Yeast, a fungus, is normally present in small amounts in all vaginas. However, when it begins to overgrow, yeast infections take place. The Women's Health website states that 75 percent of all women will develop at least one infection in their life, while half will suffer from two. Knowing the causes of these infections can help you reduce your risk of becoming one of these statistics.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are perhaps the No. 1 cause of yeast infections in the United States. Some may develop an infection with only the prolonged use of one type of antibiotic, while others develop an infection no matter what antibiotic they take.
The problem occurs when the medication goes to work destroying the infection it was prescribed for, such as an ear infection. As it kills the bacteria causing your ear infection, it also kills the good bacteria found in your vaginal area, upsetting your natural balance. This results in an overgrowth of yeast.
Your Hormones
A woman's hormones are typically affected in one of three ways: her menstrual cycle, pregnancy and the use of birth control pills. During your menstrual cycle, your hormones fluctuate and the yeast in your vaginal area doesn't respond well to the change. The same problem occurs during pregnancy; however, it is slightly more severe during this time and often, pregnant women can expect to experience recurring yeast infections.
Immune System
If you have a weakened immune system due to conditions such as HIV, your body is unable to fight off bacterial growth as easy as a body with a strong immune system. Your immune system may even be weakened due to lack of sleep or stress.
Sexual Intercourse
While not technically considered a sexually transmitted disease, candida (yeast) can be passed between two partners during sexual intercourse, through both semen and vaginal fluid. While men are not as susceptible to developing yeast infections as women are, it is still a possibility. And remember, if you have a yeast infection and have unprotected sex with your male partner, he will only pass the bacteria back to you the next time you are together.
Diabetes
Diabetics are at a higher risk for developing yeast infections due to high blood sugar levels. The yeast in the vagina feeds off of these sugars, multiplying and resulting in a yeast infection. According to Monistat, multiple yeast infections may be an indication that your diabetes is not under control.
