Common Causes of Yeast Infections

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Common Causes of Yeast Infections

Sunday, November 29th, 2009 Subscribe To Our Feed

Ask any woman who has had a yeast infection why they got it and they seldom will know. But she will be able to tell you about the symptoms, the discomfort and most likely knows how to cure a yeast infection. But too many women (and some men) are unaware of the actual cause of a yeast infection. It goes with out saying that those who don’t understand this problem are doomed to get it again and again.

Yeast infections are simply irritations of mucous membranes throughout the body in places like the vagina, intestines, skin or mouth. An infection causes swelling and irritation of the areas affected. The fungus known as candidiasis is the cause of yeast infections when an over-abundance is present. The candida family of fungi also causes thrush infections in the mouth and vaginitis.

What’s the real scoop on the causes of yeast infections?

To stop getting yeast infections, you must understand what causes them. The candida fungus is a fungus of “opportunity,” meaning that the fungus attacks a vulnerable area of the body. Women taking antibiotics or steroid medications are often the major target of yeast infections. This type of medication is often responsible for the vagina developing too much candida. Actually, candida is a fungus commonly found in the vagina; it’s only when the fungus explodes into an over-abundance that it causes a yeast infection. For some women they must use antibiotics and steroids to remain healthy. Women who know they’re prone to yeast infections when they must take these medications head off a candida overflow by using a yeast infection medication at the same time.

Another cause of yeast infections is wearing damp underclothing or swimsuits during hot weather. In warm damp environments, the candida fungus thrives. Perspiration in the vaginal area and/or wearing a damp swimsuit provides everything candida needs to flourish. To prevent yeast infections in hot, damp weather, change your underwear if it feels too damp, use wetness-absorbing powder in your underclothes, and change out of your swimsuit into dry clothing when you’re not swimming.

Another common cause of yeast infections in women is wearing shorts or pants that are too tight. The tight-fitting clothing causes vaginal irritation. Candida thrives on irritated skin. After the irritation, comes the start of the full-blown yeast infection. Women that get yeast infections often are advised to wear clothing that fits properly and avoid irritation.

Tight-fitting clothing is just one of the reasons that irritations can begin and yeast infections start. Some bath products have been known to cause irritated skin and will start a woman on the path to a yeast infection. While these products may feel and smell pleasant, these things aren’t worth causing a yeast infection. If you know that certain bath products cause irritations in which candida thrives, simply avoid them. An option to turn to is to try a milk-bath product that only has a small amount of soap in it.

Finally, it’s vitally important that women do not use douche products. Most physicians agree that using douches is not helpful or necessary for maintaining vaginal health. Nature does that for you and does not need assistance from harmful douche products.

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