Yeast Infection – 10 Most Common Causes of Yeast Infection

A yeast infection is caused by the fungus Candida Albicans that is responsible for the inconvenient and bothersome symptoms experienced by women. Vaginal yeast infection is the most common form of infection caused by Candida that is characterized by a discharge on the vaginal area, accompanied by the feeling of burning sensation, itching and swelling. The infection also causes painful urination and sometimes can cause pain during sexual contact.

The Candida Albicans is not a harmful microorganism per se. In fact, they naturally thrive on various areas of the body and in small amount they are not harmful. However, the infection only occurs whenever the fungus grows greater in number. A yeast infection is highly treatable with proper medication and self hygiene and it is known to be caused by the following:

1.       Antibiotic treatment

The vaginal area harbours the growth of good bacteria such as the lactobacillus acidophilus. They help to balance the pH level of the vagina in order to prevent the growth of bad bacteria and harmful microorganisms that can cause vaginal infection. Taking an antibiotic can kill the good bacteria that provide a barrier against the growth of bad bacteria to the area, giving opportunities for fungus and other bad bacteria to grow. Individuals under a prolonged antibiotic treatment, thus become susceptible to yeast infection. The infection is possible in both sexes who are under medications with an antibiotic.888888

2.       Douching

Scented feminine hygiene such as douches is also known to cause yeast infection. The chemicals used in the product can alter the state of the vaginal flora, causing some changes in its environment that makes it ideal for the fungus to thrive and grow in numbers.

3.       Sugar and caffeine

Diabetes is a condition where there is an altered or uncontrolled sugar level in the body that harbors the growth of the fungus. Yeast infection is highly prevalent among women who have a high sugar diet because a high blood sugar is inviting for yeast formation. Thus, eating a lot of sugar rich drinks and carbohydrate rich foods will cause a spike in the body's blood sugar, making the person highly susceptible to getting a yeast infection. Caffeine intake can also make the condition worse as it allows the blood sugar spike quite faster which offers an excellent opportunity for yeasts to multiply. Feeding the body with sugar and caffeine will also feed the growth of the yeast. Include cinnamon, almonds and vanilla extracts in your morning meal to tone down the blood sugar level of the body to reduce the risk of yeast overgrowth.

4.       The estrogen factor

Women commonly report of experiencing the symptoms of a yeast infection a few days before their menstrual period and experience some relief afterwards. This is due to the hormonal changes that are taking place during the menstrual period among women. A starch known as glycogen is present in the vaginal tissues which increases the growth of yeasts in the area. Estrogen is a female hormone that is responsible for controlling the amount of glucogen in the vaginal area which helps control the presence of the thriving fungus. Days before the menstrual period, however, a decline in the amount of estrogen is released in the body. This explains why women commonly experience itching and discharges due to yeast infection. After a woman's period, the level of estrogen production comes back to normal, thereby controlling the growth of yeast.

5.        Wearing of pantyliners

Pantyliners can make a woman comfortable and feel more care free and cleaner, however, it can produce a low grade irritation of the feminine area that results in a decline in the skin's immunity level. When this happens, a low immune system can weaken the barriers along the vaginal flora, allowing yeasts to grow more. Furthermore, a pantyliner made of synthetic fibers can also prevent the air flow to the vaginal area which gives yeasts a great place to thrive more efficiently. In like manner, scented pantyliners can cause the same kind of irritation, so are scented and synthetic tampons and scented tissues.

6.         Vaginal eczema

Vaginal eczema is a condition where scaly and itchy rashes appear in the vaginal area. They may spread on the legs as well as the vulva and vaginal tissues. In the presence of irritation and inflammation, it can attract yeasts to form and multiple. Gynecologists usually treat the vaginal eczema first and its treatment allows the yeast infection to clear out as well.

7.       Condom irritations

Sexually active women often have their partners wearing condoms. Some condoms contain nonoxynol-9 substance which can cause significant irritation to a woman's intimate area. The presence of a spermicidal condom and exposure to its chemical substance could disturb the vaginal's immune system, giving yeasts the opportunity to grow.

8.        Weak immunity

Certain conditions can cause the body's immune system to become weak. This usually happens in autoimmune diseases like HIV and AIDS which affects the body's ability to prevent and fight infections including those caused by fungal infections. Exposing yourself to stressful situations and environment makes it easier for yeast infections to occur.

9.       Hormonal changes

Hormonal imbalance can lead to yeast infections owing to the lack of the body's ability to produce hormones that help to counteract the production of yeast and fungal growth in the vaginal area. Hormonal changes are very common in pregnancy. Those taking birth control pills and undertaking a hormone replacement therapy are highly susceptible to yeast infection.

10.     Lack of sleep

Sleep deprivation can induce significant stress to the body, causing a decline in the body's immunity to fight against infection and common sickness including a yeast infection.

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