8 Popular Myths About Yeast Infections to Beware of

Vaginal infections are nothing pleasant to deal with. It comes with intense itching, burning, and vaginal discharge (usually odorless) and can make you feel like your vulva is on fire. If you have experienced any of these symptoms, then you might have been given some advice on what causes these yeast infections, the symptoms of yeast infections, and how to prevent them from reoccurring. The problem is, what exactly should you believe?

The fact is that yeast infections and some STDs can be confusingly similar. Some women tend to get anxious about them, especially if it is recurrent, and wonder how they keep getting it and how to treat it permanently. Therefore, this article provides you with the popular myths and a detailed explanation of the facts you should know about yeast infections and how to deal with them.

What Causes Yeast Infections?

A yeast infection occurs due to overgrowth of a fungus called Candida. This infection, which is commonly called thrush, is not limited to the vagina. That is to say, yeast infection can also occur in the mouth (oral thrush), skin, beneath the breast, and the groin. It is normal and harmless to have a small amount of this fungus in the vagina. It becomes a problem and causes a yeast infection due to certain factors. These factors include hormonal changes, pregnancy, antibiotic use, uncontrolled diabetes, etc.

Myths About Yeast Infections and Associated Facts

Here are some myths you should stop believing about yeast infections:

MYTH 1: Yeast infections are caused by sex

FACT: A yeast infection is not a sexually transmitted disease. It is a fungal infection caused by Candida. It simply occurs as a result of a pH imbalance inside the vagina that leads to a buildup of the yeast. Several factors that can lead to yeast infection include your hormones going haywire, stress, excessive use of antibiotics, a weakened immune system, and staying in your sweaty clothes.

MYTH 2: Only women can have yeast infections.

FACT: Though yeast infections are more prevalent in women, men are not by any means left out. In other words, you can pass it on to your partner during sex. In men, yeast infections can present with redness, white spots, and itchy rash on the penis.

MYTH 3: Having a yeast infection means that you are dirty.

FACT: Yeast infections occur due to several reasons and have nothing to do with how clean you are. However, lounging around in sweaty clothes can provide a conducive environment for the overgrowth of yeast. All-round precaution in reducing the risk factors is the best strategy in avoiding yeast infections.

MYTH 4: Once you experience itching, burning, and vaginal discharge, it automatically means you have a yeast infection, which you can treat by yourself.

FACT: Although itching and burning are common symptoms of yeast infections, self-diagnosis might not be the best option. This is because other vaginal issues, such as bacterial infections or even STDs, can present such symptoms. The vagina is a sensitive and delicate part of your body, and thus, proper treatment and professional advice are required for diagnosis.

MYTH 5: Once you don’t have any symptoms, you don’t have a yeast infection.

FACT: Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on how you look at it), not every woman experiences the hallmark symptoms of a yeast infection initially. It all depends on your level of sensitivity. For instance, in some very sensitive women, a small colonization of yeast can cause intense itching, while for others, it takes a large buildup of yeast to trigger these symptoms.

MYTH 6: Your love for bread and other baked goods is why you have a yeast infection.

FACT: A yeast infection caused by the fungus Candida albicans has nothing to do with the yeast used to bake bread. However, yeast thrives on sugar, so consuming too many sugary foods can increase the risk of developing this obnoxious infection.

MYTH 7: Yeast infections are not chronic and can resolve later, so you don’t always need to treat them.

FACT: While it’s true that yeast infections are common in women, it is crucial to get proper treatment for this condition rather than letting it cure itself. Untreated yeast infection can cause a severe fungal infection called invasive candidiasis. This is when the yeast Candida enters the bloodstream and invades other parts of your body, leading to infertility and life-threatening complications.

MYTH 8: It is impossible to avoid yeast infections

FACT: Maintaining vaginal flora and pH can help to avoid yeast infections. It might not always be easy to do this as some of the risk factors, such as stress, are unavoidable. This is where the use of NATURE’SFIELD ONCE DAILY VAGINAL CARE PROBIOTICS comes in. It will help to conveniently maintain healthy bacterial balance and vaginal flora while keeping the uncontrolled growth of yeast at bay.

How to Improve Your Vaginal Health

Just because you have a yeast infection doesn’t mean you are doomed for the rest of your life. It is curable. However, a better option would be improving your vaginal health through the following ways:

• Practice good hygiene and avoid the use of scented soap or vaginal washes.
• Address an underlying condition like diabetes, especially if you experience recurrent yeast infections.
• Use a vaginal health-promoting supplement like NATURE’SFIELD ONCE DAILY VAGINAL CARE PROBIOTICS.

A clear picture of what yeast infections are and are not have been explained. This is in addition to what you can do to help prevent and treat them properly when needed. Prioritize your vaginal health and have one less thing to worry about.