Common Causes of Yeast Infections
Ask a woman what is causing their yeast infection and you’ll likely get a blank stare. While she may not know the cause, she will know the signs and symptoms, the intense discomfort, and probably will know how to cure a yeast infection in the short term. Although she may know the short term cure, it is important to understand the cause of yeast infections to be able to cure it for life. For the uninformed, not understanding the source of their yeast infection will doom them to getting it repeatedly.
Yeast infections are simply irritations of mocous membranes throughout the body in places like the vagina, intestines, skin or mouth. This infection causes irritation and swelling of the affected area(s). The cause of yeast infections is an over-abundance of a fungus known as candidiasis. This same family of fungi is also responsible for thrush infections and vaginitis.
What is the 411 about the Causes of Yeast Infections?
To prevent future yeast infections, you must know what causes them. Vulnerable areas of the body provide the candida fungus the opportunity to attack. A major cause of yeast infections among women is taking antibiotics or steroid medications. This type of medication is often responsible for the vagina developing too much candida. Actually, candida is a fungus commonly found in the vagina; it’s only when the fungus explodes into an over-abundance that it causes a yeast infection. Antibiotics and steroids for some women are required for them to stay healthy. Women who have had a history of yeast infections and need to take these types of medications often need to use a yeast infection medication at the same time.
Wearing damp underclothing or swimsuits during hot weather is another cause of yeast infections. The candida fungus thrives in warm, damp environments. Perspiration in the vaginal area and/or wearing a damp swimsuit provides everything candida needs to flourish. To prevent yeast infections in hot, damp weather, change your underwear if it feels too damp, use wetness-absorbing powder in your underclothes, and change out of your swimsuit into dry clothing when you’re not swimming.
Another common cause of yeast infections in women is wearing shorts or pants that are too tight. The tight-fitting clothing causes vaginal irritation. The Candida fungus thrives on the irritated vaginal skin. Once the irritation begins, so does the full-blown yeast infection. Women are advised to wear clothing that fits properly and forgo vanity for common sense.
Tight clothing is not the only source of irritations that cause yeast infections. Some bath products have been known to cause irritated skin and will start a woman on the path to a yeast infection. Although many of these products smell nice and can make the skin feel soft, they aren’t worth the risk for many women. If a certain bath product has a history of causing you irritated skin then avoid them because we know that the candida loves irritations. Many will suggest a milk-bath product that only contains a small amount of soap.
Finally, it’s vitally important that women do not use douche products. Most physicians agree that using douches is not helpful or necessary for maintaining vaginal health. Nature will maintain your help and doesn’t need assistance from harsh douche products.
