What Are All the Causes of Yeast Infections?
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Medication
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Antibiotics prescribed to treat infections like upper respiratory infections or urinary tract infections can actually cause vaginal yeast infections. When antibiotics also destroy healthy bacteria normally found in the vaginal area, yeast can multiply causing irritation. Immunosuppressive drugs used to treat autoimmune diseases or prevent the rejection of organs or bone marrow actually suppress the immune system, inhibiting the body's ability to fight off infections.
Some of the diseases for which steroids and other immunosuppressive drug therapies may be prescribed include HIV, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SEL), multiple sclerosis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and asthma. Certain chemotherapy drugs can irritate the mucous membranes lining the vagina causing the area to become dry and inflamed. Many women must also take antibiotics and steroids throughout the course of chemotherapy treatments. These can disrupt the balance of healthy bacteria found in the vagina, allowing yeast to grow. The disease of cancer itself weakens the body's immune system.
Pregnancy and Contraceptives
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Pregnancy suppresses the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off Candida albicans, the fungus that causes yeast infections. The body's immune system is suppressed during pregnancy so that the developing fetus is not seen as a foreign body that needs to be attacked. However, when the immune system is suppressed, yeast in the vagina can grow out of control. The use of oral contraceptives is another primary cause of vaginal yeast infections in younger women.
Fluctuating hormonal changes, particularly increased estrogen levels, can weaken the immune system, making a woman more susceptible to yeast infections. Condoms can cause yeast infections in women who are allergic to latex. Some condoms have a lubricant that contains a spermicide that may cause yeast infections. Women who are prone to yeast infections should avoid condoms with a spermicidal lubricant known as Nonoxynol-9. Use of this spermicidal with a diaphragm can cause problems as well. Candida can also be sexually transmitted if proper precautions are not taken.
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Diabetes
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Diabetes mellitus raises blood sugar. Pregnancy and menstruation can also alter glucose levels. The bad news is that the yeast fungus feeds off sugar. Women with diabetes have a higher risk of getting frequent yeast infections because their vaginal secretions contain more sugar. Elevated levels of glucose in the blood are the reason. Recurring yeast infections may be a sign that your diabetes is not under control. In addition, women with diabetes have weakened immune systems, another factor that can contribute to yeast infections.
Other Causes
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Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been known to increase the incidence of yeast infections in some post-menopausal women. Increased use of the hormones estrogen and progesterone can upset the body's natural balance of healthy bacteria, whereby providing a prime environment in which yeast thrive. Douches, scented vaginal hygiene sprays, and deodorant tampons can disrupt the acidity of the vagina.
Because the correct acid balance is what prevents too many yeast from multiplying, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) advises against douching unless specifically recommended by your doctor (See Reference 3). This is the reason why women often experience relief from yeast infections during their periods. The pH of menstrual blood discourages the overgrowth of yeast in the vagina. Wearing tight-fitting pants, pantyhose or nylon panties can cause yeast cells to grow in the vagina. For this reason, women should not wear clothing that traps in heat and moisture. Cotton panties and loose-fitting clothing can help prevent the problem.
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