Archive for the ‘Types of Infections’ Category
What is yeast?
Many people wonder; what is yeast exactly. This is very typical for people who are suffering from a yeast infection for the first time. This question is not quickly answered. In most of its forms, it is simply a single celled organism classed as a fungus. There are a small percentage of yeast forms that can cause infections in humans. This type of spore is known as an opportunistic pathogen. This is simply scary name for something that can be cured easily through a number of different methods.
The most common answer for ‘What is yeast used for?’ is in baking and brewing. In baking, the yeast will react with some of the ingredients and will produce a gas causing the baked item to rise and will also cause the bubbles that you see in breads. In brewing, it is used to ferment the grains used in making beers. It is for these uses that yeast is sold commercially.
Some people wonder what yeast is used for in other commercial applications. In today’s ‘going green’ world, people are trying to find green technology to use for fuel. Yeast has been increasingly used in commercial production of ethanol fuels for uses in the world’s green industry sector.
So what is yeast that we hear about in medical terms? Yeast in medical terms is most often called an opportunistic pathogen. All women have a form of yeast in their vagina. When this yeast has an opportunity to grow beyond small numbers, it can cause a yeast infection; a very uncomfortable condition for women. So what is a yeast infection? Simply an overpopulation of the yeast fungus in the vagina of women.
When people think about yeast they often don’t associate yeast to men in any way. On the contrary men are also equally vulnerable to yeast infections, and often have some of the same symptoms. You are particularly at risk if your sexual partner has had a yeast infection recently, or currently has a yeast infection. If this is the case, talk to your doctor about treatment and to find out more on what yeast is.
What is Vaginitis?
Many women want to know exactly what is vaginitis when they hear about it, or the doctor tell you that you have it. Vaginitis is an inflammation of the Vagina which can result in some uncomfortable symptoms or no symptoms at all. The vaginitis that you have will determine whether you have symptoms of it or not. If you are being diagnosed with vaginitis for the first time, it is completely natural to wonder what it is. As with all people, we naturally want to know what is going on inside our own bodies. Researching online as well as talking to your doctor will often find you the answers you are looking for.
When searching for your answer to ‘what is vaginitis,’ one of the first questions that you probably had was ‘what are the symptoms?’ Symptoms of vaginitis can vary, but generally include a burning or itching sensation along with a vaginal discharge that can be water and look almost like cottage cheese.
So what is vaginitis doing in there? How did it get there? Most importantly, how do you get rid of it? These are all common questions asked by women when they find out that they have vaginitis. The most common form of vaginitis is more commonly known as a yeast infection. This is caused by an overgrowth of the yeast bacteria that is always found in the vagina.
But that’s not the complete answer to your question of; what is vaginitis? Vaginitis can also be caused through non-infectious methods. These most often include vaginal sprays or douching. They can also be helped along by nylons or tight jeans. If you are prone to vaginitis, you will want to avoid these items. This type of vaginitis is not actually bacteria; it is simply an allergic reaction. So, when asking the question, what is vaginitis? You will need to keep in mind that it is not necessarily a bacterial infection; it is an inflammation of the vagina causing aggravating symptoms such as burning, itching or a vaginal discharge. Talking to your doctor to find out exactly what is vaginitis will help you determine your best course of action for managing the symptoms and eliminating the cause.
Male Yeast Infection
Men get the equivalent of a vaginal yeast infection in their penis known as a male yeast infection. A male yeast infection can be just annoying as a female yeast infection and are known for being much more painful. A common thought when experiencing this infection wants the penis to just fall off. A male yeast infection, while not as common as a female yeast infection, is still very easy to deal with because it is the same fungus that causes yeast infections in both males and females. In fact, many of the same over the counter medications that are offered for vaginal yeast infections will also work for the male infection.
The most common method of getting a male yeast infection is through sexual relations with a female who already has or recently had a yeast infection. The abundance of yeast particles that were present in the female vagina will be transferred through rubbing onto the male penis and cause an infection. The only way to prevent this from happening is through practicing safe sex. If you are not practicing safe sex with a condom with your partner, you have the ability to pass your yeast infection back to the female during your next sexual encounter and vice versa. This can be an ongoing thing until you either stop engaging in sexual activity, or start using a condom every time.
Many men do not experience any symptoms of a male yeast infection on their penis for a long time, so it is difficult to know that you have a yeast infection. Once the symptoms appear in a infection, the outcome can be quite severe. A red, swollen head of the penis is the most common result of the infection in males that can also be associated with a white, clumpy like discharge. This is very similar to the symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection.
The symptoms associated with a male yeast infection are very similar to genital herpes. If you feel that you have contracted genital herpes or a yeast infection see your doctor immediately. Yes, he’s going to want to see what’s wrong with your boy, but knowing exactly what you have and how to get rid of the problem will be worth the visit and any potential embarrassment.