What is Yeast Infection?
What is a yeast infection? Yeast infection is also known as candida, candidiasis, monilia and thrush. The medical term for yeast infection is candidiasis.
It is an infection that can occur in the vagina and the area around the opening to the vagina known as the vulva. It can also occur in the mouth and throat, the penis and also is associated with babies between their buttocks for example.
The infection is due to an abnormally high increase in the amount of a naturally occurring fungus in these areas. The fungus is known as candida albicans.
To learn more about what causes yeast infections check out the yeast infections causes page on this website. It is important to realise however that there is not necessarily one cause of the infection but rather a combination of factors causing the condition to occur.
Candida albicans occurs naturally in the body (normally the digestive tract, intestines, throat and urinary tract). It has important beneficial functions in the body like defending the digestive tract from harmful bacteria. When in the right balance of alkaline to acid, the amount of candida is controlled. If the balance shifts (and that can be due to a number of reasons – yeast infections causes) then the possible result is a yeast infection and is characterised by yeast infections symptoms.
If you think you may have a yeast infection it is recommended that you seek the advice of an appropriately qualified professional and to start learning about how and why it has occurred. There are yeast infections treatments available and it is thought by many that an holistic approach to treatment and indeed general lifestyle can eradicate the condition AND promote long term good health.
