Cause of Yeast Infection
Candida albicans a kind of fungus present in our body when grows and multiply in large volumes causes yeast infection. This fungus is present in moist and exposed parts of our body like vagina, mouth, penis foreskin, armpits, diaper layers etc. Most common type of yeast infection is vaginal yeast infection. Candida albicans when triggered with some environmental change that is favorable to its growth starts growing and multiply rapidly.
Following are some of the possible causes for yeast infection:
- Poor or Low Immunity: This is probably the biggest cause of yeast infections. Too much work or illness could be the major reasons for poor immunity. Overall health and fitness has a direct effect over immunity; being active and eating healthy foods helps to improves immunity.
- People suffering with Diabetes Mellitus or HIV infections are at a greater risk for developing yeast infections.
- Prolonged usage of antibiotic medicines kills the protective bacteria and provide perfect environment for candida albicans to grow and cause infection.
- Any drastic change in diet which includes lots of sugars like sucrose, glucose or lactose etc is also found be one of the main causes for yeast infection.
- Malnourished poor nutrition or unbalanced diet has indirect effect on body and increases the risk of candidiasis.
- Pregnant women and women who are taking estrogen birth control pills are at a greater risk as increased estrogen level in body helps candida to grow and multiply rapidly.
- In some women mild yeast infections keep coming back regularly towards the end of monthly menstrual cycles. Hormonal changes occurring during these days are considered to be the cause for such recurring yeast infections.
- It is also observed the wearing tight nylon under wears, thongs, swimming costumes that inhibit skin from breathing are also responsible to a large extent for fungal growth in crotch and vaginal area.
- If a pregnant woman has yeast infection, there are chances that she may transmit her disease to infant during labor. Similarly if a child has oral yeast infection while he is being nursed by her mother, chances of mother getting affected with yeast infection are higher.