Causes of yeast infection: What you need to know

Causes of yeast infection include a variety of factors that can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria and fungi in the body.

Yeast infections are a common problem for many people, especially women. They are caused by an overgrowth of the candida fungus, which can be triggered by a lot of reasons.

If you're suffering from a yeast infection, it's important to understand the causes of yeast infection so that you can take steps to prevent future occurrences.

What you need to know about the causes of yeast infections?

Here are some of the most common causes of yeast infections:

Antibiotics: Antibiotics are one of the most common causes of yeast infections, as they can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria and fungi in the body. When that happens, Candida can grow unchecked and cause an infection.

Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes, like those that occur during pregnancy, menstruation and menopause, can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria and fungi in the body, which could lead to yeast infection.

Diabetes: People with diabetes are more susceptible to yeast infections, as high blood sugar level can promote the growth of candida. If you have diabetes, it's important to keep your blood sugar level under control to reduce risk of developing a yeast infection.

Tight clothing: Wearing tight clothing can create a warm, moist environment that's conducive to yeast growth. That's particularly true for tight-fitting pants, leggings and underwear.

Poor hygiene can also contribute to the development of yeast infections (Pic via Unsplash/Nathan Dumlao)

Poor hygiene: Poor hygiene can also contribute to development of yeast infections. It's important to keep the genital area clean and dry, especially after exercise or sexual activity.

Weakened immune system: A weakened immune system can make you more susceptible to all types of infections, including yeast infections. They can be caused by a variety of factors, like stress, lack of sleep, poor nutrition and certain medications.

Sexual activity: Yeast infections can be spread through sexual activity, particularly if your partner has a yeast infection. Using a condom can help reduce risk of infection, but it's not foolproof.

Imbalanced diet: A diet high in sugar and carbohydrates can provide the candida fungus with the nutrients it needs to grow and thrive, making it one of the causes of yeast infections.

Signs of yeast infection

If you suspect that you have a yeast infection, it's important to recognize the signs so that you can seek treatment as soon as possible.

Here're some of the most common signs of a yeast infection:

Itching and irritation: One of the most common symptoms of a yeast infection is itching and irritation in the genital area. It can be quite uncomfortable and can lead to a persistent urge to scratch.
Burning and soreness: Yeast infections can also cause burning and soreness in the genital area, especially during urination or sexual activity.
Discharge: A yeast infection can cause a thick, white discharge that may look like cottage cheese. This discharge may also have a strong odor.
Rash: In some cases, a yeast infection can cause a rash on the skin around the genitals. This rash may be red, swollen and painful.
Pain during sex: Yeast infections can cause pain and discomfort during sexual activity. That can be due to the inflammation and irritation in the genital area

How do yeast infections look like?

Understand the causes of yeast infection to prevent getting it. (Pic via Unsplash/Romina Farías)

Yeast infections typically do not have a visible appearance. However, they can cause a range of symptoms that can indicate an infection, like itching, irritation and a thick, white discharge.

While these symptoms can be uncomfortable and bothersome, they do not typically cause any visible changes to the affected area.

How to prevent yeast infection?

There are steps you can take to prevent yeast infections from occurring in the first place. These include:

Avoiding tight clothing, especially around the genital area
Keeping the genital area clean and dry
Having a healthy, balanced diet
Managing stress
Getting enough sleep
Avoiding douching and other feminine hygiene products that can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria and fungi in the body

By understanding the causes of yeast infections and taking steps to prevent them, you can reduce your risk of experiencing this common and uncomfortable problem. If you're unsure about whether you have a yeast infection or how to treat it, make sure to consult a healthcare professional.