A yeast infection is such a common problem that many people almost take them for granted. However, some misinformation has been passed between so many people, and written up on so many websites, that they have turned into “common knowledge.” Don’t make important health decisions based on these myths.
I recently searched through as many scientific papers and books on yeast infections that I could find, while doing research for a new book. During that research I uncovered some extremely important information that you need to know.
Myth #1: You can always tell you have a yeast infection because the symptoms are so obvious.
Fact: It isn’t true. The symptoms of a yeast infection are definitely not exclusive to infections caused by Candida albicans yeast. That means that other types of conditions, including infections caused by bacteria and parasites, give you the same itch, the same redness, and very similar discharge. This is true for both vaginal yeast infections and male yeast infections.
This matters to you because bacterial infections are actually more common than yeast infections, and studies have proven that the majority of women who self-diagnose their own symptoms are getting it wrong.
Some of the “false yeast infections” can cause permanent damage to your reproductive organs and prevent you from having children. And some of these infections can be sexually transmitted to your partner.
Myth #2: Yeast causes yeast infections.
Fact: This isn’t really true either. While the itching and pain of a current yeast infection is being caused, usually, by Candida yeast, that isn’t what caused the infection in the first place. During my research I uncovered over 17 different environmental and health conditions that can trigger yeast infections.
Some of them are quite harmless, like using the wrong brand of soap.
But others are quite serious, because chronic yeast infections can be a symptom of an underlying illness, like diabetes or AIDS. Your chronic infections could be your body’s way of telling you that something is wrong, and that you need to see your doctor.
Myth #3: Yeast infections are basically harmless, even though they’re aggravating and itchy.
Fact: On thankfully rare occasions, this isn’t true, either. Over 10,000 people in the United States die of yeast infections every year. People with compromised immune systems are sometimes the victim of systemic yeast infections that attack their blood cells and organs, and these infections can be fatal.
And new, drug-resistant strains of Candida yeast are now a growing threat in hospitals, where the highly aggressive strains attach themselves to hospital surfaces and even staff clothing. These strains are very difficult to treat, and can pose a serious danger to patients. This problem is far greater in remote third-world hospitals, but is causing increasing concern in developed nations, as well.
There are many more facts that you need to know about yeast infections, so you can make intelligent, informed decisions about your health. To learn more, be sure to visit Jonni’s website at
http://www.YourYeastInfection.com
