subject: What Is This?! Straight Talk About Diagnosing Your Candida Infection [print this page] Although a yeast infection should be treated promptly and prevented whenever possible, it does not have to be a frightening experience or reason to panic. While the symptoms may appear too close to some STD symptoms in women for comfort, Candida is not generally viewed as a sexually transmitted disease and is treatable. Knowing what causes the yeast infections, knowing what to do if you get it, and knowing the risks of self-diagnosis are important things to learn and will avoid unnecessary pain and discomfort later. When in doubt, it is always best to consult with your doctor.
First, a little background information:
Overgrowth of the fungus Candida albicans is what causes yeast infections. The fungus occurs naturally in most bodies and lives happily there. Warm, moist areas such as the genitals are more prone to infections because the fungus grows easily in such hospitable environments. Other areas that can encourage unhealthy overgrowth of Candida are mouths, armpits, diaper areas, and sometimes (rarely) in folds of skin such as under breasts.
Ways to prevent these infections are wearing dry cotton underwear, avoiding tight pants and nylon stockings and panties, changing out of wet bathing suits quickly, and not using scented or deodorant feminine hygiene products.
Do you have an infection?
Confirming that the issue you are having is truly a yeast infection is important. If you havent been diagnosed before, or just want a more experienced opinion, consult with your doctor. Why should you ask a doctor? Primary concerns with self-diagnosis include misdiagnosis and/or treatments which could lead to treatment-resistant candida or serious complications. The symptoms of a yeast infection can be similar to some STD symptoms in women, which can lead to missing early treatment essential for the STD and symptoms. Women should also be cautious about using treatment medications after a self-diagnosis: it is possible to make your current situation worse if you choose the wrong treatment or did not correctly diagnose yourself. After confirming it is Candida albicans, your physician will be able to advise you on the most efficient treatment available.
If your doctor suggests an over-the-counter medicine, it is perfectly safe to do so. Some of these medicines are a pill, some are a cream or insert. Some profess you can experience lessening of symptoms in 1-3 days. If you do not follow the directions carefully, though, or misuse/overuse the antifungal medications, you could cause your infections to become resistant to the medicine and more difficult to treat. Another warning to keep in mind is if your infection is not actually Candida albicans you may not actually be treating your symptoms at all, and whatever you are suffering from may turn into something worse and untreatable because it has been ignored.
In summary, it is best to avoid what causes yeast infections in the first place: however, if you are developing symptoms and are in doubt about what they are - or just want to be sure - consult with a doctor and follow his/her treatment recommendation closely, and you will have no need to worry.
