It’s very important to learn what causes yeast infection in order to better understand how to prevent it rather than having to treat it after it has already spread. Having this understanding allows you to treat yeast infection yourself with cheaper at-home remedies rather than you having to buy expensive prescription drugs.
Vaginal yeast infections are brought on by Candida Albicans. While these bacteria are always present in small numbers within your vaginal area, when there is a change in the vaginal environment (such as through sexual transmission or injury) these bacteria are able to rapidly multiply.
Main Causes
Antibiotics
Oftentimes antibiotics, even ones prescribed for completely unrelated illnesses (such as a Sinus Infection), can kill ‘good’ bacteria as well as the bacteria being targetted. These ‘good’ bacteria keep yeast levels under control and once they get wiped out, your body doesn’t stand much chance against yeast infection.
Chemicals
Certain types of dyes found in clothing or perfumes can swing the balance of your crotch or cause alergic reactions that procede to trigger a yeast infection. Watch out for certain laundry detergents, scented toilet paper, fabric softeners, and commercial douches. Try switching out these products you use and see if your yeast infections occur less frequently.
Clothing
Yeast can live in tight, dirty, or non-cotton underwear. Any underclothing that traps moisture and heat is probably a good candidate for providing yeast a place to live on to torment you later. Undyed/unbleached cotton underwear is recommended (some readers have suggested going without underwear altogether). If you have a yeast infection, be sure to wash and iron your underwear. This insures the yeast is dead before you wear that pair of undies again.
Condoms
Condoms that contain nonoxylnol-9, a type of spermicide, are also known to cause yeast infections. Try changing the type of condom you use (one that doesn’t have a spermicidal lubricant).
Diet
It is proven that women with diabetes have a higher chance of yeast infections, presumably because of the increased sugar in their urine. Try cutting back on your sugar intake and see if that has any effect.
Hormones and Pills
Hormone fluctuations (both natural and those brought on by certain medications) can increase the prevalence of yeast infection. Birth control can be a culprit and you can deduce that it is possibly the pill if you get a break out every month preceding your period.
Injury
Injury to your vaginal area (caused by friction) can also make it easier for a yeast infection to take hold. Try adding lubrication if you think this is the case.
Intercourse Transmission
It is possible for yeast infections to be shared between partners. While lesbians have a greater chance of sharing a yeast infection with her partner, men can get yeast infections too.
Compromised Immune System
HIV and Lyme’s disease greatly increase the risk of yeast infection. It can also be common to get thrush in your throat and mouth due to having a weakened immune system.
