Debunking myths about yeast infections
YEAST infections are among the most common intimate infections that women have to deal with, but their commonality seems to lead to more ignorance than awareness. “Even though yeast infections are so common in women, in many cases this infection is poorly understood. Yeast naturally lives in the vagina, and its overgrowth is triggered by an imbalance in the vaginal pH. This is what is considered a yeast infection,” explained Dr Keisha Buchanan, obstetrician-gynaecologist at ICON Medical Centre.Below, Dr Buchanan has also put a lid on some of the spiralling rumours about this infection which causes discomfort to so many women.
Myth: Yeast infection is a sexually transmitted diseaseDr Buchanan: Simply put, a yeast infection is not a sexual disease. So no, your partner did not pass it to you. What is true, however, is that sexual intercourse can trigger a yeast infection since it can trigger an overgrowth of yeast that lives in the vagina.
Myth: Garlic is a natural cure for yeast infectionsDr Buchanan: Garlic cannot cure yeast; however, antifungals can treat yeast. Also, the garlic clove (used by some women as natural inserts) can accidentally get lost in the vagina, in which case medical assistance may be needed to remove it.
Myth: Inserting yoghurt inside the vagina treats yeast infectionDr Buchanan: Nothing could be further from the truth. Eating a lot of yoghurt can prevent yeast — the oral probiotics in yoghurt are good for the immune system. But since a yeast infection is triggered by a local pH imbalance in the vagina, eating lots of yoghurt may neither prevent nor treat yeast.
Myth: You can catch yeast from a washragDr Buchanan: It’s unlikely that the yeast spores live on the rag; however, changing the rag you use more frequently is good for proper hygiene.
Myth: Yeast infection smells badDr Buchanan: Vaginal yeast infection is an odourless infection that usually itches, hence if an odour is noted it’s more likely to be another infection such as bacterial vaginosis.
Myth: Douching can get rid of a yeast infectionDr Buchanan: Douching can make a yeast infection worse by throwing off the pH balance of the vagina.
Myth: Sunning underwear prevents yeastDr Buchanan: Sunning underwear might not prevent yeast, but avoiding tight underwear and tight clothing, and wearing cotton or at times no underwear, will allow good air circulation in the genital region and may prevent yeast. Yeast thrives wherever there is warmth and moisture.
Myth: Recurring yeast infection is a sign something is wrongDr Buchanan: Yeast infections are very common; at least 75 per cent of women will get one or more yeast infections in their lifetime. It is not uncommon to have one yeast infection per year, and many women have several yeast infections per year and they are still perfectly healthy. Factors that trigger recurrent yeast infections include oral antibiotics, oral contraceptives, douching, sex due to the wetness that accompanies sex, and pregnancy.
Myth: Yeast infections in pregnancy can affect the babyDr Buchanan: Yeast infections are more common during pregnancy; however, they are not serious and will not affect the baby. They will not trigger premature labour or cause the water to break early. Also, yeast infections do not increase the need for Caesarean sections.
Myth: Taking a body detox or a colon cleanse can prevent or treat yeastDr Buchanan: No, these can’t prevent or treat yeast. In fact, some of these detox methods, such as juice detoxing, can be potentially dangerous if done for prolonged periods in which you don’t get adequate calories and nutrients in the diet, and colon cleansing can lead to electrolyte imbalances and dehydration.
Myth: Only women get yeast infectionsDr Buchanan: This couldn’t be any further from the truth. Men can get yeast infections in the groin, called jock itch. Babies and adults can get yeast infections in their mouth and groin. This occurs because yeast is naturally on the skin in adults, babies and children.
