What Causes Yeast Infections In Women?
Candida albicans is a type of yeast that is responsible for the majority of yeast infections. A healthy vagina has a limited number of yeast cells and many bacteria. Lactobacillus acidophilus, the most prevalent bacteria in the vagina, is what keeps the yeast in small numbers. However, when something upsets this healthy balance, then the yeast is able to grow and take over. Women who are undergoing hormone replacement therapy or are pregnant typically experience increased estrogen levels, which can be causes of yeast infections in women.
Itching, vaginal burning, and discharge are strong indicators of a yeast infection. Steroid use and antibiotics are said to be the primary causes. Birth control pill, diabetes, menstruation, are other factors that can lead to an infection. There is a higher rate of incidence in women who are post-menopausal.
Another cause of yeast infections in women is a weakened immune system. This could be the result of having a disease, taking steroids, or cancer treatments. In this scenario, a yeast infection could affect the whole body and potentially be fatal.
Stress can also cause the immune system to break down, whether it be emotional or physical. The chemical makeup in our body changes as a result of stress, and the immune system is affected.
While taking antibiotics will remove the unwanted bacteria, the problem is it will also will attack the healthy bacteria that fights it. Without the healthy bacteria, the other bacteria will spread and grow, causing the onset or recurrence of the yeast infection. Taking a contraceptive pill long term can cause the accumulation of yeast.
Taking immunosuppressant drugs will also have the effect antibiotics have, which is decreasing the healthy bacteria and allowing yeast to flourish.
Another cause for yeast infections in women is wearing tight jeans, wearing a wet bathing suit for a long time, and wearing synthetic underwear. Doing so produces a warm, wet environment that yeast thrives in. Douching has also been know to be a cause as well.
