Yeast infection is a condition that most women experiences at some time or the other in their entire lifetime. Here are the popular myths about the condition that are prevalent world over.
If the vagina itches, it must be yeast infectionAs we know it, the major symptom of yeast infection is itching. However it’s a one way train, all yeast infections are itchy but all itching are not yeast infections. So do not go running to the local pharmacy to buy Monistat whenever you get a vaginal itch. There are plenty of other reasons which cause vaginal irritation and itch. These reasons include different allergies, chlamydia, bacterial vaginosis etc. Consult a doctor and get diagnosed.If there’s no discharge, it’s not yeast infectionIn many instances yeast infection causes no fluid discharge from the vagina at all. In many cases, it’s just vaginal soreness, itch and burning sensation etc. But the affected area remains dry. So do not always bet on the vaginal discharge, get diagnosed. If you’re diagnosed with yeast infection but there’s no discharge, don’t be puzzled.Yeast infection is not an STDThis statement is almost true. Most yeast infections are not considered as a sexual disease, however, yeast infection can spread through sexual contact as well. Yeast infections can also be transmitted by an oral genital contact. According to researchers, yeast infections usually appear after women become sexually active. This is caused due to the growth of yeast spores in the vagina, which is encouraged by seminal fluids.Douching helps to cure yeast infectionMany women think, that just like any other skin problem, a yeast infection can also be cured the natural way. So instead of using an anti-fungal cream or prescription drugs, they try douching, douching with vinegar and eat yogurt etc. These procedures will only make the vagina acidic, but yeast can grow in both alkaline and acidic environments. Douching may be able to help you feel better for a while, but it cannot cure yeast infection. Neither can yogurt. Medication is absolutely mandatory.Only women suffer from yeast infections
Yeast infection does not occur as commonly in men as it does in women. However, men too can be infected. The reason that Candida albicans or yeast is more common in women is because it needs a dark, warm and moist space to grow. A woman’s vaginal canal offers such a space. The male anatomy does not provide such an environment, hence, yeast infection is less common in men. Men can get yeast infections through sexual contact. Yeast infection also spreads through sharing garments, towels etc. Men who have a weakened immune system (those with AIDS), who have diabetes and/or have been taking antibiotics for a long period of time are at a higher risk of developing yeast infection.
Genital yeast infection in men generally appear as a rash around the tip of the penis. It may cause discomfort in urinating and a whitish discharge.The smell of yeast is not likely to be present.
Children cannot get yeast infection
The fact is that yeast is present in everyone’s body. Given the right conditions, it can cause an overgrowth and lead to an infection. The same thing happens to children. Young girls too can suffer from yeast infections. The most common reasons include long wear in a wet diapers, irritants in fabric detergent or laundry, a course of antibiotics etc.
Newborn babies can too acquire yeast infection upon delivery, while passing through an infected mother’s birth canal. Yeast infections are a very common cause of diaper rashes and should be a matter of concern to the parents as the immune system of babies are not built to fight yeast infections.
Yeast infection is just an itch, it’s nothing serious
Normally, a yeast infection does not require hospitalization. Prescription drugs are enough to kill the infection. But, if the yeast infection is not treated properly, it can become really serious. If your immune system is compromised, this simple infection can turn into a life threatening disease.
If your immunity is weak, yeast infection can become systemic and can spread to other parts of the body. If the Candida fungus gets into your stomach, it can create punctures or holes in the intestines, which will allow toxins and food particles to leak into the blood. The fungus can spread through the liver, the lungs, the urinary tract, and even the brain. You’ll be shocked to know that about 10,000 people die of yeast infection every year, and that’s only in the US.
Yeast infection can only be spread through sexual contactYeast infection most definitely spreads through sexual contact with an infected person, but it is not the only way it can spread. Yeast infection can spread by using or sharing the infected person’s undergarments, towels, bar of soap etc. An infected mother can give birth to an infected newborn.Presence of yeast indicates yeast infectionEven though the doctors always check for the presence of yeast while checking for yeast infection, yeast is not the only thing that indicates a yeast infection. Doctors will also look for signs like swelling, redness, smell and a whitish curd like discharge. This is because yeast is always present in the vagina, but it does not always cause an infection, neither does it indicate a certain infection.Children with yeast infections are victims of sexual abuse
Yeast infection spreads in many ways. Sexual contact is definitely one of the main reasons but that doesn’t always mean that sexual molestation is the reason why a child is infected. Yeast infection spreads easily in children. Using the same objects used by an infected person, using harsh soaps can cause yeast infection in children.
Sexual molestation would also cause genital bleeding, evident behavioral changes, vaginal wall tearing etc. Therefore, only yeast infection cannot be a certain proof of molestation. Bodily imbalance can also cause yeast infection in a child. Bad diapering habits are a certain cause of yeast infection.
Symptoms of yeast infection are obviousSymptoms of yeast infections are not always obvious. Many times you may think you have a yeast infection, but it isn’t. Many infections caused by parasites, bacteria and other types of fungi show similar symptoms. These symptoms include itching, redness and discharge, the very same symptoms like that of Candida. And researches have shown that bacterial infections are more common than yeast infections. So don’t rely on self diagnosis. Get tested, because some of these other infections actually spread more rapidly and are more harmful than yeast infections. They can even cause fatal damage to your reproductive organs and make you infertile.
