A naturally occurring fungus, Candida albicans is the most common type of organism responsible for yeast infections in children and adults. Infections occur when there is a shift in natural flora allowing for yeast overgrowth, or a breakdown of our skin's integrity through a scrape or cut. While yeast infections sometimes occur in moist areas, such as skin folds and the mouth, the most common location is the vagina. According to Tori Hudson, N.D., author of "Women's Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine," candida is currently the second most common cause of vaginal infections in the United States. An estimated 75 percent of women have at least one yeast infection in their lives. Self diagnosing and especially self treating is very common and may lead to recurrence. For accurate diagnosis and treatment, it is best to consult a physician.
Medication
Use of medications such as antibiotics and steroids constitutes one of the most common causes for yeast overgrowth and infection. When antibiotics are used to kill unwanted bacteria, they wipe out most of the bacteria in their path, including good gastrointestinal and vaginal bacteria. Broad-spectrum antibiotics, such as penicillin, tetracyclines and cephalosporins, destroy lactobacilli, causing an imbalance in the normally occurring flora. This leads to the overgrowth of yeast. Also, steroids commonly used for inflammatory conditions may increase blood sugar levels, creating an optimal environment for candida yeast overgrowth.
Compromised Immune System
A healthy immune system protects the body from overgrowth of yeast. When a person has AIDS or leukemia or is undergoing immune suppressing treatments for organ transplants or cancer, his immune system becomes weakened or fully compromised. Without the immune system's vigilance, candida yeast tends to overgrow and infection develops. Other predisposing conditions include Cushing's disease, Addison's disease, hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal changes are common during pregnancy, menstruation, menopause and when a woman is taking birth control pills. According to MayoClinic.com, hormonal changes such as these create the right environment for candida yeast overgrowth. In his book, "Comprehensive Gynecology," Vern L. Katz, M.D. writes that the incidence of candida infections increases during these times due to increased levels of estrogen.
Other Predisposing Factors
Other factors increasing the risk for candida yeast infections include the use of tight-fitting clothing, nylon underwear and contraceptive devices. Excessive amounts of sugar in the diet as well as diabetes also increase the risk for candida yeast infections.
References
- "Women's Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine"; Tori Hudson, N.D.; 2008
- "Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine"; Effect of Antibiotics on Vulvovaginal Candidiasis: a MetroNet Study; Xu J, Schwartz K, Bartoces M, Monsur J, Severson RK and Sobel JD; July 2008
- MayoClinic.com: Vaginitis: Causes
- "Comprehensive Gynecology"; Vern L. Katz, M.D.; 2007
