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Aug 12
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If a yeast infection is not a sexually transmitted disease, what is the cause of vaginal yeast infections? Yeast is already a part of your body composition, whether male or female. When the body’s normally alkaline balance becomes out of balance, yeast production increases beyond the norm. The fungus Candida albicans is at the heart of a yeast infection.
The human body, with a biochemistry geared to be alkaline, normally keep yeast cells in check. However, when there is an overabundance of yeast cells, a yeast infection results. A vaginal yeast infection is caused by Candida albicans, a fungus. Fungi normally are found in wet, moist body parts, including the vagina.
Between 20-50% of women who are healthy host yeast in their vagina. Women who are not sexually active do get yeast infections. Thus, yeast infections are not considered sexually transmitted diseases.
A yeast infection can also happen to men. A male may not have any symptoms of a genital yeast infection. Yet 12% to 15% of men will have symptoms, including penile rash and itching, after sexual contact with an infected partner. Typically, lowered immunity in men is the most frequent cause of genital yeast infections. After sexual intercourse with someone with a yeast infection, the penis becomes infected.
For those who do not practice safe sex, using contraceptive barriers such as condoms, a cycle of infection may occur. A yeast-infected person who has sex with someone without protection, infects that person. In a chain reaction, or in circular fashion, either person who does not get treated or wear protection, keeps the infection growing.
Yeast infections can be caused or promoted in a variety of ways. Pharmaceuticals, chemicals, biochemicals, hormones and personal behavior can all contribute to yeast growth. A compromised health system can also contribute to yeast growth.
Personal habits, including improper diet, poor hygiene techniques, and how a person elects to ventilate the groin area, can contribute to yeast infections. For example, when using the restroom, wiping from rear to front risks introducing bacteria and promoting yeast growth. A diet with excess sugar, yeast and acid can facilitate yeast sustenance. Clothing that constricts the groin area for poor ventilation, such that bathing suits, pantyhose, and undergarments are hot and moist, or dirty, can provide an incubator promoting yeast growth.
Introducing chemical agents to the vaginal area can cause a yeast infection. Hygiene sprays, perfumes and vaginal douches can disrupt the vagina’s natural biochemistry. The vagina might also not be receptive to the material latex and respond with an allergic infection. Hormones are another biochemical change that disrupt the vaginal chemistry, including menstrual changes or contraceptive chemicals.
People with impaired health may be predisposed to vaginal yeast infections. Diabetics with elevated blood sugar levels may provide sugar during urine for yeast growth. Pharmaceuticals including antibiotics, immune systems drugs, chemotherapy, and steroids, can create or promote a yeast infection.
If you wonder what is the cause of vaginal yeast infections, remember that the vagina is a sensitive ecosystem, with a unique biochemical balance.
There are many yeast infection home remedies that can start the healing process immediately. A yeast infection home remedy often uses simple ingredients, usually found in the home.
