Root Causes of Yeast Infections
Ask a woman what is causing their yeast infection and you’ll likely get a blank stare. She will likely know the signs and symptoms, she’ll know all about the discomfort this infection causes, and she probably knows how to cure a yeast infection. Men and women alike often know the cure for the current flare up, but to be able to cure yeast infections for life you really need to understand the causes. For the uninformed, not understanding the source of their yeast infection will doom them to getting it repeatedly.
Yeast infections are simply irritations of mocous membranes throughout the body in places like the vagina, intestines, skin or mouth. Infected areas become irritated and often swell up. The infection itself is simply an over-abundance of a fungus known as candidiasis. This same family of fungi is also responsible for thrush infections and vaginitis.
What’s the real scoop on the causes of yeast infections?
You must understand what causes yeast infections to stop getting them in the future. Vulnerable areas of the body provide the candida fungus the opportunity to attack. Women taking antibiotics or steroid medications are often the major target of yeast infections. Medications like these often cause the vagina to develop too much candida fungus. Actually, candida is a fungus commonly found in the vagina; it’s only when the fungus explodes into an over-abundance that it causes a yeast infection. Antibiotics and steroids for some women are required for them to stay healthy. Women that need to take these medications will often take a yeast infection medication at the same time, especially if they are prone to getting yeast infections.
Hot weather and damp underclothing or swimsuits can also cause yeast infections. The candida fungus thrives in warm, damp environments. Everything candia needs to flourish is provided by persperation in the vaginal area or a damp swimsuit. To prevent yeast infections in hot, damp weather, change your underwear if it feels too damp, use wetness-absorbing powder in your underclothes, and change out of your swimsuit into dry clothing when you’re not swimming.
A well-known cause of yeast infections among women is wearing shorts or jeans that are too tight. Clothing that’s too tight-fitting causes vaginal irritation. Candida flourishes on the irritated vaginal skin. After the irritation, comes the start of the full-blown yeast infection. It makes a lot of sense for women who are susceptable to yeast infections to avoid tight-fitting clothing whenever possible.
Tight clothing is not the only source of irritations that cause yeast infections. Some soaps and bath products have been known to cause irritation for some women who have especially sensitive skin. While these products may feel and smell pleasant, these things aren’t worth causing a yeast infection. If you know that certain bath products cause irritations in which candida thrives, simply avoid them. An option to turn to is to try a milk-bath product that only has a small amount of soap in it.
Finally, it’s vitally important that women do not use douche products. Your physician will advise you that douches are not helpful or necessary in maintaining the health of your vagina. Nature will maintain your help and doesn’t need assistance from harsh douche products.