ORAL SEX VS CANDIDIASIS

ORAL SEX AND CANDIDIASIS.

Hey Guys, it's been a while I drop stuffs here. I am so sorry, it's just been that I've been very busy with exams.. I am almost done with my examinations and trust me, I have got exciting stories for you all.

So, recently, in one of our zoonoses classes, Prof. hammered on this particular topic call "Candidiasis". Today, I'll be showing what relationship Oral sex has with Candidiasis. However, before I go further, I would like to let you all know what the two topics are all about.

Foremost, Oral sex refers to sexual activity involving the mouth and genitalia. It includes activities such as:

1. Fellatio: Stimulating a man's penis with the mouth or tongue.
2. Cunnilingus: Stimulating a woman's vulva or clitoris with the mouth or tongue.
3. Analingus: Stimulating the anus with the mouth or tongue.

Oral sex can be a pleasurable and intimate experience for many people, but it's essential to practice safe sex and use protection, such as condoms or dental dams, to minimize the risk of transmitting infections, including candidiasis.

And then, Candidiasis, also known as candidosis or moniliasis, is a fungal infection caused by Candida, a type of yeast. It can affect various parts of the body, including:

1. Mouth (oral thrush): White patches on the tongue, inner cheeks, gums, and tonsils.
2. Vagina (vaginal yeast infection): Itching, burning, and discharge.
3. Skin: Red, itchy, and painful patches or lesions.
4. Bloodstream (candidemia): A serious infection that can spread to various organs.
5. Other areas, such as the throat, esophagus, and gastrointestinal tract.

Candidiasis occurs when there's an overgrowth of Candida, often due to:

- Weakened immune system
- Antibiotics or steroid use
- Hormonal changes
- Poor hygiene
- Diabetes or other underlying health conditions

Candidiasis can be transmitted in several ways:

1. Skin-to-skin contact: Direct contact with an infected person's skin or mucous membranes.
2. Sexual contact: Vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected partner.
3. Mother-to-baby: During childbirth or breastfeeding.
4. Contaminated surfaces: Touching surfaces or objects contaminated with Candida.
5. Healthcare settings: Medical devices, catheters, or IV lines can introduce Candida into the body.
6. Contaminated food and water: Consuming food or water contaminated with Candida.
7. Poor hygiene: Not practicing good hygiene, such as not washing hands regularly.
8. Sharing personal care items: Sharing items like towels, razors, or makeup.
9. Weakened immune system: People with compromised immune systems are more susceptible to candidiasis.

It's important to note that candidiasis is not always transmitted through sexual contact, and many cases are not contagious. Practicing good hygiene, safe sex, and proper healthcare practices can help prevent transmission. However, Candidiasis, also known as a yeast infection, can be related to oral sex in a few ways:

1. Oral thrush: Candida albicans can cause oral thrush, a fungal infection characterized by white patches on the tongue, inner cheeks, gums, and tonsils. Performing oral sex on someone with a Candida infection can transmit the fungus to the mouth and throat.
2. Transmission through oral-genital contact: Candida can be transmitted through oral-genital contact, such as oral sex, especially if there are open sores or cuts in the mouth or genital area.
3. Increased risk for those with compromised immune systems: People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or taking immunosuppressive medications, are more susceptible to developing candidiasis, including through oral sex.

It's essential to practice safe sex, including using protection during oral sex and maintaining good oral hygiene, to minimize the risk of transmitting Candida and other infections.

Guys, I am not here to ask you to refrain from oral sex, I am just here to let you know about the existence of the infection known as Candidiasis and to let you know of the possible ways anyone can contract this infection.

But, wah do you do when you contract it or if you even have it? I have helped you compile few things you can do. They include the following -

1. Consult a healthcare professional: Seek medical attention from a doctor, nurse practitioner, or gynecologist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

2. Get a proper diagnosis: Your healthcare provider will perform a physical examination, take a medical history, and may collect a sample for testing (e.g., vaginal discharge or skin scraping).

3. Antifungal treatment: Your healthcare provider will prescribe antifungal medications, such as:
- Creams, ointments, or suppositories for vaginal or skin infections.
- Tablets or capsules for oral thrush or systemic infections.
- Fluconazole (Diflucan) or clotrimazole (Mycelex) are common treatments.

4. Complete the full treatment course: Finish the prescribed medication even if symptoms improve before completing the treatment.

5. Practice good hygiene:
- Keep the affected area clean and dry.
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Avoid sharing personal items.

6. Avoid irritants:
- Avoid tight-fitting clothing or synthetic fabrics.
- Avoid hot tubs, saunas, or excessive heat.
- Avoid scented soaps, bubble baths, or douches.

7. Consider probiotics: Adding probiotics like Lactobacillus acidophilus or Bifidobacterium bifidum may help restore the natural balance of bacteria and yeast.

8. Follow-up appointment: Schedule a follow-up appointment with your healthcare provider to ensure the infection has cleared.

I hope you've learnt a thing or more? Kindly comment, share and like this post.

Thank you.