Let’s start with a little scientific background on yeast infections.

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

There are about 150 species of candida. Most do not cause infections in humans. The most significant is candida albicans. Others include Candida tropicalis, Candida glabrata, Candida krusei, Candida parapsilosis, Candida dubliniensis, and Candida lusitaniae.

Although candida yeasts can generally be found in the body, their growth is normally limited. Growth is slowed by the human immune system and by other microorganisms, including bacteria.

About a fifth of women have small amounts of candida in the vagina, but they do not have a noticeable yeast infection.

If the balance of different types of bacteria in the vagina is disturbed, it can allow the candida yeast to overgrow.

The risk factors are:

• Showers
• Hormone imbalances
• Stress
• The pregnancy
• Oral contraceptives
• Yeast that spreads through the anus
• Glycerin-containing lubricants
• Diabetes
• Antibiotics
• Antibacterial
• The food you eat

People are more likely to get Candida yeast infection if their immune systems are weakened. A candida infection can, in extreme cases, enter the bloodstream and cause a systemic yeast infection.

Male genital yeast infection is much less common than female yeast infection. Causes include low immunity, taking antibiotics, diabetes, and having sex with an infected partner.

Symptoms

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

When there is a vaginal infection, symptoms can include itching, burning, and pain along with discharge.

Male yeast infections can include red, patchy sores on the genitals, with itching or a burning sensation. Candidiasis of the penis can also have a white or watery discharge, although this is not common. In fact, it is common not to have any symptoms, and more serious symptoms may appear at a later time.

Diagnosis

Doctors often use microscopic examination or culture to diagnose yeast infections.

A scrap or swab is placed on a microscope slide. A 10% potassium hydroxide solution is applied. The solution leaves the candida cells intact while dissolving the skin cells.

The swab is placed in culture medium and incubated to allow yeast to grow, if present. The way they grow can allow a diagnosis of the cause of the disease.

Treatment

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

This is usually an effective treatment, but nighttime symptoms return within a few weeks or months.

To stop recurring yeast infections, it is important to keep the body’s environment healthy so that the yeast does not proliferate. Generally, a holistic and natural approach is needed.