What Causes Yeast Infections?

Yeast infections are the second most common type of vaginal infection. Therefore, it is important for a woman to understand clearly what causes yeast infections. Through this article, you are provided with some basic information about the most common causes of yeast infections. At the outset, when it comes to discussing what causes yeast infections, you need to appreciate that a healthy vagina does contain yeast. The most common type of yeast within a healthy vagina is a type of yeast that is known as Candida Albicans. In addition, this type of yeast can be found in the rectum and the mouth of a healthy person. Provided this type of yeast (and some other types of yeast that may also be present in the vagina, rectum and mouth in small amounts) stays in check, there is no problem.

When it comes to understanding what causes yeast infections in a woman's vagina, it also is important to understand that a female's immune system together with certain naturally occurring microorganisms that live in the vagina normally keep yeast growth in check in the vagina. However, when an imbalance occurs, when the immune system or the microorganisms are unable to keep vaginal yeast in check, a yeast infection occurs. The most noticeable symptom of a full blown yeast infection is the discharge of a thick, white and oftentimes malodorous substance from the vagina. This is often described as having the consistency of cottage cheese.

There actually are a number of contributing factors that can increase the risk of outbreak. Hormonal Imbalances: A common cause of a yeast infection in a woman can be hormonal imbalances. Hormonal imbalances can occur for a number of reasons, including as a result of a woman's natural reproductive cycle. Hormone replacement therapy and fertility treatments can also cause hormonal imbalances that result in vaginal yeast infections in some women.

Physiological Problems: Yeast infections can arise from a whole host of different physiological that impact a woman's reproductive system. This can include injuries, disease and illness.

Pregnancy: In some instances, a woman will find herself at higher risk from a vaginal yeast infection when she is pregnant. Of course, both hormonal changes and physiological adjustments can be factors in increasing the likelihood that a woman will face a vaginal yeast infection when pregnant.

Use of Oral Contraceptives: Obviously, this can be related to hormonal imbalances from the previous factors. Because oral contraceptives do affect hormone levels in a woman's body, these medications can also cause yeast infections as a result in some instances.

Use of Certain Lubricants: The use of sexual lubricants that contain a substance known as glycerine have also been demonstrated to be the cause of vaginal yeast infections in some women.

Use of Certain Antibiotics: While many people associated antibiotics with fighting infections, the fact is that some antibiotics have been shown to cause yeast infections in some female patients. This occurs because of the lack of competition for the yeast. As the antibiotic destroys other microorganisms, yeast can take advantage of this niche in time and grow rapidly.

Engaging in Vaginal Sex after Anal Sex: Yeast infections can readily occur when a woman engages in vaginal sex following anal sex without a proper cleansing of her partner's penis in advance of vaginal penetration.

Transmission from a Sexual Partner: While not an STD as such; a yeast infection can be passed to a woman from a sexual partner. Low levels of yeast can be found in a man's penis.

Diet: Some medical experts maintain that diet can also enhance the risk that a woman will experience a vaginal yeast infection. An unbalanced diet is believed to be the culprit in such a situation.

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