Untreated Yeast Infection Can Cause Health Complications
Overtime, untreated yeast infection can cause health complications. Many of these health issues might be very easy to prevent but much harder to treat.
One of the known concerns with a systemic yeast infection, is the damage caused by the candida yeasts to the guts wall as the infection grows. When left untreated, the candida yeast overgrowth can lead or contribute to a leaky gut syndrome. Leaky gut is a condition where the permeability of the membranes in the gut is impaired. As a result, substances such as undigested food particles or toxins can leak from the gut into the bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream, the leaked undigested food or toxins are identified by the immune system as invaders resulted a response by the immune system, causing many issues such as food sensitivities, allergies, a weakened immune system and more health complications.
When To Contact A Healthcare Provider About A Yeast Infection
Many women who have had several yeast infections can tell that their symptoms indicate a yeast infection. But those who are experiencing symptoms for the first time should see their healthcare provider for an appropriate diagnosis . Other women who should contact their healthcare provider include:
- Those with 4 or more yeast infections per year
- Women who may have been exposed to a sexually transmitted disease
- Women with certain conditions such as diabetes, or who are immunocompromised from certain medications or conditions like HIV or cancer
- Women who have not had success with OTC treatments
Do Yeast Infections Go Away On Their Own
Most yeast infections need medical treatment, either from a healthcare provider or at-home care, before they resolve. Occasionally, a mild yeast infection may clear up by itself. However, most yeast infections wont improve unless you make some medical or lifestyle changes.Yeast like Candida flourishes in warm, moist environments like in between the folds of the skin, so a yeast infection can get worse unless you keep the affected area dry and clean. If you have a risk factor like diabetes, stress, an autoimmune condition, or take antibiotics, youre more likely to develop a yeast infection.Some ways to treat a yeast infection include over-the-counter creams, prescription medications, and home remedies like gargling diluted hydrogen peroxide.
If you notice itchy, rashy skin, its possible that you have a yeast infection. However, you may have misdiagnosed your own condition. Eczema, some sexually transmitted infections , and other skin conditions can present similar symptoms as yeast infections. Seeing a healthcare provider is a good way to rule out other possible conditions that may be more serious.
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What Can Happen If You Leave Your Yeast Infection Untreated
Yeast is a fungus normally found on your skin. Its also found in your digestive system. If youre a woman, you also have yeast in your vaginal area. When too much yeast grows on your skin or other areas, it can cause an infection. This infection is also called candidiasis.
A yeast infection can happen if your skin gets damaged. Yeast can also overgrow in warm or humid conditions. An infection can also happen if you have a weak immune system. Taking antibiotics can also cause an overgrowth of yeast. Thats because antibiotics kill the healthy bacteria in your body that normally keep the yeast in balance.
Symptoms Of Vaginal Yeast Infections
How can you detect you have the vaginal yeast infections? The infection has a set of common symptoms that will help you identify it with ease. So, check out for the following:
Itching in the private parts
Swelling around the private organ
Painful matting
Soreness in the vaginal region
Redness, Rash or Irritation
Why do vaginal yeast infections happen?
How is yeast infection treated?
Can a yeast infection be prevented?
How To Treat A Yeast Infection
Fortunately, a yeast infection is easily treated. Here are some popular ways to do so: 1. Head to the store or to the pharmacist and purchase some over-the-counter thrush medication. Most of these come with an external cream and a pill or an internal cream. All are effective. Yeast infections are common, so this medication is readily available. 2. Go to see your doctor or gynecologist if this is your first or second yeast infection, theyll simply prescribe you the medication above. If you are getting them frequently, then they may decide to investigate the cause. 3. Your doctor may also prescribe a single-dose medication, most likely fluconazole . If you have more severe symptoms, you may be instructed to take two single doses, three days apart. 4. There are some home remedies, such as using oregano oil or garlic, but its not recommended to use these as they may make the problem far worse.
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What Causes Invasive Candidiasis
Invasive candidiasis occurs when Candida yeast gets into your bloodstream and spreads to internal organs.
This usually happens when a medical device is being inserted into your skin or gastrointestinal tract. Examples include a catheter draining fluid from your body or an IV that delivers nutrition or medication. A medical device can pick up Candida from your skins surface and carry it to your bloodstream.
Sometimes, Candida can be transmitted from a healthcare workers hands and contaminate a medical device, too.
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- Otitis is a general term for inflammation or infection of the ear, in both humans and other animals.
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Who Might Get Invasive Candidiasis
Certain people have a higher chance of getting candidemia and invasive candidiasis, such as:
- People whove had surgery, especially abdominal surgery.
