Sometimes referred to as a bacterial yeast infection a candida infection is one of the most common infections in women. Although the symptoms of a bacterial infection or bacterial vaginosis and a yeast infection or candida infection can mimic each other, they are completely different.
A harmful bacteria named Gardnerella is usually the cause of bacterial vaginosis. Actually bacterial vaginosis used to be called Gardnerella vaginitis for that very reason.
Now a candida infection or yeast infection is actually caused by a fungus candida albicans. And it is basically what it sounds like an overgrowth of yeast or candida albicans.
Your body has a natural flora which is a combination of several things like your immune system and "good" bacteria. Anytime time this flora becomes unbalanced or disturbed it makes you vulnerable to getting an infection.
Antibiotics are one of the leading reasons for all types of candida infections. Antibiotics kill "bad" bacteria while accidentally killing the "good" bacteria leaving your natural flora unbalanced. This means you are very susceptible to getting either infection.
Bacterial vaginosis is not a STD and cannot be transmitted through intercourse. However a yeast infection is not considered a STD per say but it can be transmitted back and forth between partners, my husband and I found that out the hard way.
Men can have a mild yeast infection and pass it on to you if left untreated. It is not uncommon for men to experience little to no symptoms of a yeast infection and just be a carrier.
Symptoms of a yeast infection are a vaginal white discharge that could be light to heavy with the consistency of cottage cheese. So women have described it like crumbly blue cheese.
You should expereince soreness around the vagina with quite alot of itchiness. Other symptoms may include painful urination and pain during intercourse.
Candida can cause many problems for you if left untreated. Yeast infections can occur almost anywhere that is dark and moist. Candida infections range from thrush, skin or athlete's foot to more serious infections like digestive tract, intestinal infections all the way up to a systemic yeast infection.
A systemic candida infection is rare but you don't want to take that chance. A systemic condition is where candida have entered the blood stream and will start to wreak havoc on your organs, possibly start shutting them down.
Treating your symptoms and not addressing the root of the infection is what a lot of the over the counter yeast infection treatments will give you. But the only way to be sure you won't be dealing with another infection in the future is to kill all the candida in your entire body. It's easy and it's the only permanent solution.
For more information on a bacterial yeast infection and all candida infections, Thank You.
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