|  | Family Health | Womens Health

Recurrent Yeast Infection Symptoms

Yeast infections can range from mild but troublesome to severe and, in some cases, life threatening. Both men and women are infected every year, although women are infected more often. Some women have infrequent or occasional problems, while other women exhibit recurrent yeast infection symptoms, sometimes throughout their adult lives. In some cases, recurrent yeast infections can be a side effect of treatment.

  1. What is a Yeast Infection?

    • Candidiasis (the clinical term for a yeast infection) is an infection caused by fungus of the Candida family of fungi, most often Candida albicans. These fungal infections can occur in localized areas of skin or mucous membranes, including the oral cavity, the esophagus, the gastrointestinal tract, the bladder or the genitalia.

    What Causes Yeast Infections?

    • Candida albicans occurs naturally in the body and is kept in check by lactobacilli, the so-called "good bacteria." Fungal infections occur when the body's immune system is compromised, causing the candida fungus to overgrow. They also occur due to dietary imbalances, using contraceptives, pregnancy, overuse of antibiotics and diseases that reduce the body's ability to fight of infection and illness, such as diabetes or AIDS.

    Recurrent Yeast Infection Syndrome

    • Most women experience at least one yeast infection in their lives and some will experience two or more. Others become part of a cycle of recurrent yeast infections that may at first respond to treatment, only to return within a short time. Women who are most likely to incur yeast infections of the vagina are those who take birth control pills and pregnant women. High levels of sugar and yeast intake on a regular basis can also lead to recurrent yeast infections.

    Symptoms

    • Yeast infections cause redness, itching and a certain amount of discomfort. A whitish residue appears, especially in oral and vaginal infections. More than four yeast infections a year are considered recurrent yeast infections. In these more severe cases, pain will be felt more frequently, a rash will appear and the infected area will become tender and sore.

    Treatment

    • The treatment for recurrent yeast infections depends on conditions that affect the woman's daily life. Women who are on regular antibiotics for other reasons outside of the recurring yeast infections are given medications to treat the recurring yeast infections that do not contain hormones, such as Diflucan. Tight clothing in the genital area, such as panty hose and panties, trap warmth and moisture that promote the growth of Candida fungi. Cotton underwear that is changed frequently can help relieve this problem. Cutting down on sugars and refines foods, such as white flour, will also help to lessen the severity and regular occurrence of yeast infections.

Womens Health - Related Articles