Yeast is a fungus called Candida. It is found naturally in the body in moist areas. Your immune system usually keeps the levels of yeast in check; however, under certain circumstances, the levels can get too high and a yeast infection can occur. This can happen in your mouth, throat, any body creases or the genital area. Both men and women can get yeast infections. Yeast infections that do not respond to treatment or that reoccur need to be addressed by your doctor. To help avoid complications, she will need to determine the cause of your frequent yeast infections and treat any underlying medical conditions.
Antibiotics
Taking antibiotics is a common trigger for yeast infections, says Michigan State University. This is especially the case if you take them for long periods such as when treating a sinus infection or other chronic problem. While the antibiotics may help take care of the bacteria causing your sinus infection, they may also destroy beneficial bacteria that keep the yeast normally found in the body from multiplying.
Illnesses/Medical Conditions
If you have an illness like diabetes, cancer or HIV/AIDS that compromises your immune system, you are more susceptible to frequent yeast infections. The Woman's Health.gov website states that if you are living with insomnia and are run down from lack of sleep, your risk can go up. The hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and during menstruation can throw your body out of balance and leave you at risk as well. Treating the underlying condition will help to resolve your yeast infections.
Clothing and Soaps
According to OBGYN.net, clothing can also cause frequent yeast infections. You want to avoid wearing tight clothing, especially if it is not made from cotton, and also avoid wearing clothes that are moist for extended periods. Wearing looser clothing and changing into dry clothing after working out or swimming should help. In addition, you may need to avoid clothing that contains certain inks, dyes and perfumes that you may be having a reaction to. When trying to control frequent yeast infections you may need to try different soaps, toilet papers, tampons, sanitary pads and deodorant sprays, as they may all contain ingredients that are contributing to your condition.
Sexual Intercourse
While not as common, it is possible to pass on a yeast infection to your partner. You may need to avoid intercourse while one or both of you is infected to avoid continually passing it to one another.
