Yeast Infections are actually quit common and not something to be alarmed about. With the proper care it will be gone in a few days. The most common yeast infection causes are bacteria. More specifically, the fungal bacterium Candida. This fungus is naturally present in the body and usually doesn’t cause any sort of complications. The problem lies when there is an overgrowth of Candida. When too much of the bacteria are created, a yeast infection and its uncomfortable symptoms are likely to occur. Knowing what can cause this overgrowth will help you prevent infections from happening in the future.
Pregnancy is a common cause for an imbalance between the yeast and other bacteria found in the vagina. When you get pregnant, your body undergoes a series of hormonal changes that can alter a lot of different things. The bacteria balance is just one example. For this reason, many women will suffer from a yeast infection at least once during the nine months that they are carrying a child.
Taking antibiotics can also be the cause of yeast infections. Many different medications that are used to fight out various conditions can lower the amount of good bacteria located in the vagina. The result is an overabundance of the harmful yeasts that can create infections. It may be necessary to take an additional medication while on an antibiotic to help prevent the Candida from starting an infection.
Wearing tight clothing that traps in moisture can also promote a healthy environment for harmful bacteria. To prevent the fungus from thriving, you should wear loose fitting cotton undergarments that will allow the area to stay dry. Anytime you go swimming, you should remove your bathing suit as soon as possible after getting out of the pool. If possible, take a shower to remove the chlorine from your body.
Poor hygiene can sometimes lead to conditions that are favorable for a yeast infection. Taking a bath or shower each day will help to keep the area clean. It will also allow the bacteria to stay balanced. Avoid douching, as it can kill off some of the good bacteria that keep the yeast in check.
In rare occasions, a yeast infection can be caused by sexual intercourse. It is fairly uncommon for men to have these infections, but it can sometimes happen. It is more likely for a man to give a yeast infection during intercourse than the other way around. When this is the cause, it is usually transmitted through oral-genital contact.
Though the overgrowth of Candida is the primary cause of yeast infections, there are a number of factors that contribute to the imbalance of bacteria. This should be kept in mind to avoid experiencing an infection. The symptoms that come along with it are typically not something women like to suffer from.