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What cause yeast infection?

Updated: 11/22/2022
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13y ago

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They are caused by an over-growth of Candida.

Candida are yeast (which are organisms that are different than bacteria and viruses) which are always present in low levels in the mouth and vagina. They are usually kept to low levels both by the body's immune system and competition from other organisms, mostly bacteria. If something upsets the balance, like a decrease in the body's immune function (often from cancer, HIV, or steroids) or decreased competition from bacteria (often after taking antibiotics), the yeast grow to higher levels and produce noticeable vaginal symptoms such as a discharge and itching. If the same thing happens in the mouth it can cause white plaques and pain and is commonly known as thrush.
You can get yeast infection from:
wet clothing (change out of them ASAP)
tight clothing (wear more loose jeans)
antibiotics (it happens)
not wiping yourself dry after peeing(wipe from back to front)(don't reach to far back)
not drying off completely after after swimming,bathing(dry between your legs good)
not wearing cotton underwear (you can wear sexy under wear with a cotton seat)

Answer:

Fungus Causes Yeast Infections

The primary cause of yeast infection in woman is fungus - primarily Candida albicans. Along with some other types of bacteria, Candida albicans are usually present in small amounts in the vaginal area. However, the bacteria becomes a cause for concern when it multiples rapidly, becoming a yeast infection also known by the medical terms of candidiasis or monilia.

Various Other Yeast Infection Causes

Immune System: The biggest cause of rapid bacterial growth is the result of a lowered immune system. This occurs when you do too much, do not get enough sleep, or are sick. Reoccuring yeast infections can also be due to stress.

Hormones: The body's hormonal changes towards the end of the menstruation cycle can be another cause of vaginal yeast infection. Birth Control and pregnancy are two other factors that could fall into the category of a yeast infection cause. In fact, during pregnancy, women can experience recurrent infections.

Sex: While Candida infections are not usually thought of as sexually transmitted diseases, they can be passed onto your partner during sex through semen and other bodily fluids. Vaginal intercourse without adequate lubrication makes the situation worse.

Antibiotics: Antibiotics are probably the leading cause of chronic yeast infection in American women. This happens with certain types of antibiotic or prolonged usage. Some women get yeast infections no matter what type of antibiotics they take or how long they use it. Unfortunately, there is no way of preventing an antibiotic-induced yeast infection. However, here are a number of treatments to take once it starts.

Diabetes: Being diabetic or having elevated blood sugar levels can cause yeast to grow. This is primarily due to what is called uncontrolled Diabetes mellitus.

Factors That Encourage Yeast Infections

Other situations may not be a direct cause but they may increase the likelihood of infection.

  • Hot, humid weather.
  • Tight or poorly ventilated clothing, including damp bathing suits or pantyhose.
  • Significant dietary changes, poor nutrition, and bad eating habits like junk food.
  • Frequent exposure to sperm and semen over a short period of time.
  • Douching washes away both healthy secretions and normal bacteria from the vagina.
  • Improper wiping from rear to front after using the toilet.
  • Sweating, which can also increase your pH level.
  • Menopause.
  • Some prescriptions, including those that contain steroids, such as Prednisone.
  • Poor personal hygiene.
  • Perfumed feminine hygiene sprays.
  • HIV infection.
  • Injuries.
  • Allergic reactions.

A Man is Not Immune A man can also get a yeast infection but is less likely to be aware of having one than a woman would be because he may not have any symptoms. As with females, lowered immunity, rather than sexual transmission, is the most frequent cause of genital yeast infections in males. However, 12% to 15% of men will develop symptoms, such as penile rash and itching, following sexual contact with an infected partner.

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10y ago
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12y ago

Excess moisture inside the vagina. Excessive moisture and heat provide an ideal environment for the bacteria to grow that causes a yeast infection.

Some vaginal yeast infections are caused by a yeast called Candida albican. In a healthy vagina there are many bacteria and a small number of yeast cells, The most common bacteria, Lactobacillus acidophilus, helps keep the yeast-under control, When something happens to change the balance of these organisms, Taking antibiotics sometimes causes this imbalance.

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Wiki User

14y ago

Typically a yeast infection is caused by an upset in your vagina's normal flora. The normal bacteria present will usually keep any yeast present under control. Reasons your bacteria aren't so happy any more can be from the following:

*Douching: you've washed out the bacteria and now the yeast have the place to themselves- party!

*Antibiotics: they were prescribed to kill the strep in your throat, but they don't discriminate - death to all flora!

*Sex - he could be harboring a yeast infection (especially if he's uncircumcised), or even the pH of his semen could be a problem. So when you break up, you can tell your friends that you were incompatible right down to the cellular level!

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13y ago

Bacteria which thrives in warm moist areas.

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