What Causes Yeast Infections?

Being abreast of the causes serves a dual purpose of preventing a recurring yeast infection, and treating it when it has just begun to manifest itself into different symptoms. Yeast infection is also known by the term 'Candidiasis'. The infection tends to be more common in women than in men. This may be the reason male yeast infection is a topic that is often overlooked. As you continue reading this article, you would come to know about what causes this infection in men and women. The description would be accompanied by the symptoms which are considered to be indicative of the development of this condition.

Causal Factors of Candidiasis in Women and Men

Yeast infection in women and men is named 'Candidiasis' after its causal species, Candida albicans. This fungus is actually harmless and known to exist in different parts of the body, along with other bacteria. They are present in small numbers in areas such as mouth, gut, vagina, anus and penis. The reason the fungus causes no threat is because the beneficial bacteria keeps a check on its growth. However, there are factors which destroy such bacteria and the yeast takes over and grows unchecked resulting in a full blown infection.

Antibiotics tend to lessen the amount of the Lactobacillus bacteria which discourages the growth of the yeast. And so with these bacteria reduced, the yeast starts taking over and multiplying rapidly. Thus, use of these drugs happens to be most common cause of yeast infection in people, especially in the US.

Another contributing factor to the onset of this infection is associated with diabetes. Due to obvious reasons, as the level of sugar rises in the blood and urine, it provides a favorable environment for the Candida albicans to thrive and spread the infection further.

Having a compromised immune system also makes people vulnerable to contract this disease. Also, pregnancy has also been found to be one of the causes of candidiasis in women. People who are frequent consumers of alcoholic products and foods like peanuts, wheat products, corn products and barley, run the risk of this infection.

In some cases, yeast infection in men, leaving aside all the above causes, is a result of sexual intercourse with an infected female partner. It has also been researched that use of condoms that contain nonoxynol-9, has also known to cause or aggravate the symptom of the infection.

Not to forget, wearing non-cotton, tight, or dirty clothes also contribute to the overgrowth of Candida in the crotch. Such clothes create heat and moisture and this is just the perfect environment for the yeast to grow and multiply.

Candida albicans also affect babies and newborns. In this case it is known as oral thrush. However, adults may also suffer from this condition.

Candidiasis Symptoms in Men

• Redness of genitals
• Inflammation of the area of the head of the penis
• Burning sensation during urination, soreness and itchiness in the penile head
• Small blisters, lesions and white discharge

Candidiasis Symptoms in Women

• Burning sensation during urinating or while sexual intercourse
• Pain and soreness at the area of the vagina
• Vaginal discharge
• Itching, irritation, redness and swelling in the vagina

Oral Thrush Symptoms

• Occurrence of white lesions on the tongue and other parts of the inside of the mouth
• Lesions may cause pain and bleed when being rubbed
• Cracking at the corners of the mouth
• Loss of taste and a sensation of being stuffed with cotton in the mouth

And to conclude, topical or/and oral prescription-strength antifungal medication is prescribed for the treatment. Certain changes in the diet may also be prescribed, apart from the medications.