Candidiasis, Commonly Known as A Yeast Infection - The Simple Truth

Candidiasis, also commonly called a yeast infection or thrush, is a fungal infection of any of the many Candida species. Candidiasis therefore encompasses infections that range from superficial, such as oral thrush and vaginitis, to systemic and potentially life-threatening diseases.

Candidiasis is a very common cause of vaginal irritation, or vaginitis, and can also occur on the male genitals.

Candida yeasts are usually present in most people, but uncontrolled multiplication resulting in disease symptoms is kept in check by other naturally occurring microorganisms, such as good bacteria co-existing with the candida yeasts in the same locations. The candida yeast are also kept in-check by our immune system.

Simply stated - the candida yeast (bad yeast) are always on and in our bodies, but these bad yeast are controlled and kept in-check by our own immune system and good yeast that are also in our bodies. The yeast bacteria in yogurt, cheese and milk are a good example of good yeast.

The external use of irritants, such as some detergents or douches and internal disturbances can perturb or upset the balance of good bacteria and an overgrowth of candida yeast can result in noticeable symptoms or an infection.

Also, pregnancy, the use of oral contraceptives, engaging in vaginal sex immediately and without cleansing after anal sex and using lubricants containing glycerin have been found to be related to yeast infections.

Since the Candida yeast thrives in warm, moist and dark places, areas with these conditions such as the mouth, skin folds, armpits and vaginas are the most vulnerable.

In penile candidiasis, the causes include sexual intercourse with an infected party, low immunity, and diabetes. However, male yeast infection is less common and the risk of getting it is only a fraction of that in women.

The symptoms of a yeast infection include severe itching, burning, and soreness, irritation of the vagina and/or vulva, and a whitish to yellow-gray discharge with a foul-smelling odor.

Some basic changes made to your diet can improve and strengthen your immune system. Simple things such as eating more fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and reducing your amount of refined sugar and processed carbohydrates will go a long way in preventing a yeast infection from developing. A daily helping of yogurt or a supplement of acidophilus can also be a natural preventative and sometimes a cure for yeast infections.

While there are several home remedies that offer relief in minor cases of infection, seeking medical attention is always the best option, especially if the extent of the infection cannot be judged accurately. For instance, oral thrush is visible only at the upper digestive tract, but it may be that the lower digestive tract is likewise colonized by Candida species.

The simple truth is that yeast infections can be prevented, just use common sense, eat more fruits and vegetables, cut-out junk foods, practice clean sex and wipe from front to back. It works –just try it.

Lynne Campbell is a channel guide and writer for the website Things-About.com which is committed to providing expert guidance for real people searching the Internet for information, goods, and services. For more information on how to cure a Yeast Infection go to YeastInfection.Things-About.com