How to Know if I Have a Yeast Infection or Candida

How to Know if I Have a Yeast Infection or Candida
Image: doctorfungus.org

Candida or thrush is an overgrowth of the fungus Candida albicans in our bodies. It occurs naturally in our bodies, but can cause serious illness if it goes through excessive growth. This growth is caused by diets which are high in sugar or refined foods and the overuse of antibiotics. A simple home test can let you know if you might have candida. This is why OneHowto would like to tell you how to know if you have yeast infection, also known as candida.

You'll need:
  • Glass
  • Cup of water
  • Watch

People prone to oral candida

Oral candida happens when the candida fungus grows excessively inside the mouth; this takes place when we have low defenses and our organism allows multiplication of bacteria. You must know that candida is part of our body and is found in areas such as the colon, skin, vagina, mouth, etc. It is favorable for our body as it helps keep the bacterial level to an optimum state to stay healthy; but when we are very weak, this bacteria can multiply and make candida appear.

Therefore, there are several groups of people that are more prone to suffer this lesion as they have a low immune system:

  • Babies and elderly people
  • People with diseases such as HIV, cancer or diabetes
  • People with a bad nutrition
  • Pregnant women or those with menopause or the period.

Symptoms of oral candida

To know if you have oral candida or yeast infection, it's important to know the symptoms that this virus creates in your organism so that you can recognize them on time. They are as follow:

  • Appearance of white plaque on the tongue and the inside of cheeks. These stains can grow to the gums, throat or mouth walls.
  • Inflammation of the tongue that looks red and irritated. It can bleed when you brush your teeth or you can feel an intense irritating sensation.
  • Mouth dryness.
  • Appearance of wounds on lips and mouth.
  • Burning sensation in the throat.

If you experience any of these sympthons it's likely that you have oral candida. Visit your doctor and he/she will make the correct diagnose.

People prone to genital candida

Genital candida, also known as yeast infection and vaginal thrush in women, grown in a more uncontrolled manner. When women have a low immune system they are the ones that are more prone to catching this infection (especially when pregnant, breastfeeding, on their period or they get menopause).

But, apart from this, there are also other factors that can provoke the bacterial imbalance that makes candida appear:

  • People that are taking antibiotics
  • Taking oral contraceptives
  • People with a high blood sugar level (as it increases the chances of bacteria reproducing)

Symptoms of genital candida in women

Therefore, to know if you have vaginal thrush or candida, it's important you also learn to recognize the symptoms, to be able to quickly find a remedy. Between the most frequent symptoms in women are:

  • Itchiness in the genital area
  • Burning sensation when urinating or having sex
  • Pain in the genital area
  • Inflammation of lips, vulva and vagina.
  • Appearance of thick vaginal discharge with clots or lumps.
  • Discharge smells bad.

You need to know that these symptoms are also shared with other infections, so it's important that if you experience any of them you go immediately to the gynecologist. He/she will make a diagnose and an exam and will tell you what to do to get rid of the infection. In the meantime, you can check this oneHOWTO article on how to cure vaginal thrush or yeast infection.

Symptoms of genital candida in men

In the case of men, symptoms of candida are similar but present other signs that are easily recognizable. In any case, it is also advisable that in case of having any of these symptoms you consult a doctor immediately see he/she can prescribe treatment. The symptoms are:

  • White or long red spots in the head and foreskin of the penis.
  • Itchiness in the penis and anus
  • Inflammation of the glans area
  • White odor-free discharge may appear

Now you know the symptoms, here are some articles that may help you with your yeast infection:

  • How to cure yeast infection under your arms
  • How to treat yeast infection with apple cider vinegar
  • What to eat if you have candida

This article is merely informative, oneHOWTO does not have the authority to prescribe any medical treatments or create a diagnosis. We invite you to visit your doctor if you have any type of condition or pain.

If you want to read similar articles to How to Know if I Have a Yeast Infection or Candida, we recommend you visit our Diseases & secondary effects category.

Tips
  • Acidophilus is a powerful defence against the overgrowth of yeasts. Try taking a daily supplement.
  • If you are experiencing severe or painful symptoms, consult your doctor immediately.