Are yeast infections contagious? This question is asked frequently and for good reason. If you’ve had a yeast infection, you know how painful it can be. You never want to pass it on to your spouse, partner, or child and have them experience the same pain. Likewise, anyone who has seen a friend or family member deal with an infection wants to do everything possible to make sure that he or she does not “get” the infection. The answer to the question is, yes, yeast infections are contagious!
The infection is caused by an overgrowth of Candida yeast and affects both women and men. Yeast overgrowth can be triggered by a compromised immune system, the use of antibiotics or oral contraceptive drugs, stress, a high-sugar diet, and various other conditions. When yeast grows out of control, it turns into a fungus that attacks the body whenever it can. The main areas of attack are the warm, moist areas of the body, including the groin and vagina areas, the armpits and breasts, the mouth, the throat, and the rectal area.
The most obvious symptoms are a red or brown patchy rash, raw or cracked skin, moisture, and oozing. The infected area is usually painful and itchy. Oral infections, also called thrush, are often characterized by white patches on the tongue, throat, and lining of the mouth. Yeast infection is contagious and can be spread by direct contact, such as kissing or breastfeeding.
Yeast infections do not spread in the way we normally think of disease spreading. Unlike many contagious diseases, the infection is not spread through water, air, or food. However, it can be transmitted from one person to another through direct contact with the infected area. The two most common ways the infection is transmitted between adults is through kissing or sexual intercourse. The obvious advice is to refrain from having direct skin-to-skin contact with the infected area until the skin has healed.
These infections should not be taken lightly. If left untreated, the initial symptoms may seem to go away, only to emerge again in the same or even a different area of the body. When symptoms return, they are often more severe and more difficult to control. If left untreated, the fungus will enter the bloodstream and cause a systemic infection which is a serious medical condition that can lead to death.
Yeast infections are contagious but luckily there are simple and natural home treatments that will completely cure the yeast infection and make sure it never comes back. There are several natural yeast treatment programs available on the market today. They all have their similarities and differences. The Yeast Free Life program is one of the most popular and has proven to be the most effective permanent cure for yeast infections. It is also the only program that offers a lifetime guarantee. Free information is available at YeastFreeLife.com.