The human body carries a combination of useful bacteria as well as candida, or yeast. The most common areas where candida is likely to be found are in the mouth, skin, intestinal tract and the vagina. Lactobacillus and other beneficial bacteria help stabilize the amount of candida yeast within the intestinal system. An overgrowth of candida yeast can develop when the balance of beneficial bacteria in the body is disrupted.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy may cause a candida yeast overgrowth because of the change in hormones--particularly increased estrogen--and pH levels in the body, notes MayoClinic.com. Candida yeast already exists within the vagina, which makes it possible for an overgrowth to take place. Once candida yeast grows to an uncontrollable level, it becomes a yeast infection. Signs of the infection are a white discharge with the consistency of cottage cheese, swelling around the vaginal opening and pain during sexual intercourse.
Antibiotics
Taking antibiotics for other infections can cause an overgrowth of candida yeast primarily because antibiotics interfere with the balance of bacteria within the body. According to MedlinePlus, antibiotics decrease the amount of bacteria that regulates and controls candida yeast overgrowth. Continued use of antibiotics can cause repeated occurrence of candida yeast infections. The symptoms may go away if the use of antibiotics is discontinued. Antibiotics may also cause an overgrowth of candida yeast within the folds of the skin. This type of candida yeast overgrowth can occur in obese individuals.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a disorder that impairs the proper breakdown of sugar in the body. According to the website Yeast Infection Treatments, women with diabetes are at a greater risk for candida yeast infections because of the high amounts of sugar present in vaginal fluids. Candida yeast grows when large amounts of sugar and wheat are present in the body. Common signs of a candida yeast infection due to diabetes may include a burning sensation around the vaginal lining, frequent vaginal discharge and severe itching around the vaginal opening.
