How Is a Yeast Infection Caused?
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Causes
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Candida albicans is a type of fungus or yeast that multiplies in warm, moist areas of the body. As a result, yeast infections can occur in the mouth, vagina or rectum. Wearing tight-fitting clothing, particularly underwear made of a synthetic fabric like nylon that traps heat and moisture, provides an environment where the yeast can thrive. The situation can be made worse by hot, humid weather. Pantyhose, tight blue jeans and wet bathing suits also provide favorable environments where the yeast can grow.
Taking medications such as antibiotics, steroids, oral contraceptives or hormones can cause yeast infections, as these medications kill good bacteria that live in the body. Scented soaps, bubble baths, laundry detergents, and deodorant tampons or sanitary pads may cause problems by altering the pH balance in the vagina. Diabetes is another risk factor, as high blood sugar promotes the growth of yeast. Even women who are not diabetics should limit the consumption of sugars and starches in their diets. A lowered immune system can make it more difficult to fight off yeast infections as well. In many cases, the infection will go away by itself when a woman's menstrual cycle begins. Menstrual blood restores the acid/yeast balance in the vagina by raising the pH, which decreases the presence of yeast cells.
Vaginal Yeast Infections
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Symptoms of vaginal yeast infections usually include itching and irritation in the vaginal area, pain or burning when emptying the bladder, and a thick, white discharge that resembles cottage cheese. The discharge may have no odor or can smell like bread or yeast. According to the American Pregnancy Association, yeast infections are common during the second trimester of pregnancy. In fact, women report suffering from yeast infections more often during pregnancy than at any other time.
While yeast infections are not related to having sex, they can be transmitted from one partner to the other during sexual intercourse. Males can contract an infection caused by the same fungus that is responsible for yeast infections in females. Symptoms are similar, but affect the penis. A male may experience itching or redness on the tip of the penis, along with a slight discharge. Males who are not circumcised are at greater risk for getting the infection, as the warm, moist folds of the foreskin provide an environment for the yeast to grow.
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Thrush
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Thrush is a yeast infection that develops in the mouth. The fungus can also spread to the throat. Caused by the same candida that causes vaginal yeast infections, thrush occurs most commonly in infants and elderly adults, although anyone can be affected. Babies get thrush because their immune systems have not yet matured to the point of being able to control the growth of the yeast. Older individuals whose immune systems have been weakened by age are also at risk. Diabetes, HIV, and taking antibiotics or inhaled corticosteroids are other frequent causes of the condition. The most common symptoms are white patches on the inside of the mouth and on the tongue that look like milk curds or cottage cheese.
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