What Causes A Yeast Infection?

Yeast infection is a superficial infection of the skin and mucosal membranes causing local inflammation and discomfort that is common in many women. Sometimes yeast infections are also called Candidiasis or Moniliasis.

Yeast infection is mainly caused by a fungus called Candida Albicans that is present in relatively small numbers, along with other bacteria, in your vagina. Sometimes yeast multiplies rapidly due to different circumstances and causes a full-fledged yeast infection.

There are many factors that can cause yeast infection and these can be easily be remembered with the acronym “DIHAS”.

“D” for Diabetes— elevated blood sugar levels will make an individual more prone to yeast infection because high blood sugar will help in the rapid growth of the infection. Yeast needs food to grow, urine with sugar is a very good medium.

“I” for Immune System— damaged or tired immune system will help in the rapid growth of the yeast since the body will not be able to fight the yeast. This occurs when one does too much, does not get enough sleep, or is sick.

“H” for Hormones– fluctuations in a woman’s hormones especially during the end of the menstrual cycle can be very beneficial to the growth of the yeast.

”A” for Antibiotics— antibiotics are probably the leading cause of yeast infection in American women. Antibiotics can cause disturbances in the normal flora of your vagina. But this happens only with certain types of antibiotics or during prolonged use.

“S” for Sex— Candida Albicans can be transmitted between people by direct contact, and so can actually be a sexually-transmitted infection through semen and other bodily secretions. This is rare but can happen.

Aside from these main causes, there are factors that can increase likelihood of infection such as tight or poorly ventilated clothing, hot/humid weather, frequent douches, improper wiping of vagina, sweating, menopause, prescriptions such as steroids, allergic reactions, injuries, HIV infection and poor personal hygiene. These factors and circumstances are the main causes for one to have yeast infection. Men do also get yeast infection but with no obvious symptoms.

If a woman gets a yeast infection, she should refrain from sexual activity with vaginal penetration. She should not use commercial douches and tampons. And she should take extra care to change her underwear and menstrual pads often.

Photo courtesy of Chris Baker