What Causes Yeast Infections?

Candida Fungus – Causes of Yeast Infections

Candida albicans is the most common type of fungus to cause yeast infections. The main cause for a yeast infection to develop is due to an imbalance in your body between the yeast and the bacteria.

Something has triggered the yeast to grow prolifically and the good bacteria cannot keep up with “eating” all the yeast in your system. This is what causes yeast infections to begin.

Types of Yeast Infections – Vaginal, Genital, Oral and Topical Infections

There are different kinds of yeast infections, including: genital yeast infections, oral yeast infections and topical yeast infections, which can occur anywhere on the body.

• Vaginal Infections

Women will usually experience an infection in the vaginal region and it can cause itching of the vagina and surrounding tissue, burning urination and a whitish, clumpy discharge.

• Oral Thrush

Thrush is fairly common in babies and it can be very painful. In babies who develop diaper rash infections or oral thrush, the cause is usually sitting in a wet, warm diaper for too long or using bottles which haven’t been properly cleaned. So take the steps to make sure that all of your baby’s bottles are properly washed and disinfected before each feeding and change your baby’s diaper regularly.

• Topical Yeast Infections

Topical yeast infections can occur anywhere on the body. Usually these infections will occur under folds of skin, such as under the arms, under the breasts and between the legs.

• Genital Yeast Problems

Men suffer from penile yeast infections, and this is caused by the fungus Candida albicans, but their jock itch and athlete’s foot is caused by Tinea cruris. So it’s not only women that experience genital yeast problems.

5 Common Causes of Yeast Infections

The fungus needs a place to thrive and that is where the body can be the perfect breeding ground for the yeast to grow. The problem is due to the candida overgrowth, which grows in dark, moist areas of the body. However, no matter what type of yeast infection, the cause is due to possibly one of the following reasons.

1. Cleanliness

Good hygiene habits are a must as not having good hygiene habits can be the number one cause of a yeast infection. Quite often it is difficult to maintain cleanliness and dryness in all areas of the body all the time.

2. Weakened Immune System

A weakened immune system is yet another cause. Pregnancy, starting a vigorous exercise regime to changing your diet can affect your immune system and throw your balance of yeast and bacteria off to cause you to have a Candida overgrowth.

3. Diet

It is now known that most diets of today can also hinder the problem. Foods high in carbohydrates and sugars can be a culprit. Over time, this can cause the body to develop more yeast and less ‘good’ bacteria. Always maintain a healthy diet that is low in white starches and sugar and keep your immune system functioning as it should.

4. Steroids and Antibiotics

Steroids and antibiotics can also be the cause of your yeast infection. Antibiotics work by destroying bad cells, but they can kill off the good cells we need too. As antibiotics can kill off bacteria in the body, it’s easy for yeast to proliferate. Steroids will also keep your levels of yeast cells elevated, keeping your system open to candida growth.

5. Environmental Factors

Environmental changes such as continued humidity can cause yeast infections. The weather and your diet combined can contribute to a problem. Candida of any kind loves dark, warm, moist places and sugar is it’s number one food source.

So now you know the causes, you can take the steps to treat it or if you have a recurring problem, take the steps to prevent another one!