Candida yeast infection is a very common disease and more and more people worry they may be suffering from it. Therefore there are a few questions people are asking them most often.
The first most common question is: do I have a Candida yeast infection?
Well, the answer to this question can be found in the symptoms which are characteristic for this disease. The most common symptoms are itching and the feeling of irritation in the vaginal area; redness or swelling of the vulva; a white, thick, unpleasant discharge which looks similar to cottage cheese and which has no scent, although sometimes it could smell like yeast; the feeling of burning whenever urinating or having sex.
These are the most common symptoms for Candida yeast infection. But these symptoms are also similar to other vaginal infections or sexually transmitted diseases. Therefore you should always consult a doctor or a gynaecologist whenever having these symptoms. The doctor will give you the right Candida treatment, if it is necessary in your case.
The second most common question is: are men immune to yeast infections? Well, men don’t really get these vaginal yeast infections. Because they don’t have a vagina! But there is an infection similar to Candida yeast infection at women. This infection is called balanitis and its symptoms are similar to Candida yeast infection’s symptoms. This balanitis is an infection of the head of the penis and it is caused by the same overgrowth of the same Candida fungi. Men who are suffering from diabetes are also more exposed to this type of infection. Men can also have a discharge or red and itchy areas like women have.
Men who don’t have a circumcision must pay more attention to their hygiene in the genital area, focusing on the foreskin. The reason for this is the fact that the folds of the foreskin represent the perfect warm, moist environment for Candida fungi to multiply. Therefore, the foreskin area needs extra care for keeping it clean and dry.
And the third most asked question is: can anyone prevent getting a Candida yeast infection?
And the answer will be yes, definitely. The outfits you wear can prevent or cause a Candida yeast infection. Therefore you should avoid wearing nylon underwear, pantyhose, tight jeans, and tight exercise gear, wet bathing suits which are retaining moisture in the area as Candida fungi love this warm and moist environment. If you can’t avoid wearing these outfits, at least try to wear them for as little time as possible.
You should also pay attention to dyes or perfumes in shower gels, soaps or sanitary products as they may cause you irritation to the genital area. If you feel this kind of irritation happening, stop using the product and try switching to a perfume-free one.
Also keep your vagina clean and dry. Give up on nylon underwear and use the healthier cotton one. Avoid wearing too tight jeans or pantyhose. And don’t take antibiotics unless the doctor has prescribed them especially to you.
Try to follow these few rules and you will never have to worry about getting a Candida yeast infection!