The Many Causes Of Yeast Infections
Candida infections are quite common, but the causes and risk factors aren’t well understood by many people. It’s estimated that over 75% of women will get a yeast infection at some point during their lives, and it’s likely that this estimate is actually too low, as many women will never tell their doctor about the symptoms. While a number of women will only get a yeast infections once or once in a while, many others will get them frequently. So what causes a yeast infection in the first place?
The fungus Candida albicans, a subtype of the Candida fungus species, is the infectious agent associated with yeast infections. This microorganism exists naturally in our body, similar to healthy bacteria, and doesn’t usually cause infection. It is only when the natural balance of the body is disrupted that Candida will invade and cause infection.
In women, one cause of internal imbalance is the fluctuation in hormone levels. Such fluctuations can cause a disruption in the levels of acid and sugar in the body, potentially creating an environment where yeast can easily grow. Certain medications, like birth control with hormones in it (such as the pill), or other hormonal therapy, can cause these changes. There is also a fluctuation of hormones that occurs right before menstruation which can lead to Candida overgrowth. Unsurprisingly, pregnancy is another risk factor given the hormonal fluctuations that occur.
There are many medications other than hormones which can increase your risk of developing a Candida infection. When you take antibiotics, for example, they kill the good and healthy bacteria along with the bad. If too many healthy bacteria are killed off, Candida can take over where the bacteria used to be and cause infection. Steroids can also lead to yeast overgrowth by suppressing the immune system so that your body’s natural defenses against infection are weakened.
If you’re a man and wondering what causes a yeast infection, you should know that Candida is much less common in men than it is in women, and if it happens in men, it is usually for a reason. The most common culprit is poor hygiene under the foreskin, which can create a warm and moist breeding ground for yeast. This is why yeast infections tend to occur in uncircumcised men. Diabetes is a common risk factor in men because if the diabetes is poorly controlled it will cause an increased blood sugar level, creating food for the infection.
While you are waiting for your infection, it’s a good idea to abstain from sexual contact. This is because it’s possible for direct sexual contact to spread the infection from one person to another. Two partners, in fact, can continue spreading the infection back and forth between each other.
In order to eliminate a yeast infection, it’s good to understand what caused it in the first place. There are many effective medications, but these only treat the one infection – they don’t change the underlying issue that led to you getting that infection. Learn more about eliminating your yeast infections permanently at the Cure Yeast Infection Fast Review.
