While yeast is a common ingredient used to make delicious cinnamon rolls, bread, buns and even local favourites like the Malaysian burger and donuts, it is also present in another yummy snack, YOU! And it is completely natural!
A healthy vagina contains bacteria and some yeast cells, and you get an infection when the balance of the bacteria and yeast goes out of balance and the yeast cells multiply.
Don’t worry though, its not the end of your vagina’s life. Milk yeast infection normally clear out within a few days and for more serious cases it could take up to 2 weeks to heal.
While yeast infections aren’t considered to be a sexually transmitted infection, they can spread through sexual contact.
How common is it?
3 out of 4 people with vulvas have experienced it and half of them will experience it more than once in a lifetime.
Guys can get them too! Although it isn’t as common as it is in women, men can also contract yeast infections.
Symptoms of Vaginal Yeast Infections:
+ Vulva itching or soreness
+ Pain, redness, or irritation at the vagina and vulva
+ Experiencing pain or burning sensation when peeing or during intercourse
+ Whitish grey, thick and clumpy vaginal discharge
Symptoms of Penile Yeast Infections:
+ Itching or burning on the tip of the penis or foreskin
+ Redness or red rash on penis
+ Moist skin on penis
+ Thick white substance under foreskin
+ Sored or white shiny patches of skin
+ Difficulty pulling back foreskin
+ Difficulty urinating or controlling urine stream
+ Problems getting or maintaining an erection
How to avoid it?
+ Wear cotton underwear
+ Practice good personal hygiene
+ Avoid tight fitting pants
+ Keep yourself dry and clean
+ Avoid scented tampons, pads, or vaginal douches
+ Take more natural yogurt with live cultures
+ Eat a well-balanced diet
+ Wash your underwear in hot water