What Causes Yeast Infections in Women

Yeast is a naturally-occurring single-celled fungi that can be found in various parts of the human body. Though it is normal to have a small number of yeast cells in the mucus membranes of the body, the problem arises when these yeast cells start multiplying. A beneficial bacteria called Lactobacillus acidophilus help in keeping a check on the growth of strains of yeast in the mucous membranes. If this balance is disrupted, and population of friendly bacteria decreases, it will amount to a spurt in the growth of yeast cells. This is when, symptoms of candidiasis start making an appearance. Susceptibility to this infection might be attributed to a wide range of reasons. Though yeast infections are quite common in women, men are definitely not immune. An awareness regarding the causes of recurrent yeast infections can certainly help one in lowering the incidence of this infection. So, here's some information on what causes yeast infections in women along with precautionary measures women can take to prevent candidiasis.

Why Do Women Suffer From Yeast Infections?

Though strains of yeast are present in certain parts of the body, these don't pose a threat unless they start multiplying. A vaginal yeast infection certainly gives rise to a great deal of discomfort. If you have a basic idea about the causal factors, you can certainly avoid these infections. Here are some of the common causes of yeast infections.

Use of Antibiotics
Antibiotics are widely used for the treatment of bacterial infections. Though such drugs can kill the harmful bacteria and stop them from proliferating, the beneficial bacteria are also killed in the process. When the number of friendly bacteria decreases considerably, the balance is disrupted and the yeast cells start growing rapidly. The disruption of this balance between the bacteria and yeast cells, makes one vulnerable to oral thrush or vaginal candidiasis, which are yeast infections of the oral cavity and vagina respectively.

Hormonal Imbalance
Women suffering from hormonal imbalance are also susceptible. There could be a wide range of reasons that could cause hormonal changes in women. It is believed that high levels of estrogen can give rise to yeast infections. Such an interplay of hormones is common when a woman is ovulating. Use of birth control pills or hormone therapy could also give rise to estrogen predominance and therefore, make one more susceptible to candidiasis. High estrogen levels is believed to be one of the most prominent causes of yeast infection in pregnant women.

Elevated Blood Sugar Levels
Women diagnosed with diabetes mellitus are also at a risk of developing yeast infections. This is mainly attributed to the effect of diabetes on the vaginal pH. The pH of the vagina normally ranges anywhere between 3.8 to 4.5. The friendly bacteria play a great role in maintaining this slightly acidic environment and prevent yeast cells from growing. Their growth is suppressed by an acidic environment in the vagina. In case of women who are diabetic, the vaginal secretions contain high levels of sugar and this raises the vaginal pH. This makes one prone to developing yeast infections. Even when one is not diabetic, an excessive consumption of foods rich in sugar can lead to growth of yeast.

Wearing Tight Clothing
Many women suffer from vaginal yeast infections if they wear tight clothing. Wearing clothes that are too tight can irritate the vagina. Excessive sweating can dampen the area and this makes one more susceptible to infections. Yeast cells can also multiply if you wear damp underclothing. Precautions should be taken to keep the genital region clean and dry. One must refrain from the use of perfumed feminine sprays as these can irritate the area. Cleaning the region with water will suffice.

Treatment of Yeast Infections

A woman suffering from a vaginal yeast infection is most likely to suffer from symptoms such as vaginal itching, pain, thick whitish-gray vaginal discharge and burning sensation during urination. Since some of these symptoms might also arise due to bacterial vaginitis, it would be best to let a doctor decide the underlying cause. If one is diagnosed with a yeast infection, topical application of antifungal creams is suggested. Butoconazole, clotrimazole, miconazole or terconazole are some of the antifungal creams that are prescribed for the treatment of vaginal yeast infections. At times, oral antifungal tablets might be prescribed as well. Pregnant women suffering from yeast infections must never use oral tablets on their own. Though over-the-counter drugs can also be used, it is always better to follow the advice of a doctor. Consuming probiotic yogurt or foods can also help in suppressing the growth of harmful bacteria and yeast cells. One can also try certain home remedies for yeast infections. Antifungal agents such as grapefruit seed extract, caprylic acid or olive leaf extract can be used for alleviating the symptoms of a yeast infection. Besides these, precautionary measures must be taken. Women must refrain from using perfumed feminine sprays and also keep their blood sugar levels in control. Keeping the genital area clean and dry will also help. Wearing loose clothing made from cotton will also prove beneficial.

Though candidiasis is not believed to be a sexually-transmitted disease, it would be in one's best interest to refrain from indulging in sexual intercourse until one completely recovers from the infection. Yeast infections can also affect males with a compromised immune system, so one must never indulge in unprotected sex. After all, prevention is better than cure.