Candida Information

Date: July 2004

Diagnosis

A doctor or medical professional will be able to diagnose an infection through visible examination of the infected area. Otherwise they may take a sample of the discharge from the infected area for further analysis in a laboratory.

Transmission

Candida better known as thrush can be passed on through sexual contact with an infected person. Other common causes of thrush are:

• anti-biotic treatments
• a reaction to taking the oral contraceptive pill
• diabetes
• pregnancy
• immune system disorders and general illness

Symptoms

Common symptoms of infection in women include:

• soreness, itching or redness around the genitals and anus
• a thick white discharge from the vagina
• pain during sex
• pain passing urine

While the symptoms of infection in men include

• burning, itchiness and red patches under the foreskin of the penis
• a thick white discharge from the penis
• pain passing urine

Babies can also contract Candida infections most likely be oral thrush. Possible symptoms babies can experience include white patches on the tongue or inside the cheeks, or a rash around groin area where the nappy is worn.

Effects

No long-term health effects are known to be caused from not treating Candida albicans otherwise known as Thrush. However, spreading the infection through sexual contact is considered anti-social. Also dealing with the discomfort caused by an infection may affect your quality of life.

Treatment

Common medications used to treat Candida infection include clotrimazole and fluconazole. There are varying types of application, strengths and dosages. People infected are advised to contact their doctors or medical professionals in order to get the most suitable treatment. This is particularly so for people with recurrent infections that particularly affects women.

Other advice or treatment suitable for women in the prevention of Candida infections include:

• to change the type of oral contraceptive pill. Please consult your doctor or medical professional before undertaking this action.
• Avoid feminine hygiene products and spermicides that may change the pH level of the vagina
• Avoid some anti-biotics where possible. Please consult you doctor or medical professional before undertaking this action
• Wear cotton underpants and tight fitting trousers.
• Maintain a healthy, well balanced lifestyle that contains a balanced diet and regular exercise.

Prevalence

This is a very common condition amongst women with many causes. As this infection is so easily treated and the effects to overall health are minimal, statistics of the rate of infection are considered to be unreliable