What Causes Yeast Infection in Women?

“What causes yeast infection in women?” is a question gynecologists regularly get asked by their patients. Often the cause of embarrassment and frustration, yeast infections are usually misunderstood by women. Yeast infection is not life-threatening nor a dangerous STD and believe it or not, they happen to 3 out of 4 women at least once during their lifetime. Although the causes of yeast infections in females can be multiple judging by the triggers, they all originate from one basic cause: Candida yeast overgrowth. The human body produces an amount of yeast naturally, in the digestive process. The immune system normally regulates its growth. Sometimes this is the first explanation of what causes yeast infection in women.  Women with a weak immune system or who suffer from an autoimmune or metabolic disease are more at risk of developing skin, oral or vaginal yeast infection.

The Causes of Yeast Infection in Women

Hygiene and personal care are often linked to Candidiasis, as well. Going skinny-dipping in natural, untreated waters, such as the sea or lakes, sometimes results in the development of this infection. Even wearing a swimming costume can prove useless in such circumstances.  Moreover, several hygiene products and detergents are extremely harmful to the genital area, which is why you should always observe carefully your body’s reaction to each product you use.

Hormonal changes caused by aging, pregnancy or menstruation are also well known causes of yeast infections in females. In the case of pregnancy it is recommended that you address your gynecologist regarding your condition, in order to prevent the transmission of this fungal infection to your newborn. Ignoring a yeast infection during pregnancy, especially in the second or last trimester can be extremely harmful for the baby and the mother as well. Once the infection affects the baby, it will most likely return to the mother through breastfeeding, causing a breast yeast infection, which can be very painful and even cause bleeding.

Another answer to what causes yeast infection in women is medication. Antibiotic treatments, birth control pills and steroid intakes play a fundamental role in the development of Candidiasis. Many women who suffer from urinary infections have the unpleasant surprise of also developing yeast infections during or immediately after antibiotic treatment. The same can happen after treatment with steroid medication or after using birth control pills.

Believe it or not, food allergies and unbalanced nutrition represent major causes of yeast infections in females, as well. When someone eats – aware or unaware of the allergy – a food that he or she is allergic to, the immune system has a hard time keeping the yeast growth under control. Stomach pains, constipation or gas usually indicate the fact that your body has suffered an allergic reaction.

Last but not least, clothing sometimes can be a risk factor for yeast infection. This doesn’t mean that women should walk around naked, but that they should be more careful regarding the underwear or swimwear they choose. Lycra or nylon clothing maintains moisture, which favors the growth of yeast can trigger genital Candidaisis as well as yeast infection under the breast.

There are many answers to the “What causes yeast infection in women?” question. Poor diet, clothing, hormone changes, antibiotics, steroids, sexual contact and even physical trauma in the genital area can trigger a yeast infection in the female body.

As a conclusion, it is important to understand that even though Candidiasis is not a serious medical condition – and definitely not an STD – if left untreated, it can lead to several complications that could put the affected woman’s life in danger. Therefore, if you believe you have developed a yeast infection and don’t know what your options are, talk to your gynecologist or physician about it. Candidiasis treatments are affordable and available to the public and come in a variety of forms, suitable for all medical requirements.

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