Yeast infection, though generally found in women, can also affect men. The vagina is one of the many areas of your body in which you may have an infection. In women, the yeast infection is most commonly found in vagina. This infection is usually caused due to improper hygiene. It is not uncommon for a woman to have a yeast infection during her periods. Though it is not a serious condition, this infection can be irritating because it causes itching and discomfort while passing urine or having intercourse. Yeast is a microscopic organism that is present all over the body and can start to multiply when the conditions are favorable. Usually, they are not able to sustain in the vagina due to the acidic environment. However, if this acidity level falls, the yeast finds a breeding ground. Menstruation is one of the conditions in which the acidity of the vaginal region drops. This is the time that the yeast finds the environment favorable and begins to breed.
The symptoms of a yeast infection are:
- Mild to severe itching in the groin region.
- Swelling, redness and burning sensation.
- Whitish or yellowish discharge from the vagina.
- Painful sexual intercourse.
- Sensation of burning while passing urine.
Yeast finds breeding grounds when the immunity of body is low. It usually happens in women who are recovering from a recent illness or who do not pay much heed to intimate hygiene. Regular intake of antibiotics can kill off the bacteria in the vagina that help maintain its acidity. The reduction of these bacteria causes the acidity to drop giving yeast the right environment to breed. stress, both physical and mental, can also cause the yeast to start breeding in the vaginal area. Apart from that, birth control pills, menstrual cycle, chronic conditions like diabetes, and wearing tight clothes that do not allow air to pass through, can cause the yeast to grow and the infection to occur.
One of the most effective home remedies for yeast infections is the application of probiotic yogurt. It helps increase the healthy bacteria in the vaginal region and regain the acidic pH so that vagina is able to defend itself from infections. Tea tree oil, an essential oil that is a good fungicide, can also help treat vaginal yeast. However, the oil should not be used in its undiluted form. It should be diluted using a carrier oil or rubbing alcohol before being used on the sensitive vaginal skin.
answered by G M