, and irritation, and a whitish or whitish-gray discharge, often with a curd-like appearance.

Symptoms of yeast infection of the male genitalia include red patchy sores near the head of the penis or on the foreskin, severe itching, or a burning sensation. Candidiasis of the penis can also have a white discharge, although uncommon.  In fact, having no symptoms at all is common, and more severe symptoms may show up at a later time.

Diagnosis

Physicians usually use microscopic examination and/or culturing to diagnose yeast infections.

When diagnosing by light microscopy, a scraping or swab is taken from the area and placed on a microscope slide.  A drop of 10% potassium hydroxide solution is added to the specimen.   The solution dissolves the skin cells but leaves the Candida cells intact and allowing them to be seen.

For the culturing method the swab is streaked on a culture medium and incubated at 37degrees C for several days to allow the yeast or bacteria to grow.  The characteristics of the growths may allow an initial diagnosis of the organism that is causing the disease symptoms.

Treatment

Candida is most commonly treated with antifungal drugs in the form of pills, creams or suppositories in the case of vaginal candida yeast infection.

This treatment is usually effective, but symptoms may reappear in several weeks.

To really stop the recurring candida yeast infections permanently it’s important to change and keep healthy the environment within the body, where the yeast grows.  These processes tend to require a holistic and largely natural approach. 

The method with the best long-term results is by certified health consultant and nutritionist, Linda Allen.  Grab her book, Yeast Infection No More, here.  You can download it on your computer and get started today.  It's easy to follow and will give you the complete relief you're looking for.

 

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