Yeast Infections….How do you get them?

If you have been told that you have a yeast infection the first thing that comes to mind is how did you get it? The truth of the matter is that this problem is far more common than many people may think, and both men and women can develop these uncomfortable and annoying infections. Yeast live in and on our bodies constantly so it is little wonder that sometimes they can get out of control.

When the doctor told me that my itching, redness and burning was due to an ingredient that I associated with cooking I really didn’t believe it. Honestly. After all you get bacterial infections from bacteria and viral infections from viruses. It makes sense that you would have to make contact with yeast to get a yeast infection, right? I thought that yeast was only in bread and since I did not eat bread I figured I just could not have a yeast infection. What causes yeast infections is totally different from what I had imagined though.

Well, it seems that I had a lot to learn about our yeast. Different types of this substance can be found almost everywhere. The yeast that causes a severe yeast infection lives in and on our bodies. Yep, this was news to me so I thought that maybe I could help other people understand yeast infections a little better. When you know the 5 “W’s” about exactly what causes a yeast infection you can learn how to treat them and also how to prevent them. The 5 “W’s” are

• Who
• What
• When
• Where
• Why

Who

Yeast infections can happen to anyone and they can occur at anytime. Most people who get these infections are females, but people with diabetes, weakened immune systems and men are also at greater risk.

Increased risk for
• Females
• Women who are pregnant or on birth control pills
• People with weakened immune systems
• Diabetics
• People with Latex allergies
• People on Antibiotics
• People taking Steroids

What

The yeast infection is caused by Candida albicans. This is a fungus that is normally present in the genital area. Your body keeps everything well balanced by letting some good bacteria live in the genital area to make sure that the yeast does not multiply too rapidly. Candidiasis and Monilia are two scientific names for a yeast infection. What causes yeast infection problems include the factors that change the pH or the bacterial balance of the vaginal environment.

When

Higher heat or moisture levels in the genital region, an allergic reaction (particularly to latex condoms or spermicidal preparations), hormones, increased blood sugar levels and antibiotic medication can create the environment for a severe yeast infection.

Where

Most of the yeast infections that humans get begin in the vagina. These infections can spread to the rest of the body, or into the bloodstream if not treated. Yeast infections can also occur in the bladder, in skin folds and even in open sores or wounds. Yeast in the mouth and throat is called thrush.

Why

• Why yeast infections occur is a matter of circumstance and opportunity. Yeast thrives in dark, damp, warm environments like the vagina. It can grow as rapidly as it makes bread dough rise if the conditions are right. Many of the factors that create a severe yeast infection are actually within our control. What causes yeast infections is often debated, but here is a list that contains the top documented culprits.

• Antibiotic medication kills bad and good bacteria in the body and the yeast can multiply unchecked.
• Too frequent douching can kill the good vaginal bacteria which lets the yeast multiply and spread
• Underwear or tight jeans that restrict the air flow to the vagina .
• Bubble baths or bath oil that irritate the vagina and make the pH too alkaline which favors yeast overgrowth
• Diabetics or people who eat too many sugary foods. Yeast thrives on sugars in the body or bloodstream.
• Pantyhose or panties without cotton crotches
• Hormone fluctuations seen with pregnancy or females taking birth control pills
• Perfumed soaps or some detergents used to wash underwear
• Diets with high sugars or heavy beer intake
• Using latex condoms or spermicidal preparations
• Using Vaseline as a sexual lubricant

There are some easy ways to prevent a yeast infection from happening to you even if you have had problems in the past. If you want to make your life free from another bout with yeast it’s easy to do if you know the secrets that can make you permanently protected from the dangers and effects of yeast.