Yeast Infection Causes: The Truth about Yeast

Yeast infection causes are wide and varied. They range from excessive antibiotic use to wearing cotton underwear. Whatever the cause, yeast infections are quite uncomfortable, and cause itching in feminine areas. The actual yeast infection itself is caused by an overgrowth on an organism called Candida albicans.

According to experts, tight fitting clothes, such as cotton underwear, can cause vaginal yeast infections. They do this by sealing in moisture, which gives yeast the opportunity to thrive and multiply. The result is an itchy rash, which is often accompanied by burning.

Yeast infection causes span the gamut. Surprisingly enough, stress has just as much potential to cause a yeast infection as do moist, wet environments.

Of course, one could speculate that any type of tight fitting garment could cause a yeast infection, and in reality, such is often the case. This is because yeast can collect in moist external areas of the body. These areas may include the following:

• Areas where skin is folded, such as in the crease of the arm
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• Armpits
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• Vagina
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• Penis

Another thing to watch is open wounds. Open wounds are hotbeds for bacteria, and can easily be infected by yeast. Contrary to what the commercials say, both men and women can develop yeast infections. The genital region is often affected, because moisture collects in these areas, as a result of sweating and already existing yeast.

Some research also suggests that chemicals such as perfume and dye can get into the genital area, and cause a yeast infection. Over the counter douches can also cause vaginal yeast infection. Other yeast infections culprits include:

• Hormones
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• Condoms

Hormones

Hormones are responsible for just about every physical and emotional response that takes place in the body. And yeast is no exception. According to experts, this is why it is common to get yeast infection during pregnancy - the body is filled with extra hormones that work together. As a result, your bodily functions are thrown off. This is why women tend to break out more while pregnant. The body is filled with extra estrogen.

Condoms

With the evolution of condoms, people have come to enjoy a host of benefits: better sensation, protection from sexually transmitted infections, and pregnancy prevention. However, with these conveniences, there comes a downside. Condoms are believed to be responsible for some yeast infections. Many condoms come with the spermicidal lubricant, nonoxynol-9. Some people claim that nonoxynol-9 is effective in preventing the transmission of HIV. However, other women develop yeast infections, as a result of using them.

Research also indicates that yeast infection causes also include:

• Repeated intercourse in a short period of time
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• HIV

The diagnosis for a yeast infection typically is not one you should make on your own. A doctor should always be seen for this type of infection. He or she will be able to differentiate between a yeast infection and something more serious. In any event, don’t let a yeast infection go without treatment for long. If left untreated, yeast infections have the ability to cause other problems that affect your internal organs.