It is estimated that more than 75% of women will suffer from a yeast infection at least once in their lives, usually during childbearing years. Rest assured you are not alone and yeast infections while pregnant are very common.
Many women suffer from recurring yeast infections, and will develop yeast infections four or more times a year.
Causes of a Yeast Infection
Yeast infections are usually caused by an overgrowth of candida yeast. This type of yeast commonly lives on the skin and mucous membranes of humans, but it will only develop into an infection if it begins to grow too rapidly.
The natural bacteria present on the human body usually keep its growth in check. Changes in the body’s chemistry can cause an imbalance of the bacteria on the body and lead to a yeast infection. Dietary changes, certain medications like steroids and antibiotics, and diseases of the immune system can all affect the balance of yeast and bacteria on the body.
There are several different causes of yeast infections in women. Like other types of yeast infections, such as those of the skin or throat, vaginal yeast infections are often caused by the effects of medications.
Many people develop yeast infections after they have just finished a course of broad spectrum antibiotics.
Many benign (good) types of bacteria live in the body and on the skin. Antibiotics can kill the benign bacteria as well as the harmful bacteria that the antiobiotics were prescribed to treat. When these bacteria are killed, yeast may be able to reproduce more rapidly and lead to a yeast infection.
Some birth control pills can also contribute to developing infections more frequently.
Yeast Resistance to Drugs
Health care professionals are becoming more reluctant to prescribe medication to treat recurring infections because of the likliehood of the infection developing a resistance to the drugs.
What Part Does the Immune System Play
The body’s immune system also helps to control the growth of yeast on the body. In people who are immunocompromised, yeast infections may be able to develop more often. Yeast infections are common in those with diseases affecting the immune system, such as AIDS or HIV. They are also common in people who are taking drugs to suppress their immune systerm, such as corticosteroids or drugs for those undergoing cancer treatments.
Diabetes is another condition that can contribute to developing more yeast infections.
If one’s blood sugar levels are very high, it can create an environment in which candida can thrive. Usually, diabetics with recurring yeast infections are able to resolve the problem by getting their blood sugar under control.
Even in those without diabetes, blood sugar levels may affect the growth of candida yeast. A diet high in sugar and refined carbohydrates may contribute to candida overgrowth. People who eat a lot of refined sugars may consider talking to their doctor about dietary changes.
Mutation
As stated above a major problem with recurring yeast infections is that the same treatment will stop working after a while. The yeast organisms may eventually mutate and become resistant to certain drugs and treatments, just like many other illnesses may develop resistant strains.
Recurring infections could be a sign of an underlying condition, which is creating an environment causing the yeast to multiply too rapidly. If you are concerned about the frequency of yeast infections, it is a good idea to see a doctor to rule out certain medical conditions and to discuss other treatment options.
Many over the counter treatment options are available, and these can be helpful for occasional yeast infections. If the infection keeps coming back, the yeast has probably become resistant to the active ingredients in the medication. If this happens, the medication will not work anymore.
It may be possible to try other over the counter remedies with different active ingredients, but if these don’t work either, it may be necessary to see a doctor.
Don’t feel alone when dealing with this. Some studies have found that up to 25% of women experience recurring yeast infections. Many of these can be treated with over the counter remedies, but resistant yeast organisms can develop.
Resistant yeast will not respond to treatments that have been used repeatedly on them. It is necessary to change the remedy used or to treat the underlying cause, if one can be found.
Changes in diet may help some women; others may need to see a doctor or gynecologist for stronger prescription treatments. If there is an underlying cause, such as diabetes or a suppressed immune system, addressing this cause should help to prevent frequent infections. Otherwise, different types of treatments may help to control the yeast.
Natural treatments for yeast infection, have a terrific upside of having no side effects and work just as well as over the counter or prescribed medication. They also have the added benefits of being a lot less costly and usually the items can be found in the kitchen ready for use.
You could be starting your treatment in minutes.