What Are The Causes of Yeast Infections?

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (No Ratings Yet)
Loading...

[ad_1]

Yeast infections are a common, albeit uncomfortable, fact of life for many women. Yet there is an abundance of misinformation, particularly on the internet, of the main causes. Numerous medically oriented websites maintained by medical professionals do provide accurate information, but many other websites and articles by non-professionals provide confusing, and worse, sometimes incorrect information. This article is intended to give a straight-forward explanation of the major causes of yeast infection with a minimum of confusing and arcane medical terminology.

Yeast infections are the second most common type of vaginal infection (bacterial vaginosis is the most common). A little over 70% of all women develop at least one yeast infection during their lives. Over 40% of women have repeated episodes of infection.

Yeast grows naturally in the vagina, rectum, and mouth. Therefore, the presence of some yeast is normally not a problem and in fact, goes by unnoticed most of the time. However, the body’s natural chemical balance that is supposed to keep levels of yeast within a healthy range, can become out of balance. When this happens, unhealthy yeast-like organisms can grow more profusely in the body resulting in a viscous white discharge.

Yeast infections are primarily caused by a chemical imbalance in the body., The natural amount of yeast present in the human body becomes more than the body can safely tolerate. Some common causes of this imbalance include:

  • Use of oral contraceptives
  • Treatments of infection that use antibiotics
  • Hot weather that causes excessive sweating in the vaginal region that then fosters fungal growth
  • Non-ventilated clothing that retains heat and moisture and causes excessive sweating
  • Higher than normal levels of stress
  • Repeated intercourse over a short period of time
  • Diabetes
  • A suppressed immune system (this includes HIV)
  • Higher than normal carbohydrate intake, especially refined sugars and alcoholic beverages
  • Pregnancy

Other common causes of yeast infection include irritants such as powders, detergents and soaps that come in direct contact with the skin

Symptoms may include:

  • Discomfort during sexual intercourse
  • Irritation in the vaginal region
  • Itching in the vaginal region
  • A thick, white curd-like discharge from the vagina
  • A swelling, redness or cracking of the skin around the vagina
  • A burning sensation felt mainly during urination

Men can also contract yeast infections. Most commonly, men get the infections from having unprotected sex with a partner who already has the infection. Left untreated, both partners will keep re-infecting each other.

Regardless of the causes of and the symptoms they may present, the final diagnosis and treatment should be made by a medical professional. There are over-the-counter medications available for women who have frequent yeast infections and who know when they are having another episode, however if a person is unsure whether what they have a one or not, they should seek professional medical advice. There is always the possibility that what may present itself as a yeast infection may actually be a more serious condition that requires different and more aggressive treatment. Studies have found that some women, particularly those who suffer from frequent infections, misdiagnose themselves and treat the symptoms, when in fact what they have is something different, and sometimes something more serious.

If a person suspects that what they have is a yeast infection, whether based on symptoms or past experiences, and there has been no change in sexual history (no new partner, no unprotected genital contact), they may elect to try one of the over-the-counter treatments first. If the symptoms do not go away, the person should of course always seek the guidance of their doctor.

[ad_2]

Source by Craig Paulson

Related Posts

Pet Hamster Care - Are You Up to the Challenge?

Essential Eye Health Foods For Better Eyesight

[ad_1] In many ways the saying by Hippocrates is true today: "Let thy food be thy medicine and let thy medicine be thy food." This principle can be applied to…

Read more
Dwarf Hamster Care - A Pocket Pet For You?

What Are the Serving Sizes on Keurig Coffee Makers?

[ad_1] While different models of Keurig coffee makers will have different options for cup sizes, they all have one thing in common–the buttons you press to brew a cup of…

Read more
Dwarf Hamster Care - A Pocket Pet For You?

Singing Tips and Techniques – Drop Your Adam’s Apple and Extend Your High Singing Range

[ad_1] The “Adam’s Apple” is the container of the vocal cords. When we swallow it moves up to the top of the throat in order to help keep food or…

Read more
Dwarf Hamster Health and Breeding Tips

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Being Wealthy and Successful

[ad_1] As far as I know, almost everyone wants to become wealthy and successful. Being wealthy and successful allows you to lead a comfortable life, buy anything you want to…

Read more
Dwarf Hamster Health and Breeding Tips

9 Obstacles That Keep You From Achieving Your Goals

[ad_1] While you may have spent a lot of time working on your goals for the next year, there are plenty of things that are going to get in your…

Read more
Dwarf Hamster Care - A Pocket Pet For You?

Prostate Massage – How Much is Enough? How Much is Too Much?

[ad_1] Prostate massage is without a doubt one of the most powerful tools for healing a sick and painful prostate. It's not because of the massage itself. It is because…

Read more

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Thabet