What is yeast infection

Anyone can get a yeast infection. Those at higher risk for it include: Infants People who wear dentures People taking antibiotics People getting cancer treatment People with other health conditions, such as HIV or diabetes What are the symptoms of a yeast infection?

Rash with redness and skin breakdown Patches that ooze clear fluid Pimples Itching or burning. White or yellow discharge from the vagina Itching Redness in the external area of the vagina Burning. Redness on the underside of the penis Scaling on the underside of the penis Painful rash on the underside of the penis.

White patches on the tongue and inside of the cheeks Redness or soreness Difficulty swallowing may mean you have yeast in your esophagus. A sample of vaginal discharge may be sent to a laboratory to confirm the diagnosis. Examining a swab of vaginal discharge under a microscope can reveal if high levels of yeast are present.

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent a Candida infection, certain actions can reduce the risk of developing a vaginal yeast infection. Oral or intravaginal probiotics may be recommended if a woman has more than three yeast infections annually. Anyone who believes they have symptoms of a yeast infection should speak with a doctor for an accurate diagnosis as soon as possible.

Learn more about yeast infections here. Yogurt is a popular home remedy for yeast infections, and research supports its use. Here, learn how to use it, how it works, and when to see a doctor. Some fungi occur naturally in the body, and they can be helpful or harmful.

An infection occurs when an invasive fungus becomes too much for the…. Both hormonal and barrier methods of birth control can increase the risk of a yeast infection. Symptoms include itching, redness, and swelling around…. While a mild vaginal odor is healthy and all vaginas have a different smell, a strong scent of onions may indicate a problem. In this article, we…. Vaginal yeast infections are common and the result of an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina.

How long vaginal yeast infections last can vary…. What you need to know about a yeast infection. Medically reviewed by Rachel Liberto, R. Share on Pinterest Frequent symptoms of vaginal yeast infection include itching, burning, and vaginal discharge. Related Issues. Clinical Trials.

Article: Candida spp. Yeast Infections -- see more articles. Find an Expert. Patient Handouts. Talk to your doctor about herbal remedies if you take OTC or prescription drugs. Some herbs can interact with medications you may be taking or can cause other unintended side effects.

When it affects the penis, this is known as a penile yeast infection. All bodies have Candida — not just the female body. The groin area is especially prone to Candida overgrowth because of skin folds and moisture.

Still, penile yeast infections are most commonly caused by having unprotected vaginal intercourse with a woman who has the infection, too. You can help prevent a yeast infection by wearing condoms during sex.

Regular bathing can also help. The symptoms of a yeast infection in men may not be as prominent, though you might see redness and white patches along the penis as well as burning and itchy sensations. See your doctor for a proper diagnosis if you think you have a penile yeast infection. Yeast infections are common in women. Recurring yeast infections are common, especially if you are pregnant, have diabetes, or have a weakened immune system.

Talk to your doctor if you have more than four yeast infections per year. While yeast infections are commonly associated with vaginal infections, babies can also get them. The most common yeast infection in a baby is a diaper rash. However, not all diaper rashes are the result yeast overgrowth.

Yeast infections may also be presented in other folds of the skin, such as under the armpits. An oral medication may be needed if your baby has oral thrush yeast infection of the mouth. While yeast infections in babies are usually harmless, they can lead to more serious infections when left untreated. In rare cases, you can pass a yeast infection from one partner to another.

Yeast infections are common during pregnancy because of hormone fluctuations. Topical antifungals are safe to use during pregnancy, though. This can lead to diaper rash and oral thrush in your baby. Another common infection in women is a urinary tract infection UTI. A UTI is a bacterial infection that affects the urinary system. This complex system includes your urethra, as well as your bladder and kidneys. The symptoms of a UTI are also different from a yeast infection.

A UTI can also cause frequent urination along with pelvic and abdominal pain. Without treatment, a UTI can lead to more serious complications of the kidneys. See a doctor to get antibiotics. Ask your doctor for more information regarding the differences between a yeast infection and a UTI.

This ensures that your symptoms are related to Candida overgrowth and not a more serious condition. Your doctor will first conduct a pelvic exam, noting any visible discharge, redness, and swelling. They will ask you about other symptoms such as burning and painful urination. If needed, your doctor might order a vaginal fluid test. They will first collect a sample of vaginal discharge with a cotton swab, which will then be sent to a lab for study under a microscope.

Instead, there are other factors at play that can throw off Candida balance in the vaginal area.