Otherwise known as Candidal vulvovaginitis, a yeast infection occurs when the fungus naturally found on and inside the body begins to grow and spread. A yeast infection is characterized by swelling, redness, itching, and discharge. Although yeast infections in women are very common, there are several misconceptions surrounding this condition. Here are a few of the most common myths associated with yeast infections.
Yeast Infections Are a Form of Sexually Transmitted Disease
One of the most common myths associated with yeast infections is that these types of infections are spread through sexual contact, meaning that yeast infections are sexually transmitted diseases. However, if you have sexual contact with another person, you can spread the yeast that is naturally present in your body to your partner. However, this does not mean that the other person will then suffer from a yeast infection.
If you have a yeast infection, abstaining from sex is a good idea because sexual intercourse can be painful and cause your swelling and itching to worsen.
Yeast Infections Only Occur in Women With Poor Personal Hygiene
The yeast that is naturally found on and inside of the vagina will not worsen if a woman has poor personal hygiene. Instead, there are several other reasons why the yeast will begin to grow and spread and cause the symptoms associate with a yeast infection. For example, because estrogen is in part responsible for keeping the yeasts naturally found on the vagina in check, an imbalance in estrogen can cause a yeast infection.
Hormonal imbalances can occur at several times in a woman's life, including during menopause and pregnancy. When a woman takes antibiotics, the medication can kill the bacteria naturally found inside the vagina that keeps fungal yeast from growing unchecked. This can also cause a yeast infection.
A patient with unmanaged diabetes can also be prone to yeast infections. This is because the higher levels of sugar in the body's mucus membrane can promote the growth of fungal yeast.
Yeast Infections Only Occur in the Vagina
Finally, although yeast infections most commonly occur in the vagina, it does not mean you cannot get a yeast infection in other parts of the body. For example, some women are prone to yeast infections in the inner thighs and under the breasts. In the summer months or if a woman is sweating more than usual, the moist environment can cause the naturally occurring yeast to flourish.
There are several common myths and misconceptions about yeast infections you should not believe. If you have any more questions, contact your OBGYN, or visit a site like https://www.centraliowaobgyn.com/ for more information.
Share7 January 2022
Hi there, my name is Judy Donovan. Welcome to my website about gynecology. When I was a young adult, I did not take my health seriously. I felt that I would have years before I had to start worrying about female health concerns. Unfortunately, I did not have that much time before I started exhibiting symptoms pointing to a women’s health condition. I sought help from my local gynecologist to receive a diagnosis and treatment plan. I created this website to help other women embrace the importance of preventive health care. Please feel free to come by my site daily to learn more.
