Dealing with itching, burning, and unusual discharge can be frustrating and uncomfortable. Understanding what causes a yeast infection helps you prevent them in the future.
Yeast infections are incredibly common. Most women will experience at least one in their lifetime.
But knowing the triggers means you can take steps to avoid them. Let’s explore what causes a yeast infection so you can take the next steps to comfort!
Related: How to Tell if You Have a Chest Infection
What Causes a Yeast Infection? Common Causes of Yeast Infections
Several factors can disrupt the delicate balance in your vaginal environment. When this happens, yeast can multiply out of control.
Antibiotic Use
Antibiotics are one of the most common answers to what causes a yeast infection. They kill harmful bacteria causing your illness, but they also eliminate beneficial bacteria.
Your vagina normally contains lactobacilli bacteria. These good bacteria keep yeast levels in check.
When antibiotics wipe out this protective bacteria, yeast seizes the opportunity to overgrow. The connection between antibiotics yeast infection is so strong that many doctors warn patients about this risk.
Hormonal Changes
Estrogen levels influence your vaginal environment. Higher estrogen creates conditions where yeast thrives more easily.
Pregnancy causes significant hormonal shifts that increase yeast infection risk. Birth control pills with high estrogen content can have the same effect.
Your menstrual cycle also creates hormonal fluctuations. Some women notice they're more prone to infections at certain times of the month.
Weakened Immune System
Your immune system normally keeps yeast growth under control. When it's compromised, candida overgrowth can occur.
Conditions like HIV, cancer treatments, or autoimmune diseases weaken your defenses. Even temporary illness or stress can make you more susceptible.
Lack of sleep and poor nutrition also impact immune function. Taking care of your overall health helps prevent yeast from multiplying unchecked.
High Blood Sugar Levels
Diabetes and poorly controlled blood sugar create an environment where yeast flourishes. Yeast feeds on sugar, and elevated glucose levels provide plenty of fuel.
Even people without diabetes can experience issues if their diet is very high in sugar. The excess sugar in your system can promote yeast growth.
Managing your blood sugar through diet and medication (if needed) reduces your risk significantly.
What Causes a Yeast Infection?: Understanding Yeast Infection Symptoms
Recognizing the signs helps you address what causes a yeast infection and get treatment quickly. Early identification means faster relief.
Vaginal Discharge Changes
Thick, white discharge that resembles cottage cheese is the hallmark sign. This discharge usually doesn't have a strong odor.
The texture and color differ from your normal discharge. You might notice it on your underwear or when wiping.
Some women produce more discharge than others. Pay attention to changes from your baseline rather than comparing to others.
Itching and Burning Sensations
Intense itching around the vaginal opening is one of the most uncomfortable yeast infection symptoms. The urge to scratch can be overwhelming.
Burning sensations often accompany the itching. This burning might worsen during urination or intercourse.
The vulva (external genital area) may appear red and swollen. This inflammation adds to the discomfort.
Pain During Intercourse
Vaginal yeast infection causes inflammation that makes sex painful. The tender, irritated tissue doesn't tolerate friction well.
Many women avoid intimacy during infections because of this discomfort. This is completely normal and protecting yourself from further irritation.
What Causes a Yeast Infection? Lifestyle Factors That Cause Yeast Infections
Beyond medical triggers, daily habits play a significant role in what causes a yeast infection. Small changes can make a big difference.
Tight Clothing and Moisture
Yeast thrives in warm, moist environments. Tight pants, synthetic underwear, and sweaty workout clothes create ideal conditions.
Wearing breathable cotton underwear helps air circulate. Changing out of wet bathing suits or exercise clothes promptly reduces risk.
Sleeping without underwear can also help keep the area dry and cool overnight. This simple change prevents moisture buildup.
Diet and Sugar Intake
While diet alone doesn't typically cause infections, it can contribute. High sugar consumption provides fuel for yeast growth.
Refined carbohydrates break down into sugar quickly. Excessive consumption might tip the balance toward overgrowth.
A balanced diet with plenty of vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains supports overall health. Some women find that reducing sugar helps prevent infections.
Douching and Harsh Products
Douching disrupts the vaginal pH balance. This disruption eliminates protective bacteria and allows yeast to flourish.
Scented soaps, bubble baths, and feminine hygiene sprays can also cause problems. These products irritate delicate tissue and alter your natural balance.
Stick to plain water or mild, unscented soap for external cleaning. Your vagina is self-cleaning and doesn't need internal washing.
Why Some Women Get Recurring Yeast Infections
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Understanding what causes a yeast infection becomes especially important if you experience them frequently. Recurring yeast infections require a different approach.
Incomplete Treatment
Stopping yeast infection treatment early allows some yeast to survive. These remaining organisms multiply and cause symptoms to return.
Always complete the full course of medication, even if symptoms disappear. Most treatments last 3-7 days depending on the product.
Over-the-counter treatments might not be strong enough for stubborn infections. If symptoms persist after treatment, see a healthcare provider.
Underlying Health Conditions
Diabetes, thyroid disorders, and immune system problems increase infection risk. These conditions alter your body's ability to maintain balance.
If you experience four or more infections per year, medical evaluation is important. Your doctor can check for underlying causes.
Managing chronic conditions reduces yeast infection frequency. Proper treatment of the root cause prevents repeated episodes.
Sexual Transmission
While yeast infections aren't sexually transmitted infections, partners can pass yeast back and forth. This is especially true for women with male partners who have untreated thrush.
If infections keep returning after treatment, your partner might need treatment too. Even without symptoms, they could be carrying yeast.
Using condoms during treatment prevents reinfection. Wait until treatment is complete before resuming unprotected sex.
Resistant Yeast Strains
Some yeast strains don't respond to standard treatments. These resistant organisms require prescription-strength medications.
If over-the-counter treatments repeatedly fail, you might be dealing with non-albicans candida. Different yeast species need different antifungal medications.
A healthcare provider can perform testing to identify the specific yeast type. This ensures you receive the most effective treatment.
Get Treatment for Yeast Infections with MedsRUs
Understanding what causes a yeast infection empowers you to make better choices for your health. Whether it's avoiding tight clothing or managing underlying conditions, prevention is possible.
If you're currently dealing with a yeast infection, effective yeast infection treatment is available. MedsRUs offers convenient online consultations for various women’s health concerns.
Our clinicians can assess your symptoms and recommend appropriate antifungal treatments. We make getting relief simple and discreet.
Register with MedsRUs today to explore your treatment options. Don't let discomfort disrupt your life when help is just a few clicks away.