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About Yeast
Infections
What is
“yeast”?
Yeast is a fungus scientifically referred to as Candida. Yeast
commonly lives on human skin and in areas of moisture, such as
the mouth and vagina. In fact, an estimated 20%-50% of healthy
women normally carry yeast in the vaginal area. An estimated
three out of four women will have a yeast infection in their
lifetime.
What is a
vaginal yeast infection (candidiasis)?
Candidiasis is an infection caused by a yeast called Candida.
This yeast commonly lives on all surfaces of our bodies, yet
under certain conditions, these yeast multiply and can cause
infections. Yeast grows most quickly in areas that are moist,
warm and dark, which is why a flux of yeast is most common in
the vagina. Candidal infections can also occur in other moist,
warm and dark areas of the body, such as the mouth, under arms,
nail beds, under breasts and other skin folds.
What causes a
vaginal yeast infection?
Vaginal yeast infections (candidiasis) develop when new yeast
(Candida) is introduced into the body, or when there is an
increase in the quantity of normal yeast relative to the
quantity of normal bacteria. For example, when you take
antibiotics, these drugs kill normal protective (good) bacteria,
creating an imbalance between bacteria and yeast. Yeast
infections are generally associated with the vagina since yeast
grows more easily in dark, warm and moist areas. So, in a sense,
the vagina is the perfect breeding ground for yeast production.
When your body’s yeast multiples in the vagina, it can invade
skin tissue and cause irritation in the vagina lining. This
irritation is known as Vaginitis.
Vaginal yeast infections (candidiasis) are linked to a variety
of preexisting conditions and/or their treatments. Antibiotics
are one of the leading causes of vaginal yeast infections.
Antibiotics are designed to kill bacteria, which is great news
if you have a sinus infection or cold, but bad news for the
general balance of yeast and bacteria in the body. Without
“good” bacteria to balance yeast production, yeast (Candida) can
multiply quickly and cause vaginal irritation. Not every
antibiotic will cause a reaction- all women respond differently
to antibiotic courses. While some women may take antibiotics
without incurring any side effects, some will have vaginal
reactions every time they take antibiotics. It is common to
develop a yeast infection after/during long-term antibiotic use.
Additionally, chemotherapy can cause injury to the inner vagina
and create an infection. Women with suppressed immune systems
(such as those taking cortisone-related medications such as
prednisone, those with HIV or Lyme disease) develop vaginal
yeast infections more frequently than other woman. Women who are
pregnant, have diabetes or are taking oral contraceptives have
also showed a higher predisposition to developing vaginal yeast
infections.
Other changes to the vaginal environment can trigger an increase
in yeast (Candida) and lead to an infection. These include
excess heat or moisture (resulting from tight-fitting pants or
unclean underwear), allergic reactions to chemical products used
around the vaginal area (such as lubrication, spermicide,
lotions, bubble bath, perfumed toilet paper or clothing dyes)
elevated sugar levels (such as in the case of a diabetic that
has excess sugar in their urine) and hormonal changes (such as
those surrounding or during the week of menstruation or
resulting from steroid use.) Women in wheelchairs of those with
long-term immobility have a higher risk of developing yeast
infections. When the lower body is immobile and the vaginal area
can’t breathe as it would in, for example, someone who walks
around or flexes their legs throughout the day, yeast is much
more likely to grow and cause an infection. Remember that yeast
multiplies faster in areas that are moist, warm and dark, so you
can lower your risk of infection by frequently cleaning sweat
and other fluids from the vaginal area. If you are disabled and
cannot do this for yourself, ask a nurse to help you.
Sexual activity also a common cause of yeast infections. Candida
(yeast) can be transmitted between two people during direct
sexual contact, rubbing or touching. If you have an active yeast
infection, it is best to refrain from sexual activity.
Also, injury to the vaginal area can increase your risk of
vaginal irregularities. During rough sex, especially when
there’s not enough lubrication, the vulvar or vaginal lining can
tear and become open to infection.
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