What Causes Yeast Infections - Possible Triggers and Factors

Are you wondering what causes yeast infections?

Candidiasis can affect any woman, but is more frequent among those who are obese, pregnant or diabetic, as these conditions are more likely to alter vaginal acidity and the body's metabolic balance, promoting the growth of fungus.

While factors such as some birth control methods and prolonged use of certain antibiotics increase susceptibility to yeast infection because of the hormonal imbalance (raises glycogen levels), tight underwear, poor hygiene, and underwear that is not made of cotton may be just as much at fault when it comes to what causes yeast infections.

Vaginal yeast infections are caused by Candida albicans, which, along with other types of microorganisms, are normally present in the colon. They are a necessary part of the body's ability to keep the gut area cleaned up of excess food debris and other toxins that form on a daily basis. Sometimes, these yeasts (unfriendly) get out of hand, multiply rapidly and take over.

This can be due to a change in the vaginal environment, injury, an over use of antibiotics, even sexual transmission - these are possible factors in what causes yeast infections. Though it is not generally thought of as an STD, up to 15% of men who have sex with infected partners claim to develop symptoms such as itching and penile rashes.

Antibiotics are possibly the leading cause of yeast infections in women today. It occurs innocently enough when an antibiotic is taken to treat / cure an infection such as one at the tooth, sinus, ear, etc. Though the antibiotic kills the bacteria causing the infection, with repeated or continual use, they also kill the bacteria residing in the colon (such as Candida as well as the friendly flora that keep any unruly bacteria in check). This process upsets the balance of the colon ecosystem, allowing the unfriendly organisms (yeast) to take over.

Thus, as you seek answers to what causes yeast infections, the use of antibiotics is something that must be investigated.

Non-cotton or tight underwear (dirty also) trap heat and encourage moisture in the vulva / vaginal area. Choose unbleached dyed as a safeguard, as this will allow that body area to breathe. Another good practice is to sleep without panties, particularly during a yeast infection.

Inks, dyes, perfumes and other such chemicals can upset the body's natural balance and trigger allergic reactions that can in turn lead to yeast infections - these, too, could be factors in what causes yeast infections. Commercial douches are a good example. Created to be of use for odor and other vaginal issues, they inadvertently harm the vaginal environment. This is also true of some types of soaps that are not only disruptive, but can damage mucus membranes, too.

Condoms may also inadvertently promote yeast infections due to the lubricant they are packaged in - nonoxynol-9, which is a spermicidal thought to kill the HIV virus. Hormones, either natural or artificially introduced, can affect yeast balance. This is commonly true in pregnant women and those taking certain types of birth control pills.

There are still other elements of what causes yeast infection.

Steroids used in treatments for arthritis, asthma or autoimmune disorders like lupus can contribute to yeast infections, as does a weakened immune system due to anything from HIV to Lyme disease to unhealthy dietary choices. Yeast infections can grow in the vagina, the throat (thrush), or the esophagus.

You would be able to find out more about what causes yeast infections, as well as what treatments and remedies can be used to get rid of them, through the other related yeast infection articles and pages on this website.

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Click here to access the Yeast Infection Remedy Report, where you can learn how to experience immediate relief and destroy such infections.

Click here to learn about how to obtain complete relief from yeast infections in hours, naturally and safely.

Click here to learn from a former yeast infection sufferer about an holistic 5-step system for healing candida and yeast infections.

Click here for natural, herbal and homeopathic remedies for yeast infections, or here for natural, herbal and homeopathic remedies for candida overgrowth, or here for natural, herbal and homeopathic remedies for candidiasis thrush.

Click here for more pages and articles on Yeast Infections.

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