Ask a woman what is causing their yeast infection and you’ll likely get a blank stare. She will likely know the signs and symptoms, she’ll know all about the discomfort this infection causes, and she probably knows how to cure a yeast infection. Men and women alike often know the cure for the current flare up, but to be able to cure yeast infections for life you really need to understand the causes. Unfortunately, those who don’t learn from the past are doomed to repeat it.
Yeast infections are simply irritations of mocous membranes throughout the body in places like the vagina, intestines, skin or mouth. Infected areas become irritated and often swell up. The cause of yeast infections is an over-abundance of a fungus known as candidiasis. This same family of fungi is also responsible for thrush infections and vaginitis.
What Do I Need To Know About The Cause Of Yeast Infections?
To prevent future yeast infections, you must know what causes them. The candida fungus seeks out and attacks vulnerable areas of the body. A major cause of yeast infections among women is taking antibiotics or steroid medications. These medications make the vagina develop too much candida. Keep in mind that the candida fungus is always present in the body in small quantities but becomes a yeast infection when there is an over-abundance. Antibiotics and steroids for some women are required for them to stay healthy. Women who know they’re prone to yeast infections when they must take these medications head off a candida overflow by using a yeast infection medication at the same time.
Another cause of yeast infections is wearing damp underclothing or swimsuits during hot weather. The candida fungus thrives in warm, damp environments. Perspiration in the vaginal area and/or wearing a damp swimsuit provides everything candida needs to flourish. In hot, damp weather, it is always a good idea to wear dry underwear, use wetness absorbing powder in your underwear and change your swimsuit immediately after swimming.
For women, another cause of yeast infections is clothing that is too tight. Clothing that’s too tight-fitting causes vaginal irritation. Candida thrives on irritated skin. After the irritation, comes the start of the full-blown yeast infection. It makes a lot of sense for women who are susceptable to yeast infections to avoid tight-fitting clothing whenever possible.
There are other types of irritations that can be the source of yeast infections taking hold. Some soaps and bath products have been known to cause irritation for some women who have especially sensitive skin. While these products may feel and smell pleasant, these things aren’t worth causing a yeast infection. If a certain bath product has a history of causing you irritated skin then avoid them because we know that the candida loves irritations. An option to turn to is to try a milk-bath product that only has a small amount of soap in it.
Lastly, it’s very important for women to not use douche products. Your physician will advise you that douches are not helpful or necessary in maintaining the health of your vagina. Nature does that for you and does not need assistance from harmful douche products.