Yeast infections can be caused by a preponderance of yeast in the body. This can happen when the microbial balance between the good bacteria and the yeast is disturbed due to excessive intake of antibiotics that destroy the good bacteria along with the pathogen that they are meant to kill. A weak immune system, improper hygiene and certain ailments like diabetes mellitus can also result in a yeast infection. Candida albicans is the yeast that is known to cause infections in most people.
The condition is more common in women and it is known that more than 70% of women suffer from a yeast infection at some point in their lives. In fact, about 40% women suffer from multiple types of yeast infections too. Men also suffer from yeast infections. However, since there is little that has been done to create awareness about the same, many men live an entire life without really knowing that the specific symptoms that they are experiencing are due to yeast infection.
There are various types of yeast infections. These include penile yeast infection, oral yeast infection or thrush, skin yeast infection, vaginal yeast infection or vaginitis, pregnant yeast infection, yeast infection in children and systemic yeast infection. This diversity in yeast infection types is also the reason why a holistic approach is the best way to go if you want to get rid of a yeast infection.
While there are some symptoms that are common among these types, there are others that are fairly specific. Details of these types of yeast infection and their symptoms have been provided below and on page 2.
Penile thrush symptoms:
This yeast infection can be caused by sexual intercourse with a partner who is suffering from vaginitis. It can sometimes be caused due to other hygiene issues if the yeast starts to grow in the moist environment. Men who have not been circumcised are at a higher risk of getting the symptoms of yeast infections because the hygiene requirement for such people is higher and requires more time.
The common symptoms of penile yeast infection include redness on the penis head, soreness, rashes and blisters. Painful urination is common and there is also a possibility of pain during sexual intercourse. Needless to say, the itching and burning sensation can get extremely irritating and embarrassing at times.
Oral thrush symptoms:
Often called thrush or oropharyngeal Candidiasis, oral yeast infection can be identified by a thick whitish coating in the mouth, on the tongue, in the inside surface of the cheeks and the palette. Women who use oral contraceptive pills are at a higher risk of contracting oral thrush. Some antibiotics and tricyclic medication also causes thrush. Many babies also experience oral thrush due to breastfeeding by an infected mother.
The main symptoms of thrush include a creamy white or yellow coating on the tongue that does not go away by simply using a tongue cleaner. Red patches on the palette and the tongue are also possible as are cracks on the side of the mouth and lips. In extreme cases thrush can cause a burning sensation.
| note: this is part 1/2 of our article series on Common Thrush Symptoms, part two can be found here: Common Thrush Symptoms – Part Two |