How to Treat a Yeast Infection Effectively

Yeast infection is quite common in women but it can also affect men. Candida albicans is the fungus responsible for most yeast infections. Certain good bacteria in the body function to regulate the growth of yeast, but a disruption in the body’s normal pH level can destroy the good bacteria and trigger an infection. If you want to know how to treat a yeast infection you must first know what its symptoms and causes are.

Causes of Yeast Infection

In women, yeast infection can be caused by hormonal changes. Pregnant women, for instance, are prone to yeast infections. The same is true for women on the pill.

Tight clothing can cause sweating and humid conditions for yeast to thrive in. Likewise, some medicines such as steroids may also be a cause of the infection, along with abuse or over-use of antibiotics. Diabetics, with their high blood sugar, are especially prone to yeast infections.

Symptoms of Yeast Infection

There are many different symptoms of yeast infection. The most common are itching and burning sensations. If the infection occurs in the woman’s genital area, it can make urination feel like a burning sensation. Women will often emit a vaginal discharge that resembles cheese or curdled milk, with a white to faint yellow color. The discharge smells like bread or beer.

Other common symptoms of vaginal yeast infection are swelling of the vulva and abdominal cramps prior to or during menstruation.

Although they are not as susceptible as women, men can also suffer from penile as well as oral yeast infection. Symptoms include frequent urination, rash on the tip of the penis, sensation of irritation during urination or after intercourse, and facial swelling.

How to Treat a Yeast Infection

If you have a yeast infection, you should see your doctor. Antifungal medications are used to treat yeast infections. The antibiotics nystatin and fluconazole are very effective for oral yeast infections.

Home remedies that are effective involve the use of plain yogurt. Yogurt contains lactobacillus acidophilus bacteria which kill the yeast. A woman can put the yogurt around and in her vagina to combat the infection.

Drinking two glasses of buttermilk daily will also minimize yeast infection. To treat a yeast infection you can also reduce alcohol and sugar intake and refrain from wearing tight-fitting clothes.