6 Surprising Things You Don't Know About Yeast Infections

Yeast infections aren't the most common vaginal infection

While you may hear about yeast infections the most, the actual most common vaginal infection is the lovely-sounding bacterial vaginosis (BV), caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina. It's not unlike a yeast infection in that symptoms start to show when the vagina's PH is out of whack, but the bummer about BV is that you can't fix it with an over-the-counter medication.

Because BV is caused by bacteria and not yeast, an OTC yeast infection treatment won't help, and could even make it worse. That's why it's best to see your gynecologist for treatment, even if you suspect your issue to be a yeast infection that you could fix with OTC medication.

You can get a yeast infection in your mouth

Say it isn't so! In today's news that will ruin your day, know that it's possible to contract a yeast infection orally. It's called thrush, and yes, it's just as gross as it sounds. Prepare for cottage cheese-like lesions to adhere to your tongue, cheeks and gums. Plus, it could mess with your esophagus and make it super hard to swallow.

What's more is that if you use any kind of oral accessories like an inhaler, retainer or mouthguard, it's easier for candida yeast to make its home in your mouth and cause an infection.

So... maybe that vaginal yeast infection isn't so bad after all.

Men can get yeast infections, too

Sorry, guys — you're not in the clear on this one. If a man has unprotected sex with a woman who currently has a yeast infection, he could end up with one, too. Look out for itching, burning, redness or a rash on the penis.

As always, see your doctor before self diagnosing — he'll be able to point you in the right direction of an over-the-counter treatment. Make sure your sexual partner knows about your infection — it may be that she isn't aware of her own.

You can become resistant to yeast infection treatment

Especially if you're prone to yeast infections and are treated for them pretty often (or if you misdiagnose and use OTC yeast infection treatments when you don't actually have a yeast infection), your body can actually become resistant to OTC treatments over time.

It's important to see the gynecologist if your meds aren't working, especially if you self-diagnosed. The last thing you want to do is ruin yeast infection treatment for yourself in case of a legit infection in the future.

Your poo can cause a yeast infection

Gross, right? Candida yeast likes to make its home in the rectum (where else?), and could easily migrate from there to your vagina, causing a yeast infection.

Ways to prevent this: take showers (not baths), wipe from front to back, eat probiotics to keep a healthy balance.

Carb-lovers are more susceptible to yeast infections

Even your diet can play a role in your vagina's health. A 2013 study found that those who ate carbs (as opposed to those who ate protein, amino acids and fatty acids) were more susceptible to developing a yeast infection. In fact, the study's participants' candida levels increased immediately after consuming carbs.

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