Yeast Infection Causes

Yeast infection is caused by an overgrowth of candida yeast microorganisms, mainly candida albicans. Candida albicans is usually present in small amounts in the bowel, vagina and on the skin. However, when it multiplies rapidly it becomes a yeast infection, with symptoms of rashes and discharges in the genital areas of both men and women, on the skin, in the mouth, and as diaper rash in babies.

So the pertinent question is: what causes the overgrowth of the yeast? Answering this question gives us the root yeast infection causes.

Weakened Immune System
When your immune system is working at a low level the overgrowth of yeast is common, as the normal process by which yeast are kept in check is not working as strongly as it should.

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The weakened immunity can be caused by:

Stress

Not sleeping well

Exhausting your body

Cold or flu

A weakened immune system can also be caused by other factors, such as illnesses or drugs that impair immune function. This includes:

Diseases such as AIDS

Taking corticosteroids

Hormones
Hormonal changes in a woman’s body may cause vaginal yeast infection. The infection often occurs just before or just after the menstrual period. Birth control and hormone therapy can both be yeast infection causes.

Yeast infections are common in pregnancy as pregnancy hormones alter the pH balance of the vagina and increase the production of blood sugar. Infectious organisms grow more when there is sugar in the bloodstream. During pregnancy women can experience recurring yeast infections.

Antibiotics
Antibiotics are a leading cause of yeast infection. For some people it only happens with certain antibiotics taken over a long period. However, and antibiotic taken even for a short time can promote the growth of candida.

Candida live in the healthy body in balance with other microorganisms, especially lactobacilli. Antibiotics such as tetracycline and ampicillin kill the lactobacilli, allowing the yeast (candida) to multiply out of control. Some antibiotics, especially tetracycline, also actually stimulate the growth of yeast organisms.

Elevated blood sugar levels
Higher levels of sugar in the urine, blood and vagina can cause yeast to grow.

Diabetes that is poorly controlled or uncontrolled is one of the yeast infection causes, providing sugar that allows yeast to grow. In fact, recurring yeast infections of the mouth and vagina are often a clue that a person has undiagnosed diabetes mellitus.

Sexual contact
Although not a leading factor, sexual intercourse with an infected partner can cause yeast to be introduced. A man will often show no symptoms of having a yeast infection. However, about 15% of men will develop a rash on the penile area after sexual intercourse with an infected partner.

Factors That Encourage Yeast Infections
Other situations may not be a direct cause but they may increase the likelihood of infection.

Hot, humid weather

Tight or poorly ventilated clothing, including damp bathing suits or pantyhose

Significant dietary changes, poor nutrition, and bad eating habits like junk food

Frequent exposure to sperm and semen over a short period of time

Douching, which washes away both healthy secretions and normal bacteria from the vagina

Improper wiping from rear to front after using the toilet. Always wipe front to back

Sweating, which can also increase your pH level

Menopause

Some prescriptions, including those that contain steroids, such as Prednisone

Poor personal hygiene

Perfumed feminine hygiene sprays

HIV infection

Injuries

Allergic reactions.

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