Yeast infection is one of the most common types of vaginal infections that affect most women at different points in their life. If these are not treated early on, it might lead to serious complications.
Normally there is a small amount of useful bacteria and yeast that is present inside the vagina at all times. However it is when there is an abundance of yeast though multiplication it results in the infection of the region. This condition is commonly referred to as Candida Albicans and it affects the vaginal lining and results in swelling, irritation as well as thick discharge. Some of the symptoms of the vaginal infections are skin rashes, painful urination, vaginal discharge and odor, acne and many more.
In order to find a suitable treatment for the infection, it is required that you know the cause of infection. There are a number o factors that are responsible for causing yeast infection.
Weak immune system - One of the major causes of an infection is a weak immune system. This in turn can be due to improper diet and sleep, excessive physical strain, or due to external factors including taking certain medicines.
Medicines - Many a times the medicines that we take for throat and lung infections, urinary tract infections or other skin disorders remove the useful bacteria that are present in the vagina. These bacteria work to keep the vaginal pH balance and prevent the growth of yeast. However the antibiotics that one takes reduces the presence of bacteria in the region and disturbs the pH balance. This creates an environment for the yeast to grow and thrive. When used for a long time, antibiotics result in an infectious situation.
Hormone Replacement therapy - The hormones that are taken in as supplements so as to reduce the symptoms of menopause can contribute the growth of yeast in the region.
Diabetes - Diabetes increases the level of blood sugar in the body and this helps to sustain Candida as the bacterium feeds on sugar.
Pregnancy - The changes that the body undergoes at this point of time as well as the hormonal changes are responsible for the infection.
Personal hygiene - If personal hygiene is not maintained it might lead to yeast infections. Innerwear if not washed properly can help the yeast to stay on and cause infections.
Injury - Be wary of vaginal injuries. As a warm and moist atmosphere is suitable for the growth of yeast, an injury might cause an infection.
Toiletries - Certain perfumes, anti bacterial soaps, bath salts, scented sanitary napkins, detergents play a major role in disturbing the balance of bacteria and yeast.
Clothes and weather - If you wear tight fitting clothes in hot weather there is all likelihood of developing an infection.
Sex - The vaginal infection can also be passed from your partner through semen as well as other bodily fluids. Men usually contract yeast infection from his partner who is suffering from a yeast infection. The infection can cause itchiness with blisters and lesions along the penile shaft. These cause a lot of discomfort and are painful. It interferes in the sexual life and urination of the man.
Poor nutrition - A diet lacking in the essential vitamins and minerals may also lead to an infection. Also, gorging on junk, processed or fast foods is also a major contributor in yeast infections.
Food - Consuming a lot of sugar or carbohydrates can also cause yeast infection. Beer and wine are also major contributing factors.
Contraceptives: While these are important to stave away pregnancy it also has an affect on the ability of the body to fight a yeast infection. The combination of progesterone and estrogen lead to an increased fungal growth. Spermicidal creams and jellies can also stimulate yeast growth.
Among the psychological reasons the stress levels can hamper the body's chemistry and cause fungi, rashes, ulcers and yeast infections.
Once you are aware of the causes that have led to the yeast infection, it is imperative that you take the necessary steps to avoid its recurrence. There are a number of treatments that are now available to cure the condition. Remedies range from over-the-counter drugs that are available to simple home remedies that help to avoid the growth of yeast.
Generally the condition is treated with anti-inflammatory and antifungal medicines that are available at the drug stores. These are applied topically and bring much relief. However the medicines simply focus on the symptoms and do not try to get rid of the root cause of the disease. Also, after usage of some time the fungus become resistant to the drug. This results in recurrent infections. Many sufferers thus prefer home remedies to treat the condition.