- People in the hospital for several days or longer, especially the intensive care unit .
- Premature babies.
- Those who have a central venous catheter , such as a peripherally inserted central catheter , or another device inserted into a vein.
- People with a weak immune system , diabetes or kidney failure.
- Users of illegal drugs.
Can I Get A Yeast Infection From Breastfeeding
Yes. Yeast infections can happen on your nipples or in your breast from breastfeeding. Yeast thrive on milk and moisture. A yeast infection you get while breastfeeding is different from a vaginal yeast infection. However, it is caused by an overgrowth of the same fungus.
Symptoms of thrush during breastfeeding include:
- Sore nipples that last more than a few days, especially after several weeks of pain-free breastfeeding
- Flaky, shiny, itchy, or cracked nipples
- Deep pink and blistered nipples
- Shooting pain in the breast during or after feedings
If you have any of these signs or symptoms or think your baby might have thrush in his or her mouth, call your doctor. Learn more about thrush in our Breastfeeding section.
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What Could It Be If Its Not A Yeast Infection
Several different womens health conditions share symptoms with yeast infections, and its not uncommon to mistake them for each other. If your yeast infection doesnt clear up with antifungal medication, you might have something else, such as a:
- Urinary tract infection : This occurs when bad bacteria multiply in your urinary tract, triggering symptoms such as a burning when you urinate, bloody or cloudy urine, pain during sex, and abdominal pain. Antibiotics can treat UTIs.
- Sexually transmitted infection : STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and genital herpes can cause itching, burning, and unusual vaginal discharge. If you notice blisters, sores, or any kind of rash around your vaginal area, its worth seeing a doctor, especially if youve recently had unprotected sex.
- Bacterial vaginosis : This bacterial infection is similar to a yeast infection in many ways, with one crucial difference: Its caused by bacteria instead of fungus. BV is characterized by a thin gray or white discharge with a strong fishy odor .
How To Prevent Yeast Infections
Most of the time, the cause of a yeast infection is unknown. However, there are some common factors that can increase the risk of a yeast infection:
- Use of broad-spectrum antibiotics can increase likelihood of developing a yeast infection in 25-33% of individuals
- Increased estrogen levels appear appear to promote candida overgrowth, specifically when using an oral contraceptive that is high in estrogen, during pregnancy, and during estrogen therapy
- Immunocompromised individuals tend to have higher rates of yeast infection, especially individuals with HIV or those taking corticosteroids
- Diabetes can increase the likelihood of yeast infections due to high blood sugarâpeople with diabetes are more likely to acquire a vaginal infection than those who do not have diabetes
There are also some lifestyle changes you can make if you experience frequent yeast infections:
- Wear cotton underwear: Cotton allows the skin to breathe and wonât trap moisture that can contribute to the growth of yeast and bacteria.
- Wash and dry off after exercising: Like wearing cotton underwear, staying clean and dry helps prevent yeast overgrowth.
- Try a probiotic: Taking a daily probiotic helps promote healthy vaginal flora and can help keep yeast in check.
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Whats The Difference Between Invasive Candidiasis And Other Candida Infections
Candida is a common type of yeast thats found everywhere. Various forms of Candida live on your skin and inside certain parts of your body. Sometimes, the yeast can grow out of control and cause minor infections in specific parts of your body. Examples include thrush and vaginal yeast infection.
But if Candida gets into your bloodstream, it causes candidemia, one of the most common healthcare-associated infections. Severe, untreated candidemia can lead to invasive candidemia, which affects internal organs.
How Can I Prevent Invasive Candidiasis
If youre at high risk for developing invasive candidiasis, your healthcare provider may prescribe antifungal prophylaxis. This means that youll receive an antifungal medication to prevent infection.
Other ways you can help reduce your risk include:
- Keep your skin clean, especially your hands.
- Look for signs of early infection, such as redness or pain where a catheter or IV enters your body.
- Make sure that anyone who touches you washes their hands first, including healthcare workers.
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Can You Die If You Have A Yeast Infection
In rare occasions, a yeast infection might spread throughout the entire organism. For example, when systemic candidal disease is involved, up to 45% of patients end up dying . Sometimes, a vaginal or mouth yeast infection may lead to critical illness and may be much more resistant to any normal treatments.
What Can I Expect If I Have Invasive Candidiasis
Invasive candidiasis is a serious condition with a high risk of complications that have long-term health effects, such as:
- Endocarditis, infection and inflammation of your hearts inner lining.
