How Does A Yeast Infection Compare to a Fungal Infection?
Yeasts are the cells of a tiny fungus. Fungus is a collection of lower plants that lack chlorophyll. That puts yeast in the same category as molds, mildews, and mushrooms.
The word fungus sound dirty and tainted. That's exactly how a yeast infection makes some women feel. It causes an uncomfortable itch in the vaginal area, accompanied by burning, cottage cheese-like discharge, and sometimes a bad smell (although some report no noticeable smell).
A vaginal yeast infection is a fungal infection, but though it sounds bad, it isn't necessarily harmful to the body unless it gets extremely out of control. Yeast is in our bodies all the time. It isn't normally a threat. But fungal infections can cause irritation and annoyances, making us feel unbalanced and unhealthy. Other fungal infections include athlete's foot, jock itch, and ringworm. But the yeast infection doesn't necessarily have to be vaginal. It can appear on the skin and in the mouth.
Fungal infections can occur as a result of illness, use of antibiotics, and sharing public health facilities. Showers and gyms can breed fungal germs. That's why it is recommended to wear shower shoes in the dressing or shower areas of gyms or public swimming pools. Some people even go so far as to wear shower shoes in motel rooms. If it makes a person feel more secure, there is nothing wrong with it.
Yeast causes fermentation, which is a breakdown of complex molecules in organic compounds. Organic means grown with natural fertilizers or having to do with a bodily organ.
So, a vaginal yeast infection could be explained as a chemical breakdown in the vagina. Instead of performing protective functions, the yeast fungus grows too fast and multiplies above normal.
Fungus is not always bad. A mushroom is a fungus, yet mushrooms grace the fine dining menus of many posh restaurants. Penicillin is obtained from molds and is widely used in medical treatments. Yeast is a fungus that helps bread rise, giving palates across the world delicious breads and pastries.
A yeast infection is just a natural malfunction in a person's body that must be corrected. Understanding is the first step towards recovery. Once a person feels more educated about what is wrong with their body, the stress level drops. Once the stress level drops, they are better able to focus on how to correct their situation calmly. Stress alone can create a roadblock to overcoming infections of any sort.
The main way a fungal infection is like a yeast infection is that they are both caused by natural substances. People many times will fear something they don't understand. A normal yeast infection is nothing to fear and can be corrected in a few days to two weeks at the most.
Not all fungal infections are yeast infections. But at the first sign of a problem, it is best to contact a doctor to rule out other possibilities that mimic the yeast infection so that it can be treated properly and in the quickest time.
