Yeast is a type of fungus, naturally found in the vaginal area in small amounts. Yeast infections occur when the yeast grows in excess. A type of yeast called Candida albicans is the most common fungus that accounts for the majority of cases of vaginal irritation or yeast infections.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are one of the most common causes of yeast infections. They alter the delicate balance in the vagina by suppressing the "good" bacteria normally found in the vagina that keep the yeast fungus under control. Yeast infection develops when these bacteria are suppressed by antibiotics and the yeast are able to multiply rapidly leading to overgrowth and infection.
Weakened Immune System
According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), overgrowth of yeast can occur when the body's natural defenses are too low to fight the onset of infection. Yeast infections may be recurrent and severe in women infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Yeast infections in this population usually are not be alleviated with standard treatment.
Hormones
Hormonal shifts due to pregnancy,breastfeeding, menstruation, use of birth control pills, or menopause can lead to a disturbance in the pH balance in the vagina. A disruption in this balance can cause an imbalance between the normal vaginal bacteria and yeast. Yeast infection occurs due to this imbalance causing an overgrowth of yeast that can lead to infection.
Diabetes
Diabetics are at high risk for recurrent yeast infections. Poor control of diabetes leads to increased levels of blood sugar in the body. Yeast feeds on sugars, such as glucose and glycogen, which cause the yeast to grow and multiply at a rapid rate. Overgrowth of yeast leads to a yeast infection.
Active Lifestyle
Warm, moist climates cause yeast to thrive and grow in excess. Wearing tight fitting clothing, such as bathing suits, spandex workout clothing, etc. for prolonged periods of time place an individual at a higher risk for recurrent yeast infections. Removing these types of clothing immediately after use and cleansing the body with a mild soap and ensuring to dry the vaginal area well afterwards helps to prevent the yeast from having the chance to grow in excess and cause a yeast infection.
Pregnancy
During pregnancy, changes occur in the body's hormone levels which can lead to an increase risk of yeast infection. Blood glucose levels elevate and are secreted in the vaginal lining. Yeast thrive on glucose for growth, thus the excess in glucose in the vaginal area leads to an overgrowth in yeast that can cause infection. Yeast infections are most common during the third trimester of pregnancy.
Sex
Yeast can be passed from partner to partner. Yeast infections are not classified as sexually transmitted diseases, but a woman with an active yeast infection can in fact, spread the infection to a male partner. Men typically do not develop foul smelling discharge, as with vaginal yeast infections, but they are able to develop a penile rash.
