Yeast Infection
Heale Medical Primary Care
Yeast Infections: Overview
A yeast infection, medically known as candidiasis, is caused by an overgrowth of yeast (primarily Candida albicans) in the body. While yeast is a natural part of the body’s microbiome, an imbalance can lead to infections, commonly affecting areas like the mouth (oral thrush), genitals (vaginal yeast infection), skin, and nails.
Pros of Understanding and Treating Yeast Infections
- Effective Treatments Available
Antifungal medications, such as creams, oral pills, or suppositories, are widely available and can resolve infections quickly when diagnosed early. - Awareness Promotes Prevention
Recognizing triggers (e.g., antibiotics, hormonal changes, or poor hygiene) helps prevent recurrence. - Not Usually Contagious
Most yeast infections are not passed from person to person, reducing social stigma compared to other infections. - Non-Life-Threatening in Most Cases
For healthy individuals, yeast infections are usually mild and easily managed. - Boosts General Health Awareness
Addressing yeast infections often encourages individuals to maintain better hygiene, improve diet, and balance their microbiome.
Cons of Yeast Infections
- Recurrent Infections
Some individuals experience chronic or recurrent yeast infections, which can be frustrating and difficult to manage. - Discomfort and Disruption
Symptoms like itching, burning, discharge, and redness can cause significant discomfort and impact daily life. - Potential Complications
Untreated infections can lead to complications like systemic candidiasis, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. - Misdiagnosis Risks
Symptoms of yeast infections can mimic other conditions, such as bacterial vaginosis or sexually transmitted infections (STIs), leading to ineffective treatments if misdiagnosed. - Side Effects of Treatments
Antifungal medications can cause side effects, including gastrointestinal issues, liver toxicity (in rare cases with oral treatments), or allergic reactions. - Triggers from Lifestyle or Medications
Factors like antibiotics, hormonal contraceptives, or uncontrolled diabetes can increase susceptibility, making prevention more challenging for some.
Preventive Measures
- Hygiene: Maintain good hygiene, wear breathable cotton underwear, and avoid douching.
- Balanced Diet: Reduce sugar intake, which feeds yeast, and consider probiotics to maintain a healthy microbiome.
- Medication Use: Use antibiotics only when necessary and discuss preventive antifungal use with a doctor if prone to yeast infections.
Conclusion
Yeast infections are common and treatable but can disrupt daily life and become recurrent in some individuals. Understanding the causes, treatments, and preventive measures is key to managing and reducing the risk of these infections. Consulting a healthcare professional for persistent or severe cases ensures proper diagnosis and care.
Heale Medical Primary Care Doctors
DR. SARAH PARK, M.D.
Dr. Park completed the Bachelor of Science / Doctor of Medicine program at Northeastern Ohio Medical University. She completed an internal medicine residency at Case Western Metro Health in Cleveland, Ohio, and is Internal Medicine board-certified physician. Dr. Park has 10 years of experience and prior to starting at Heale Medical, she worked in academic medicine as well as hospitalist work. Her focuses include preventative care and women’s health. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, exercise and spending time with her husband and two children. She also likes to volunteer at church and with various global health organizations.
DR. STEPHANIE NG, D.O.
Dr. Stephanie Ng completed her undergraduate studies at University of New England in Maine after serving as a medic in the US Army for four years. She graduated with a degree in Medical Biology and began working in the biotech/pharmaceutical field as a research assistant. She attended the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her Internal Medicine Residency program with the US Army in El Paso, TX. Upon completion of her program, she was assigned to the largest American hospital outside of the US in Germany.
During her time there, she worked as a primary care physician until she was deployed to Afghanistan as a Battalion Surgeon with the 2nd Cavalry Infantry unit. With the help of her medics and PA, she ran a sick call clinic for her soldiers, attended to minor traumas, provided medical training/education to the combat medics as well as organized a Flu vaccination clinic and Osteopathic Manipulation Treatment Day alongside her Physical Therapist. Throughout her career she had worked in various positions to include hospitalist, primary care and urgent care.
Her medical interests include preventive healthcare, integrative medicine, OMT and aesthetics. Dr. Ng is fluent in Spanish as well.
In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her children, traveling, watching movies, dancing and having adventures where ever life takes her!
JOSHUA MONTGOMERY, CERTIFIED PHYSICAN ASSISTANT (PA)
Joshua Montgomery is certified physician assistant (PA)and graduate of Shenandoah University’s PA program. He most recently completed his Doctorate of Medical Science degree from Shenandoah University. Joshua also holds a Master of Public Health degree from Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine and worked many years in public health before becoming a PA.
His professional interest lies in preventative medicine, particularly biopsychosocial connection for chronic disease prevention and management, as well interest in Men’s health.
In addition, Joshua serves on the Board of Directors for the Virginia Association of Minority PAs as well as the nccPA Health Foundation.
In his free time, Joshua enjoys sports especially basketball and football. He also enjoys live music events, food festivals, and exploring nice outdoor parks.
Heale Medical Primary Care
8300 Boone Boulevard
Suite 150
Vienna, VA 22182
