By Faye Finlay


Yeast infections are simply defined as infections caused by a yeast .Yeast is a fungus that normally lives in the vagina in small numbers.The scientific name for yeast is candida albicans.

Yeasts are commensal organisms.That means they live normally on the human skin and in wet areas like the mouth and vagina.About 20 to 50 %of women carry yeasts in their vagina normally.Sometimes, the yeast organisms grow rapidly and cause an infection.

A majority of women,up to 75% perhaps ,will have a yeast infection at some point in their lives.When they do,they usually find the symptoms bothersome but they are not necessarily serious symptoms.

Yeast infections can be caused by other organisms apart from Candida Albicans.Vaginal infections can be caused by other organisms such as gonorrhea and trichomonas.The treatment of a yeast infection depends on the particular specie that is causing it.

A healthy vagina contains many bacteria and also a small number of yeast cells.the commonest bacteria in the vagina is Lactobacillus acidophillus and it functions to keep other organisms in the vagina under control.

At times,there are certain conditions that change the balance of the organisms.When this happens the yeast organisms proliferate too much much and cause symptoms like vaginal discharge and itchiness.

Yeast infections are commonly caused by antibiotics.

When antibiotics are prescribed for infections like chest infections,urine infections the antibiotics can sometimes eradicate the normal protective organism in the body and cause the yeasts to proliferate.

In pregnancy,there are high levels of oestrogen and pregnant women are prone to candida infections.

Women who are taking Hormone Replacement Therapy can be prone to have increased incidence of vaginal infections.

Diabetes Mellitus leads to high levels of blood sugar and this encourages yeasts to proliferate.

Steroid treatment can eradicate the normal bacteria in the vagina and cause infections.

Injuries can occur to the tissues in the vagina during procedures like chemotherapy.

If you are taking oral contraceptives,you may become more prone to having vaginal yeast infections

Other things that can predispose to vaginal yeast infections are the use of perfumed sprays.

-Wearing tight pants.Candida likes warm moist airless parts of the body.

You will be in a position to address the issue of yeast infections when you become aware of what causes yeast infections.




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