Candida

1. What is Candida?

Candida, commonly known as thrush, is a yeast or fungus.

Generally, thrush is associated with the vagina - however, the Candida fungus can also be found in the mouth, skin and the gastrointestinal tract.

People can have candida without exhibiting signs of infection and there are numerous causes as listed below.

2. What causes Candida?

There are a number of factors that may increase the likelihood of getting thrush.

Antibiotic use
Certain antibiotics kill the useful bacteria called lactobacilli that normally reside within the vagina and help the body prevent yeast from growing. If you are taking antibiotics, ask your doctor or health care professional if they may increase your chances of getting thrush.

Oral contraceptives
The hormones (oestrogen and progesterone) in oral contraceptives may help to create conditions in the vagina that can appear to resemble pregnancy. This environment may allow yeast to multiply and it has been recognised as a risk factor for yeast infection.

Diabetes mellitus
Women with diabetes, especially uncontrolled diabetes, are more susceptible to thrush. The large amount of sugar in a diabetic's blood, tissues, and urine provides yeast with a source of energy to grow, which may result in an infection.

Pregnancy
As pregnancy progresses, the frequency and intensity of yeast infections increase. A pregnant woman's hormone levels raise the sugar content of her vagina and allow yeast to overgrow.

Other factors
Even day-to-day life may increase the chances of developing a vaginal yeast infection. Here are some preventative measures you should be aware of:

• Yeast grows best in a warm, moist environment. This means that tight, poorly ventilated clothes, for example nylon or synthetic fibres, pantyhose, and undergarments without a cotton crotch, may increase your risk of infection. Sweaty gym clothes and wet bathing suits are common culprits as well.
• Wiping from back to front instead of from front to back after a bowel movement may contaminate the vagina with Candida from the gastrointestinal tract, and could increase the risk for yeast infections.
• Douching may also disrupt the delicate balance of natural organisms (such as yeast and bacteria) in the vagina and could lead to an infection. And if you already have an infection, douching may make it worse and make it harder for your doctor or healthcare professional to identify the problem.
• Scented or chemically treated toilet paper and sanitary napkins, feminine deodorants, perfumes, spermicides, harsh soaps, and detergents may irritate the vagina and cause an infection or make an existing one worse.

3. Could I have Candida?

If you've ever had a vaginal yeast infection, you're in good company. At least three out of four women will have at least one vaginal yeast infection during their childbearing years. They're one of the most common reasons that women visit their doctors or health care professionals.

Symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection may include itching, discharge, soreness, or a burning sensation during urination or sex. These may seem obvious, but only your doctor can accurately diagnose your symptoms and recommend proper treatment.

If you experience any of the symptoms you should consult your doctor or health care professional for a specific diagnosis to rule out other possible causes.

4. Can Candida be treated?

There are two ways to treat vaginal yeast infections - topically or orally. Topical treatments include a variety of anti-fungal vaginal creams and suppositories. Oral medicines are usually prescribed by your doctor.

Remember, these products - for topical and oral treatment - are not effective against other forms of vaginal infections that could mimic the symptoms of a yeast infection. That's why it's important to see your doctor first for an accurate diagnosis.

5. Other information

Another common candidal infection is tinea. Infections like this can occur in the groin area, on the feet, upper body and scalp.

6. More serious infections

Systemic (ie within the body) infections can occur in debilitated patients or patients that have a weakened immune system ie cancer and HIV patients. These infections usually require hospitalisation and treatment by a specialist.