- Endophthalmitis, infection of the tissues of your eye, leading to vision loss.
- Osteomyelitis, inflammation and swelling in your bone.
The condition must be treated in the hospital over several weeks. Its fatal in 46% to 75% of people who develop it.
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Untreated Yeast Infection May Become Worse
Untreated yeast infection usually cause the yeast infections symptoms to become worse. What starts as a mild case of yeast infection that can be easily managed at home, may turn into a complete nightmare as the infection grows out of control and causes many unpleasant symptoms and discomforts. A few common examples:
- Recurring vaginal yeast infection that become chronic and more severe, causing more discomfort such as burning and irritation.
- Additional new symptoms may appear as the infection spreads to other body areas or affects other body systems. What started as a common vaginal yeast infection, skin rash or oral thrush may evolves into digestive issues, new food allergies, mood swings, brain fog, mental confusion, unexplained weight gain and many other symptoms.
You Can Spread An Untreated Yeast Infection
Yeast infections are not contagious in the way a virus might be, and theyre not a type of STI. Every person has Candida on their body and in their mouth and digestive system, usually without causing problems.
Its normal to rub some of these tiny organisms onto another person when you hug, kiss, breastfeed, share a toothbrush, or have sex. But if you have a yeast infection, its possible that you can transfer more Candida than usual to someone that you touch.
Transferring Candida from one person to another isnt enough to make that person develop a yeast infection. However, if that person is already at risk for candidiasis , they can also develop their own yeast infection.
You can avoid spreading candidiasis by brushing your teeth before and after kissing not sharing towels, sex toys, bathing suits, or underwear using condoms and dental dams and pumping milk or abstaining from breastfeeding if your child has oral thrush.
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How Is Yeast Infection Treated
Your healthcare provider will consider your age, overall health, how widespread the infection is and other factors to determine your treatment.
Yeast infections can be easily treated with ointments or other anti-yeast creams.
- Yeast infection in the mouth may be treated with a medicated mouthwash. Or it may be treated with lozenges that dissolve in the mouth.
- If you have a severe infection and have a weak immune system, you may need to take an oral anti-yeast medicine.
- Esophageal yeast infections are usually treated with oral or intravenous anti-yeast medicines.
- Yeast infections of the nails are treated with an oral anti-yeast medicine.
- Yeast infections in the skin folds can be treated with anti-yeast powders.
What Happens If A Yeast Infection Is Left Untreated
At times an untreated yeast infection goes away on its own. But if your immune system is not able to fight back then the infection gets worst
- Oral thrush: Yeast infection inside mouth
- Vaginitis: It is vaginal yeast infection
- Tinea versicolor or intertrigo: When occur on skin surface
Initially there are only few symptoms of yeast infection. Some of them are as follows:
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Help The Doctor Put A Correct Diagnosis
To confirm a diagnosis of vaginal candiadiasis , the doctor will recommend further analysis of vaginal discharges. They are harvested in gynecology clinics and will be analyzed by microscopy or by performing cultures in a lab.
For the result of the exam to be correct, there should be no intravaginal washes 24 hours in advance not even just with water and sexual contact is forbidden. An intimate hygiene of the external genital organs may be performed only with water and soap.
What Is A Yeast Infection
A yeast infection is one of the most common infections that Americans experience. While a vaginal yeast infection is most common, yeast infections can occur in other places around the human body, such as the mouth or armpits. Men also experience yeast infections, but usually less frequently than their female counterparts.
A vaginal yeast infection, also known as candida vulvovaginitis, is a common infection that many women experience. Yeast infections are not considered STIs and can develop for a variety of reasons. Vaginal yeast infection symptoms can be irritating and uncomfortable, but will usually go away with proper treatment and attention.
Yeast infections can develop because of lifestyle habits, environmental changes, skin-to-skin contact with someone that has a yeast infection, health conditions such as diabetes, and even other cyclical changes in the body.
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Ruling Out Other Vaginal Conditions
A few other vaginal conditions result in symptoms that are like those of thrush. See your doctor if you:
- have had several episodes of thrush in a short period
- have had recent sex without a condom with a new partner
- have associated pain in your pelvic area or abnormal bleeding
- treated yourself with a thrush treatment and your symptoms havent gone away.
How Do You Know When A Yeast Infection Is Gone
Once your symptoms resolve and youve completed the duration of your treatment, your yeast infection has cleared. If your symptoms resolve before you complete the full course of treatment, keep using the medication until you have finished it as directed.
If your symptoms persist, or if youre worried about the yeast infection recurring, talk to your doctor.
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