Many people will get a yeast infection at some point in their life, whether it’s on their genitals or another body part. With women, the number can be as high as 3 out of 4 people. If the number is that high, you’d assume people would be fairly well educated on this matter. Surprisingly, many aren’t. Read on to discover the most common myths about yeast infections.
1. If You’ve Got Yeast, You’ve Got an Infection
Our body contains yeast naturally, so everyone has yeast within them. It’s only when we have an overgrowth of the yeast that it becomes more likely to get an infection. Not only doesn’t the mere presence of yeast imply an infection, but it is also actually important as it helps to strike the right balance between good and bad bacteria inside us.
2. It’s an Adults Only Problem
Diaper rash is a form of yeast infection. As diapers are dark, moist areas, they allow the fungus candida to thrive. This means babies can become infected.
It’s important to realize that a mother infected with yeast can pass the infection to her child through breastfeeding. Vice versa, an infected baby can pass the infection to their mother’s nipples.
3. Men Will Never Get It
The truth is men can get yeast infections. It’s more common in uncircumcised men, and can lead to a condition called balanitis. This condition causes severe inflammation of the penis head.
4. It’s Definitely an STD
Many people assume that because yeast infection can affect the genitals, it must be a sexually transmitted disease. The infection can spread through skin to skin contact, which does occur during sex. From a technical point of view though, a yeast infection is not an STD.
5. Perfumed Products Will Keep Your Genitals Fresh
Perfumed products generally contain chemicals. This can throw the balance in your genital area off, which will allow bacteria to thrive. Once you recognize that this is one of the most common myths about yeast infections, you’ll want just to stick to warm water and mild soap when cleaning that area.
