subject: How Is Vaginal Yeast Infection Different From Fungal Infection? [print this page] Vaginal yeast infection, they say, affects three quarters of all women. But how does it differ from some fungal infection? What really is the difference? Let's dicuss it.
For starters, yeasts are what you call those cells of a tiny fungus. Fungus, in turn, is a group of lower plants that have no chlorophyll. This puts yeasts in the same class as molds, mildews, and mushrooms.
As mentioned, vaginal yeast infection affects millions of women around the world, which means you are likely to get it - that red, itchy and burning sensation in your vulva. It is not necessarily fatal, but it can lead to more serious situations if you leave it right there as is without proper treatment. It is a fungal infection, needless to say, and yeasts are in our bodies all the time, which shows they're not really a serious health risk. Other types of fungal infection are athlete's foot, jock itch, and ringworm. You see, yeasts can appear on other areas, like the mouth. It's not just about the vagina.
But why do fungal infections happen, anyway? They can be caused by repeated use of certain medications, like antibiotics and using public health facilities, where germs and bacteria thrive and live. You see, fungi thrive in moist, warm and dark places, which is why they live in certain parts of our body.
If you remember what you learned in Science class, yeasts cause fermentation, a breakdown of complex molecules in organic compounds. Organic means grown with natural fertilizers or having to do with a bodily organ.
Going back to vaginal yeast infection, it just means that it is a chemical breakdown in the vagina - the fungi grow and multiply fast that the vagina can't protect itself.
Women have this disease because of the growth of Candida albicans, which, as mentioned, cause that certain feeling around the vagina. This feeling is a big source of pain and discomfort in everyday life. Triggers behind this health problem include being overweight, eating sugary and starchy food, the use of antibiotics, excessive douching, wearing tight and perfumed underwear, using perfumed vaginal wash, keeping the genital wet or moist after using the toilet and not observing proper hygiene in general.
If you have this condition, that means you should give it the right attention since there is some imbalance in your body. When you finally know what's wrong, you will feel more educated, and the stress level drops, making you focus more on the correct treatment to be given. Stress alone can hinder you from treating that infection.
While there are similarities between yeast and fungal infections, they are alike in a way in that, they are both caused by natural substances. But of course, not all fungal infections are yeast infections. Which means you need to get yourself diagnosed to see which is which, and to see what really is the problem you face. That's when you will get to apply the treatment to stop whatever it is.
Vaginal yeast infection can be stopped. It's time to take action.
