What causes yeast infections in women? Here we will explore some lesser known causes.
Condoms
In two different ways, condoms are known to cause vaginal yeast infections in women: those who are allergic to the latex in condoms, and a lubricant in condoms that contain Nonoxynol-9. Nonoxynol-9 is a spermicidal (detergent that kills sperm) used in lubes and foams that has been linked to causing yeast infections in women, as well as bladder infections. By washing away the natural layer of skin that protects the ****** from germs, Nonoxynol-9 is an avoidable choice as not all condom/lube/foam manufacturers use this ingredient. Women who complain about getting yeast infections often after protected *** (using condoms) can usually narrow down Nonoxynol-9 as the cause. As far as latex condoms go, plastic (polyurethane) types are also available.
Hormones
Artificial and natural hormones can affect yeast. Oral contraceptives are a primary cause of vaginal yeast infections in women in their 20’s and early 30’s. Women during their period may find temporary reprieve from a yeast infection as yeast does not like the pH of menstrual blood; don’t be fooled however, once the period ceases to be, some women on oral contraceptives are prone to monthly yeast infections. Hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) is another cause to be aware of: hormonal fluctuations can and will affect yeast, as well as cortisone-related medications such as prednisone—a steroid.
Injury
Damage to the vaginal area can lead to a yeast infection and it is usually attributed to too much friction during *** without enough lubrication. Be aware of this because there are products like K-Y jelly available to prevent this.
Pregnancy
It is possible to have a yeast infection and get pregnant. The overgrowth of Candida albicans in the ****** will not kill sperm; so if you are ovulating and have unprotected *** you may get pregnant. Pregnant women are more apt to get yeast infections and some say this is due to a woman’s immune system being suppressed at this time in order to protect the developing fetus. If this didn’t occur during pregnancy, it is possible your body would see the fetus as a ‘foreign body’ which would need to be attacked and eliminated. When the immune system is suppressed, Candida albicans may take advantage of the situation and grow out of control. This may manifest into a vaginal yeast infection. If you are prone to developing yeast infections when you are not pregnant then you may be a good candidate to develop them when pregnant.
Sexual transmission
Contrary to some opinions, not unlike STD’s (sexually transmitted diseases) Candida can be transmitted from partner to partner. Men who have yeast infections may not show symptoms so it is possible to unknowingly reinfect a woman who has had recent treatment for a yeast infection. Since the infection can keep getting passed back and forth (from man to woman, woman to man, woman to woman), both partners should complete treatment before resuming sexual activity.
Weakened immune system
Immune systems weakened by HIV, thyroid disease, autoimmune diseases and the like are at risk for chronic vaginal yeast infections. Taking immune system suppressing drugs (as people who have had transplanted organs do) can also be at risk for a yeast infection.
Women must be aware of the many ways they are at risk of developing a yeast infection. Better awareness can definitely be a plus in prevention for what causes yeast infections in women, as more women are prone to drug resistance by using traditional fungal medications for cure.
By: ellen dole
About the Author:
Condoms
In two different ways, condoms are known to cause vaginal yeast infections in women: those who are allergic to the latex in condoms, and a lubricant in condoms that contain Nonoxynol-9. Nonoxynol-9 is a spermicidal (detergent that kills sperm) used in lubes and foams that has been linked to causing yeast infections in women, as well as bladder infections. By washing away the natural layer of skin that protects the ****** from germs, Nonoxynol-9 is an avoidable choice as not all condom/lube/foam manufacturers use this ingredient. Women who complain about getting yeast infections often after protected *** (using condoms) can usually narrow down Nonoxynol-9 as the cause. As far as latex condoms go, plastic (polyurethane) types are also available.
Hormones
Artificial and natural hormones can affect yeast. Oral contraceptives are a primary cause of vaginal yeast infections in women in their 20’s and early 30’s. Women during their period may find temporary reprieve from a yeast infection as yeast does not like the pH of menstrual blood; don’t be fooled however, once the period ceases to be, some women on oral contraceptives are prone to monthly yeast infections. Hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) is another cause to be aware of: hormonal fluctuations can and will affect yeast, as well as cortisone-related medications such as prednisone—a steroid.
Injury
Damage to the vaginal area can lead to a yeast infection and it is usually attributed to too much friction during *** without enough lubrication. Be aware of this because there are products like K-Y jelly available to prevent this.
Pregnancy
It is possible to have a yeast infection and get pregnant. The overgrowth of Candida albicans in the ****** will not kill sperm; so if you are ovulating and have unprotected *** you may get pregnant. Pregnant women are more apt to get yeast infections and some say this is due to a woman’s immune system being suppressed at this time in order to protect the developing fetus. If this didn’t occur during pregnancy, it is possible your body would see the fetus as a ‘foreign body’ which would need to be attacked and eliminated. When the immune system is suppressed, Candida albicans may take advantage of the situation and grow out of control. This may manifest into a vaginal yeast infection. If you are prone to developing yeast infections when you are not pregnant then you may be a good candidate to develop them when pregnant.
Sexual transmission
Contrary to some opinions, not unlike STD’s (sexually transmitted diseases) Candida can be transmitted from partner to partner. Men who have yeast infections may not show symptoms so it is possible to unknowingly reinfect a woman who has had recent treatment for a yeast infection. Since the infection can keep getting passed back and forth (from man to woman, woman to man, woman to woman), both partners should complete treatment before resuming sexual activity.
Weakened immune system
Immune systems weakened by HIV, thyroid disease, autoimmune diseases and the like are at risk for chronic vaginal yeast infections. Taking immune system suppressing drugs (as people who have had transplanted organs do) can also be at risk for a yeast infection.
Women must be aware of the many ways they are at risk of developing a yeast infection. Better awareness can definitely be a plus in prevention for what causes yeast infections in women, as more women are prone to drug resistance by using traditional fungal medications for cure.
By: ellen dole
About the Author:
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