Hormonal imbalance is one of the most common causes of Candidiasis or yeast infection. People on antibiotic therapy are also susceptible because most antibiotics lead to the elimination of the yeast’s natural competitors thereby allowing the overgrowth of C.albicans. With the overgrowth come several different conditions.
Although they do not progress to any life-threatening conditions, they may very well induce irritating and unsightly infections, either internally or externally.
Other groups that may be susceptible to yeast infections are those suffering from diabetes mellitus, HIV /AIDS and other immunocompromised groups. Likewise, people on chemotherapy or haemodialysis may also be candidates.
Women who regularly wear fitted jeans create the perfect environment for the proliferation of c.albicans.
Warm, moist areas are most prone to infections, albeit external – but cause trouble by being truly irritating – the itch and redness due to sores that accompany the infection can disrupt daily existence.[source]
In addition, “innocent” conditions such as fatigue and too much stress can bring about certain candidiasis infections because they can cause different sorts of imbalances in the body.
Improper nutrition can also be a key factor in candidiasis infections. Insufficient amounts of fiber in the diet will allow for the proliferation of candida in the digestive tract and eventually lead to an overgrowth.
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Damage to the intestinal lining can be brought about by the long-term use of anti-inflammatory drugs or pain killers.
Factors that May Increase Vaginal Yeast
There are several factors that may increase your risk of developing yeast infection. For instance, most women who take antibiotics have an elevated risk of developing these infections.
This is because most antibiotics are effective against a wide range of bacteria. As such, they eradicate the healthy bacteria in your vagina, leading to an overgrowth of yeast.
The infections are also likely to occur more frequently if you have increased levels of estrogen. Estrogen levels may increase as a result of pregnancy, estrogen hormone therapy, or taking estrogen-high birth control pills. [source]
Some health conditions may also increase the risk of developing yeast infection. For instance, in women with diabetes, women who do not have their diabetes under control are more likely to develop the infections than those who have their blood sugar levels under control.
Women who have a lower immunity due to conditions such as HIV infection or corticosteroid therapy are also more likely to get the infections than those with a good immune system.
Although yeast infection is not considered as a sexually transmitted infection, one of the methods in which the Candida organism can be introduced into your vagina is via sexual contact.
Generally, having unprotected sex increases your risk of developing many infections, including yeast infection.
Preventing Vaginal Yeast Infection
Normally, antifungal creams or tablets are used to treat the infection. However, to prevent initial flare-ups or even re-occurrence of the problem, you need to observe good genital hygiene.
- Proper genital hygiene will obviously begin with keeping your vaginal area clean. To accomplish this, use clean water and mild, unscented soap.
- Once you are clean, you need to wear underwear that does not hold in moisture and warmth.
- Cotton underwear is a good choice to help you keep your genital area cool and dry. The clothes you wear should also be loose-fitting.
- Tight-fitting clothing such as tight-fitting jeans and pantyhose may increase body moisture and heat in your genital area.
- If you like swimming regularly, make sure that you change out of the wet swimsuit immediately after swimming. Keeping them on for hours may keep your genital area moist, which promotes yeast infection.
- During your menstrual period, it is good to change your pads or tampons regularly to avoid the aforementioned effects.
- You should also avoid using douches, deodorant tampons or feminine powders, sprays or perfumes. These contain chemicals that may upset the normal balance of organisms in your genital area.
Good Sexual Practice
- It’s good idea to clean after sex before falling asleep, especially if you had intercourse without your man wearing condom!
- If you are applying any Candida cream then your man also should apply the same to his penis head.
- If you do oral then man should not insert tongue into vagina. The bacteria in mouth & saliva may increase the risk of infection. Instead stick to outer labia & clit-hood. Absolutely NO anal to vagina adventure!
Vaginal yeast infections are very common among most women. Although these infections are rarely serious, they can cause you a lot of discomfort. The good news is that you can easily prevent or treat these infections.