| When most women experience genital itching or | | | | defenses, such as drugs used to treat AIDS, |
| discharge, they tend to assume they have a | | | | also allow the yeast to grow and spread |
| yeast infection. Their next step is often | | | | |
| quietly buying an over-the-counter product | | | | In chronic Candidiasis, the rapidly |
| that has been advertised on TV. But genital | | | | multiplying candida changes form. It morphs |
| itching can be a symptom of many other | | | | into its dangerous fungal state and spreads. |
| conditions, from other kinds of vaginal | | | | The fungal form of candida produces rhizoids |
| infections to sexually transmitted diseases | | | | hook-shaped barbed appendages that cut into |
| to skin allergies. | | | | tissue and membranes, causing pain and other |
| | | | harmful symptoms. If not treated, a condition |
| Yeast infections can happen to any girl, and | | | | called Leaky Gut Syndrome can develop in the |
| they're not related to having sex although | | | | intestinal tract. Leaky Gut Syndrome allows |
| they occasionally can be spread from one | | | | toxins to leave the digestive tract and feed |
| sexual partner to the other. This is quite | | | | right into the bloodstream. |
| rare, though, and the partner of someone who | | | | |
| has a yeast infection does not automatically | | | | A vaginal yeast infection (yeast vaginitis) |
| have to be treated. Yeast infections that are | | | | is not considered to be a typical sexually |
| spread through sex are not considered a | | | | transmitted infection (STD), since Candida |
| sexually transmitted disease (STD). A doctor | | | | may be present in the normal vagina, and the |
| won't be able to tell how you got a yeast | | | | condition does occur in celibate women. |
| infection, but will be able to tell you if | | | | However, it is possible for men to develop |
| you really have one, and if so, how to treat | | | | symptoms after sexual intercourse with an |
| it. | | | | infected partner. |
| | | | |
| There are several situations in which the | | | | Treatment first aims to improve the |
| yeast may multiply. Sometimes, if you are | | | | underlying condition that predisposes the |
| taking antibiotics, it can kill the bacteria | | | | patient to candidiasis, such as controlling |
| that normally keep yeast levels down. | | | | diabetes or discontinuing antibiotic therapy |
| Conditions that cause hormonal changes, such | | | | and catheterization, if possible. |
| as menopause, pregnancy, or taking birth | | | | |
| control pills, may also cause the yeast to | | | | Avoid antibiotics and steroids unless |
| grow. Yeast infections are often associated | | | | absolutely necessary. Because antibiotics |
| with diabetes, especially when the blood | | | | and steroids can alter the bodys internal |
| sugar level is too high. Recurring or | | | | balance, they should be avoided. If you are |
| stubborn cases may sometimes be an early sign | | | | unable to avoid their use, a vaginal yeast |
| of diabetes. In some cases, yeast infections | | | | cream may be used at the first sign of an |
| that don't go away are an early sign of HIV | | | | infection. |
| infection. Drugs that reduce the body's | | | | |