Yeast infection is a common vaginal infection that affects three out
of four women at some point in their lives. The infection is so common
that women can get it more than once in their lifetime. Suffering from a
genital infection can be very uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassing.
To reduce a woman’s susceptibility to vaginal infections, it is
important to know the factors increasing the risk of yeast infection in women.
Yeast infection is a treatable condition but it has the tendency to
recur and so a woman must understand what triggers yeast infection in
order to stop it from developing.
Yeast infection is mainly caused by the overgrowth of the fungus
Candida albicans. Candida is naturally present in the vagina but
normally do not cause any problem if kept in check. Good bacteria keeps
the Candida fungus under control. If the natural balance of
microorganisms in the vagina is disturbed, infection is more likely to
occur. The natural balance of vaginal bacteria can be disturbed by many
factors. These factors increase the risk of yeast infection in women. So what are these factors?
Pregnancy. Women are more prone to thrush or yeast infection when
they are pregnant. The changes in the vagina’s environment due to
increased level of estrogen and the production of more glycogen ( a form
of sugar) during pregnancy makes it favorable for the yeast fungus to
flourish thus increasing the risk of yeast infection in women
who are pregnant. Although having yeast infection won’t harm the unborn
child, self-medication could endanger your pregnancy. Pregnant women
should not take anti-thrush medications on their own. It is best to
consult your doctor than buying over-the-counter medicines.
Taking antibiotics. The use of antibiotics are usually prescribed by
doctors to kill the bacteria causing infections. Taking antibiotics
increases the risk of yeast infection in women. Why? Because
antibiotics attacks not only the bad bacteria but also the good bacteria
that fights the overgrowth of yeast fungus. When the bacterial balance
of the vagina is disturbed and yeast fungus overgrowth occurs, yeast
infection is more likely to happen. If you are experiencing yeast
infection while taking antibiotics, talk to your doctor. There must be
alternative medicines to address your health issues without causing
yeast infection.
Weakened immune system. Impaired immune system can increase the risk of yeast infection in women.
When one’s immune system is weak, it is hard to fight diseases and
infections. A person is more prone to infections if the immune system is
not strong enough to fight the bacteria or viruses causing the
infection. Lack of sleep, malnutrition and stress are some of the
factors affecting one’s immune system. To reduce the risk of yeast infection in women,
they need to live a healthy lifestyle to boost their immune system.
People whose immunity is compromised like those who have HIV, diabetes
and cancer treatment are also more prone to yeast infection.
Sexual activities. Although yeast infection is not a sexually transmitted disease, one’s sexual activity can increase the risk of yeast infection in women.
The vagina is a sensitive part of the body and it is susceptible to any
kind of vaginal infection and irritation during sexual activities so it
is better to practice safe sex. Practice proper vaginal hygiene
especially after sex.
Too much sugar in your diet. Yeast feeds on sugar so the more sugar
you take the more food you provide for the yeast to grow faster. If your
diet is usually high in sugar, you are giving yeast a happy feast. Most
people would think that a high sugar diet is only from sweets like
cakes and chocolates but a diet high in carbohydrates is also a culprit
since carbohydrates are converted to sugar once broken down by the body.
Fruit sugar called fructose can also boost your blood sugar level. Any
diet that can increase one’s blood sugar increases the risk of yeast infection in women.
Scented feminine hygiene products. Yeast infection occurs when the
natural pH of the vagina is disturbed and one factor that can disturb
the natural environment of the vagina is by using scented feminine
hygiene products like scented sanitary pads, toilet paper, vaginal
deodorant or sprays and soaps. Even the laundry soap and fabric
conditioners you used to wash your underwear can contribute to the
changes in your vaginal environment leading to infections.
Underwear fabrics. Yeast loves airless, warm and moist environment
and if you are wearing underwear that promotes sweating like those made
from synthetic materials, you are giving yeast a favorable breeding
environment. Constricting clothing like tight-fitting pants can also
cause sweating so wear loose pants or skirts to allow air circulation
around the vagina. Create a breathable environment for your vagina to
stop yeast from growing.
Knowing the factors increasing the risk of yeast infection in women can help every woman prevent the occurrence of yeast infection. To stop yeast infection once and for all visit Natural Yeast Infection Cure
