So is yeast infection contagious? What do we mean by this? Well, quite simply can it be passed from person to person. Let’s take a look.
What is a Yeast Infection
Yeast infections occur when yeast grows out of control on or in the body.
Low levels of candida yeast are normally found on the skin and the mucous membranes, but the immune system and certain types of beneficial bacteria normally keep their levels under control.
When medications or other factors change the pH or the levels of naturally-occurring bacteria on the skin, or if the immune system is compromised, it can encourage the development of yeast infections.
Both men and women can have yeast infections. Babies and toddlers can also develop diaper rashes that are caused by yeast.
Yeast can also affect the skin or the mouth and throat. Most yeast infections are not dangerous, but they can be painful and irritating.
Is yeast infection contagious? This has been debated.
Sex and Yeast Infections
It may depend on many factors, but it has been shown that yeast infections can be passed between sexual partners.
Sexual partners can sometime pass a yeast infection back and forth many times. This is more common if they have unprotected sex.
It has been suggested that condoms lubricated with a lubricant containing the spermicidal Nonoxynol-9 may contribute to yeast infections as well.
Pregnant women with vaginal yeast infections can also pass it onto their babies in the form of thrush, a yeast infection of the mouth.
At Risk Factors that Increase the Chances of Getting a Yeast Infection
Other factors that may encourage a person to develop a yeast infection, or to get an infection more easily from another person, are certain medications and diseases of the immune system.
Diabetics sometimes develop yeast infections more easily if they have elevated blood sugar levels, because the added sugar in the blood can provide nourishment to the yeast. This susceptibility to yeast infections is usually improved if the person gets their blood sugar levels under control.
Diseases involving the immune system, such HIV and AIDS, can also make a person more likely to get a yeast infection. The immune system usually helps to keep levels of yeast under control.
Drugs which suppress the immune system, such as those used in cancer treatments or in some asthma medications, can also affect the body’s ability to keep yeast from growing out of control.
Antibiotics can kill off some of the beneficial bacteria that lives on the body, which normally also keeps the levels of yeast under control.
Do Not Mis-Use Over the Counter Treatments
In many cases, over the counter topical creams and ointments can be used to treat a yeast infection. However, it is important not to overuse these, or to use them for infections that are not yeast-related, because this can lead to decreased effectiveness of these treatments.
Yeast can become resistant to medications that have been used many times, and this will make future infections more difficult to treat.
If two people may both be infected, it is important that both get treatment. Otherwise, the infection can continue to be passed between partners. If a yeast infection keeps coming back or is difficult to treat, you should visit a doctor to confirm the diagnosis and recommend other treatment methods.
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