Yeast Infection Causes
Yeast infection causes can be best explained by how yeast is present in the body. Yeast organisms are in your body naturally. They reside in the vagina, digestive system, mouth and skin. This specific organism is called Candida albicans and always is present in small amounts in the body. However, when the Candida albicans population grows larger in relationship to the ‘good’ bacteria in the vagina, an imbalance occurs. When the ‘good’ bacteria is overcome with Candida albicans and can no longer regulate the healthy balance needed, a yeast infection is the result.
Yeast infections affect over 75% of all women at least once in her lifetime; Candida albicans causes roughly 80% of all yeast infections in general, and other fungi account for the remaining 20% of yeast infections. 40% of women have chronic or recurrent yeast infections, meaning they have them at least 3-4 times throughout the course of the year. Below are some of the more common yeast infection causes.
Antibiotics
Changes in the pH balance of the vagina or changes in the hormonal balance will weaken your system. Antibiotics are among the leading causes of yeast infections in American women because they easily disrupt this balance rather quickly, sometimes even overnight after taking the first dosage. Antibiotics are designed to kill bacteria, and they do that quite well; they kill the ‘bad’ as well as the ‘good’ stripping away any balance that existed. Some women get yeast infections from certain antibiotics, while other types of antibiotics will not affect them at all.
Diabetes
Women and men diabetics are a high risk for developing yeast infections because the high glucose content in their urine and bloodstream is the perfect food for Candida albicans to get the upper hand. Yeast craves sugar. A potential diabetes yeast infection can be kept under control with diet.
Diet
Since yeast loves sugar, our diets can provide a perfect environment for Candida albicans to grow. Simple carbohydrates like white flour, potatoes, and starches just feed the Candida. It is not uncommon to crave the very same foods that yeast thrives upon, like beer, coffee and mushrooms. Cola-based sodas and alcohol can result in chronic yeast infections for some.
Douching
Douching just disturbs the normal acidity in the vagina. The ingredients in most commercial douches will kill off ‘good’ bacteria, throwing the pH balance out of wack. Most gynecologists do not recommend douching because the vagina naturally cleanses itself. Wiping from the rear to the front can also affect the vaginal area.
Chemicals
Be wary of perfumes, dyes, and detergents. Many women overlook this as a cause for developing a yeast infection. So many products out there will disturb the vaginal eco-system: fragrance-laced laundry detergents, bubble baths, perfumed bath salts, feminine deodorant sprays, scented tampons and sanitary pads, perfumed and scented soaps, perfumed toilet papers, fabric softeners, synthetic underwear containing dyes, etc.
Clothing
Tight clothing and wet bathing suits trap moisture and this is a great breeding ground for yeast. Poor hygiene in general can contribute to yeast infections.
Condoms
In two different ways, condoms are known to cause vaginal yeast infections in women: those who are allergic to the latex in condoms, and a lubricant in condoms that contain Nonoxynol-9. Nonoxynol-9 is a spermicidal (detergent that kills sperm) used in lubes and foams that has been linked to causing yeast infections in women, as well as bladder infections. Nonoxynol-9 washes away the natural layer of skin that protects the vagina from germs.
Hormones
Artificial and natural hormones can affect yeast. Oral contraceptives (birth control pills) are a primary cause of vaginal yeast infections in women in their 20’s and early 30’s. Women during their period may find temporary reprieve from a yeast infection as yeast does not like the pH of menstrual blood; don’t be fooled however, once the period ceases to be, some women on oral contraceptives are prone to monthly yeast infections. Cortisone related medications and prednisone (steroids) can affect yeast also, as well as oral acne medications. Hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) is another cause to be aware of: hormonal fluctuations can and will affect yeast.
Pregnancy
A woman’s body goes through many hormonal changes during pregnancy; in particular, there is more sugar in a pregnant woman’s vaginal secretions and there are increased levels of estrogen circulating in the body.
Sexual transmission
Candida albicans can be transmitted from partner to partner just like STD’s (sexually transmitted diseases.)
Stress
One can never overestimate what stress does to the immune system. Stress will wear down and weaken your ability to fight off infection.
Weakened immune system
Weakened immune systems can cause yeast overgrowth. Immune systems weakened by HIV, thyroid disease, autoimmune diseases and the like are at risk for chronic vaginal yeast infections.
Yeast infection causes are controllable. Get your free MiniCourse now to learn more on how to effectively treat and cure yeast infections permanently.
