Yeast infection is caused by the microscopic fungus candida albicans. Ordinarily the fungus is a natural occurring fungus in the body specifically in the digestive tract. When the fungus grows rapidly, they spill to other body organs such as the throat, lungs, liver, and spleen. This has serious implications when the vital organs are infected. The infection frequents moist area such as the oral cavity, skin folds, vagina, and penis

The Symptoms of a Yeast Infection

The symptoms of yeast infections vary according to their location. In thrush, there is a burning sensation on the throat and the mouth. Red patches appear on the tongue, which can bleed when rubbed during tooth-brushing and there is difficulty in swallowing.

With a vaginal yeast infection, symptoms include swelling of the vulva, burning sensations and itching in the genital track, cottage-cheese like discharge, and pain during sexual intercourse.

Penile yeast infection is accompanied with a burning and itching sensation on the head of the penis and the scrotum and red angry rashes appear on the infected area. With men however, there are usually no symptoms.

Difference between Female and Male Yeast Infections

Males do get genital yeast infection but their susceptibility to the infection is less compared to women. Their genital tract is not as moist as the genital area of women. Usually men suffer no symptoms at all but they can infect their partner or give back the infection to a partner who has just been treated for yeast infection. Women are prone to a vaginal yeast infection because the genital tract is moist. The fungus can travel from the digestive tract to the anus and lodge in the vaginal area.

Causes of Yest Infections

Unprotected sex is a factor in the spreading yeast infection. In men, being uncircumcised can be a factor. Other causes include prolonged use of antibiotics, hormonal changes, steroid and birth control pills, douches, pregnancy, diabetes, impaired immune system, and scratches in the vaginal tract caused by tampon insertion. Tight fitting pants, poor hygiene, and tight synthetic underclothing can bring on yeast infection.

Yeast Infection Cure

If you are wondering how to cure a yeast infection of the genital tract, there are several ways options such as the traditional medical treatments, home treatments, and natural treatments.

Medical Yeast Infection Treatment

An over-the-counter treatment such as Monistat will suffice to treat the infection for men. It is applied to the infected area twice daily for a week. If the symptoms do not disappear, a doctor’s prescription is required.

Topical anti-fungal creams and vaginal tablets include Femstat 3, Lotrimin, and Terazol. Oral medication such as fluconazole is prescribed for yeast vulvitis and vaginitis However, medication can cause side-effects -- headaches and abdominal pain -- and these are not usually prescribed for pregnant women.

Home Remedy for Yeast Infection

Yeast infections can also clear up by wearing cotton instead of synthetic fabrics for underpants, looser pants, and keeping the infected area dry. Other home remedies that are effective are:

• Eating unsweetened yogurt with active cultures like acidophilus.

• Avoiding sweets and starchy food in your diet.

• Removing diaphragm if using one.

• Avoiding use regular soap on the infected area.

Natural Cure for Yeast Infection

• A vinegar douche. Simply mix two teaspoons of vinegar with two cups water.

• Apply honey to the infected and rinse after five minutes.

• Drink buttermilk twice daily.

• Insert boric capsules into the vagina before bedtime; boric acid has antifungal properties.

An effective natural treatment is including fiber-rich psyllium husk in the diet. You can add these to any of your favorite snacks. Psyllium husk is gentle on the digestive system but removes the unwanted candida albicans fungus when the digestive system regularly gets rid of toxins, parasites, and fungus through regular bowel elimination.