No one likes to get a yeast infection. But aside from the uncomfortable symptoms you experience, there are more serious dangers that may arise from an untreated yeast infection. So while most yeast infections usually clear up on their own, it may be wise to err on the side of caution and seek proper diagnosis and treatment.

And they're not just for women! Although much less prevalent, men can also get yeast infections. The treatment is usually similar, too, with topical anti-fungal ointments and creams being the first line of treatment. Despite the fact that these over-the-counter remedies are marketed primarily to women, they are safe and effective for men as well.

If you are asymptomatic or the topical treatment is not effective, antibiotic prescription drugs are also a viable treatment. In addition, information on natural remedies, such as eating yogurt or using boric acid suppositories, is widely available on the internet. However, some of these suggestions may be unsafe, so be sure to research them well before beginning any treatment plan.

But don't delay in choosing a treatment option! It's advisable to begin treatment immediately and to continue treatment until you are certain the infection is gone. The longer you wait, the more time the fungus has to spread. Your symptoms may increase in number or intensity. And in the worst case scenario, you may even develop more serious complications if you leave a persistent infection untreated.

For one, allowing the infection to spread will make it more difficult to treat, in the event that the infection does not go away on its own. To put it simply, the more the fungus multiplies, the more there will be to clear up. You may end up needing to take antibiotics, when you could have stopped the infection with a topical cream if you had acted sooner.

If you wait too long, however, even antibiotics will not be able to reverse the complications that could occur. Your general health is compromised when you have an infection because your body must use extra energy to fight it off. This may mean your body will not absorb nutrients as effectively, which in turn further stresses your immune system and leads to even more susceptibility to infection.

In addition, unchecked levels of yeast may irritate the intestines and lead to "leaky gut syndrome, " in which food particles from the intestine are released into the blood stream. Many complications can arise in this situation. In any instance, having foreign bodies in the bloodstream will cause the liver to work overtime, thus potentially contributing to the development of various liver diseases. It may also lead to the development of sepsis, a blood condition that causes severe swelling in various parts of the body and can be fatal.

So if you have a persistent yeast infection or if they are a frequent occurrence, you should seek treatment as soon as possible. If getting rid of the annoying symptoms isn't motivation enough, knowing the risk of complications should do it. Don't gamble on an untreated yeast infection.