You may have, at one time or another, experienced yeast infection. What is it? Yeast infection is caused by the fungus Candida albicans. This fungus is normally present in small amounts in a woman's vagina, but once the fungus multilplies rapidly, this results to infection or candidiasis. Once this occurs, women often experience vaginal itch and white vaginal discharge and can be a source of intense discomfort.
There are several possible causes of yeast infection :
Compromised immune system. Women with a weakened immune system are prone to yeast infection as when the immune system is weak, bacteria grows and multiplies faster
Antibiotics. Antibiotics are probably the leading cause of yeast infection in women. As the antibiotics kill the bad bacteria, it also kills the good bacteria in the vagina, thus, upsetting the balance in your system
Hormones. Hormonal changes affect the Ph balance and trigger yeast infection. Candida albicans thrive on an acidic environment, and an acidic environment happens when your Ph levels are low. Pregnant women and those taking contraceptives are susceptible to this. Contraceptives cause hormonal fluctuations, thus, triggering the occurrence and recurrence of yeast infection. During menstruation, Ph levels usually go up, thus, yeast infection do not usually occur during this time.
Diabetes. Because diabetics or people with elevated levels of sugar have sugar in their urine, yeast infections are likely to occur more often as yeast feeds on the sugar.
Sexual transmission. Candida albicans can be transmitted through direct sexual contact.
Douches. Douching eliminates odor-causing bacteria. However, these are the bacteria that kill yeast in the vagina, thus, eliminating these bacteria creates an environment conducive to yeast growth.
Other factors such as steroids, perfume and poor hygiene.
Men can also be afflicted with yeast infection with causes similar to those for women - low immune levels, antibiotics, diabetes, sexual transmission.
0 comments