Yeast infections, also known as candidiasis, are caused by the fungus Candida albicans. Typical symptoms of a yeast infection include white vaginal discharge; pain during intercourse; itching or burning in the vagina, around the vulva or at the tip of the penis; white patches in the mouth; and scaling, flaking, and itching of the skin between the toes or in the scalp. Anyone who suspects she may have a yeast infection should consult with a doctor.
Hormone Changes
The hormonal changes that a women experiences during her period and especially when she is pregnant makes her more susceptible to yeast infections, explains KidsHealth.org. A woman is more likely to suffer with a yeast infection during the second trimester of pregnancy than at any another time in her life, comments the American Pregnancy Association. They explain that during pregnancy the body has difficulty keeping up with all the different changes going in the body, including the chemical changes in the vagina. More sugar is therefore found in vaginal secretions, which feeds the yeast, enabling it to thrive and causing an imbalance.
Although a yeast infection has no major effect on pregnancy, the American Pregnancy Association points out that they are more difficult to control during pregnancy, so treatment should be sought immediately.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria, helping to treat infections. However, they also kill many of the beneficial bacteria in the body as well, explains KidsHealth.org. Without enough good bacteria to fight off the yeast, it can grow and cause an infection.
Weakened Immune System
A weakened immune system means that the body is less able to fight off a yeast infection. According to Medline Plus, people who may have a weakened immune system, and are therefore more likely to suffer with a yeast infection, are the elderly and the very young and those who are on steroid medication, have HIV or AIDS, are on immune-suppressing medication such as chemotherapy, or are in general poor health.
Certain Clothing
Yeast can thrive in moist, dark environments, explains KidsHealth.org, so clothing, especially underwear that traps heat and moisture or is too tight, could cause a yeast infection. FamilyDoctor.org recommends reducing the risk of a yeast infection by avoiding wearing clothes made out of a synthetic materials, such as nylon, and choosing cotton instead; by not wearing leotards or pantyhose every day; and by changing out of swimsuits or damp clothes as soon as possible.
