Fungal infections, if left untreated, can only result in its spread to other body parts of the infected person. This article provides information regarding the consequences of an untreated yeast infection.
Our body is always under attack from disease-causing bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It is our immune system which keeps them in check by constantly fighting them off. When the immunity of a person decreases, these pathogens give rise to diseases such as yeast infection, also known as candidiasis.Candida albicans, which is an infection causing fungus, prefers moist environment and chooses mouth, rectum, armpits, and vagina for its attacks. An untreated yeast infection may prove to be fatal if it gets into the bloodstream.
Types
Most men and approximately 50% of women contract candidiasis at least once in their lifetime. Depending on the site of fungal infection, the yeast infections are classified into the following types:
- Oral yeast infection, also referred to as thrush
- Skin yeast infection, which is an external yeast infection
- Systemic yeast infection
- Vaginal yeast infection
- Penile yeast infection, which is also referred to as male yeast infection
Symptoms
The symptoms of oral thrush include difficulty in swallowing, sore throat, feeling of a lump in the throat, etc. Penile or vaginal infection symptoms include pain and burning sensation at the time of urinating. The affected person is distressed and finds sexual activity discomforting and painful. It causes white discharge in women suffering from vaginal candidiasis. The longer you will leave a fungal infection untreated, the more severe its symptoms will be.
Effects of Yeast Infection
The infection, if overlooked or ignored, will continue to grow and spread, taking advantage of the depressed immune system. Unless you treat it, you will find that it is getting worse. The burning sensation at the time of urination will graduate to very severe pain, giving you a very bad time. The constant itching due to the infection will get worse and your sex life will be disturbed; in fact, it will cease to exist.
On top of these discomforts and difficulties, there is danger of it spreading to the other body parts through the bloodstream, taking the form of systemic yeast infection. This is also referred to as sepsis and is a lethal condition. Sepsis is characterized by the formation of blood clots, which may lead to organ failure because of the obstruction these clots may present to the flow of blood to the vital organs.
Vaginal candidiasis in women does not lead to long-term effects such as infertility. However, if such women are trying to get pregnant, they should get the condition treated at the earliest since it can delay or prevent pregnancy. This is because the infection affects the pH level of the fluids inside the vagina, thereby making the vagina hostile to the sperm.
If the infection reaches the intestine, the symptoms magnify in intensity and number. This may lead to additional problems in the form of mental health, such as depression, mood swings, and learning and memory problems. You may also be bothered by insomnia and food allergies. Stomach problems such as diarrhea, bloating, gas, irritable bowel syndrome, and malabsorption leading to constipation may also be observed. The infection may lead to colitis and premenstrual syndrome.
It is very important to recognize the symptoms and take suitable treatment, including natural or home remedies in order to cure it. You may also try candida yeast diet or candida cleanse. On the other hand, it is better to seek the advice of your family doctor or gynecologist, especially in case of a yeast infection left unattended for a long time.
Disclaimer: This HealthHearty article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.
