Yeast infections are caused by different kinds of yeast. Depending on the different yeasts that cause the infection the medical condition is called candidosis, moniliasis or oidiomycosis. However, the most common yeast that causes yeast infection among humans is Candida albicans, yeast that is also found normally on the skin and the vagina in normal healthy humans too.
So if yeast is present in a normal healthy body, then what is the difference between those who suffer from yeast infections and those who do not? The presence of a certain amount of yeast does not cause any harm. On the other hand when the yeast starts to multiply rapidly and becomes dominant, there are specific symptoms that start to appear. The point, therefore, that needs to be considered is that while it is the yeast that causes yeast infection, there are other underlying reasons why the yeast start to multiply faster so as to cause irritating symptoms.
In human beings that show no signs of yeast infections, the growth of the yeast is kept in check by good bacteria that destroy the yeast. So as the yeast multiplies they are also killed and destroyed by the good bacteria. As long as this microbial balance is maintained, there is no issue. Yeast can become higher in number when the good bacteria reduces in number or when there are conditions that are favorable for the yeast to multiply too rapidly for the good bacteria to keep up.
Some of the reasons why the good bacteria reduce in number are:
Weak immune system – A weak immune system is debilitating and the constitution of the body is such in which it cannot fight back with the yeast infection. The immune system can become weak due to cancer treatments, steroids or other treatments like radiology and chemotherapy.
Extended ailments – Any ailment that lasts for a long time can make the immune system weak. This happens because the immune system has to continuously fight the pathogens that are causing a disease.
Ingestion of antibiotics – Antibiotics are extremely dangerous and is one of the primary yeast infection causes. Antibiotic, though successful in combating some pathogens that affect the body, they also kill the good bacteria that are used by the body to perform various functions. So consumption of antibiotics for a long time can result in lower levels of good bacteria in the system. This leads to a situation where the number of yeast that is destroyed lowers while the multiplication continues. Preponderance of yeast causes yeast infection symptoms to surface.
Use of vaginal douches – Using vaginal deodorants or douches can result in disrupting the balance between the good bacteria and the yeast in the vaginal area. A vaginal yeast infection can then happen in such cases.
Other circumstances favorable for the yeast to multiply faster than the pace at which the good bacteria can keep up.
Wet moist environment – Candida albicans and other yeast find it extremely favorable to grow and multiply in an environment that is moist and wet and warm. Which is why vaginal yeast infections are extremely common since it is one area that is warm, moist and wet most of the times and is also exposed to the external environment. Other areas like underarms, the area below the breasts or lower abdomen and toenails and fingernails are also prone to yeast infections.
Diabetes mellitus – High blood sugar levels that are not controlled can provide a friendly environment for the yeast to grow. Yeast and fungus thrive in sugary environment and therefore high blood sugar levels can make it possible for the infection to spread.
Improper clothing – Clothes that are tight or poorly ventilated can also cause sweat to accumulate in specific areas. Cotton clothing is best to allow ventilation.
Improper wiping – Wiping from back to front can result in bad bacteria entering the vagina causing the good bacteria to reduce in number and allowing yeast to become more dominant.
Other yeast infection causes are pregnancy, menstruation, sperm, and consumption of oral contraceptive pills. Some condoms contain a lubricant that contains nonoxynol-9. This is a spermicidal gel that is used for added contraception. The gel may also disrupt the balance between the yeast and the bacteria and cause yeast infections. Though there is no direct correlation between consuming foods that contain yeast and a yeast infection, there is a possibility that the connection exists. Higher levels of intake of bread, beer, alcohol and sugar can also result in a higher risk of yeast infections.
Yeast infections are generally spoken about in the context of women. Sometimes they are mentioned in the context of children when oral yeast infections like thrush are discussed. However, male or penile yeast infections are not talked about too often. However, they are a reality and can be caused due to the same reasons as those mentioned above. In addition to that, penile yeast infections can also be transmitted during sexual intercourse with a partner who suffers from vaginal yeast infection. Contact with the yeast, especially when you have a cuts or lesions on the skin can also occur.
Whether it is vaginal yeast infection, oral thrush or penile infections or a diaper rash, the first thing that most people tend to reach out is an antifungal cream. While some of these are effective in providing relief and managing the problem locally, the solution is not a permanent one. Physicians tend to prescribe oral antibiotics if the symptoms become too much. However, the fact is that these antibiotics can lead to further complications since they kill good bacteria.
The answer therefore is not to use antibiotics but to use natural remedies that can result in restoring the natural balance of the body. Taking the natural route can help in enabling the body to get back its own strength so that it can fight back. As the body’s capability in fighting the yeast increases, the chances of the yeast infection recurring reduce to minimal.