by Yvonne Moore

Created on: July 12, 2008   Last Updated: July 16, 2008

The presence of yeast in the mouth and vagina is common. Actually, it is an essential component for both the digestive and vaginal tracts. Scientifically, the type found in humans is referred to as Candida and considered a fungus. The presence of excessive yeast causes discomfort.

What is yeast infection?
It is one organism of Candida, known as albicans, which invade human tissue. This invasion is what produces abnormal levels of yeast, resulting in a Candida yeast infection. Certain health conditions and situations permit the body to become susceptible to this organism. Diabetes, HIV, antibiotics, antidepressants and birth control pills all create an imbalance of yeast and bacteria. Other more controllable causes of a yeast infection are excessive consumption of sugar, stress, perfumed hygiene sprays and repetitive sexual intercourse. Common infections occur in the mouth and genitalia, some being more prevalent with gender or age.

Oral yeast infection
There are four types of oral yeast infections: thrush or moniliasis, erythematous, hyperplastic and angular cheilitis. These infections are becoming more prevalent due to the increase in antibiotic intake. Even though useful in fighting many infections, antibiotics particularly destroy the bacteria needed in the mouth so to maintain the balance of candida. Babies and the elderly are prescribed more antibiotics; thus, oral yeast infections are more apparent in these age groups.

Vaginal yeast infection
An infection occurs when the level of yeast in the vagina exceed the level of bacteria. Most women will develop a vaginal yeast infection at least once, if not more, in their life time. The reason is that yeast is normally present in the vagina of most healthy females. Yet taking antibiotics, cortisone medications, oral contraceptives, pregnancy and douching readily agitate the balance of bacteria to yeast.

Male yeast infection
Men having sexual intercourse with a yeast infected partner may encounter irritation and itching of the penis. A male yeast infection can be prevented by using a condom. However, should the infected partner be using a cream or suppository for treatment, there is a possibility that a latex condom will be damaged from the medication. The best prevention is to refrain from sexual intercourse until the partner's infection is treated.

Yeast infection symptoms
The most typical symptom of a yeast infection is a burning sensation. Specific symptoms include:
* Yellow coating on teeth or tongue
* Visible cracks at the corner of the mouth
* Tongue discoloration
* White creamy vaginal discharge
* Itching in the genital area
* Discomfort during sexual intercourse or when urinating

Yeast infection treatment
The symptoms of a yeast infection can be similar to other more serious medical conditions. Therefore, it is important to confer with a medical doctor or clinician before purchasing an over the counter topical medication. Options for treatment include vaginal suppositories, antifungal creams to be applied directly to the infected area and oral medications.

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