Looking for information on yeast infection causes? You're not alone! These infections can be uncomfortable and embarrassing to experience.
While men and women alike can suffer from infection, the most notorious of them all is the vaginal yeast infection.
Afflicted women will suffer from a series of irritating symptoms.
For example, the normal clear, odorless vaginal discharge experienced on a daily basis turns abnormal and strange.
It becomes yellowish or whitish in color, and is suddenly of a thick nature.
It also has a strange odor that can vary from woman to woman, but is generally referred to as being 'yeasty'.
Irritation of the vulva is another common symptom, resulting in an intense burning and itching sensation in the vaginal area that can sometimes intensify when urinating.
Actual yeast infection causes include a series of biological and environmental factors.
Biologically speaking, an infection occurs when Candida yeast, a micro-organism that is naturally found in the body, succeeds in multiplying out of control.
One factor that can contribute to this over multiplication is diet.
Certain foods that are consumed regularly can actually increase yeast production in the body.
A second biological factor is the destruction of beneficial bacteria, another element naturally found in the body, that actually aids in preventing the yeast from over multiplying.
This most often occurs when a specific medication, such as antibiotics, is taken.
Oftentimes, these two biological factors work together to result in a full blown yeast infection.
There are also several environmental factors that can be considered as causes of yeast infections.
Certain clothing that is worn can actually aid yeast production in the body by creating an environment in which the yeast can more easily survive.
The same explanation is also valid for certain personal hygiene practices.
Once again, it is frequently a combination of factors that lead to infection.
While there are many remedies on the market for treating these infections, few actually focus on treating the root of yeast causes.
Creams and ointments only work to soothe skin irritation after it has already occurred.
They do not focus on reducing the amount of yeast found in the body, and therefore cannot treat long term recurrent yeast infections.
But it is possible to find long term relief for chronic yeast infections.
Awareness of the biological and environmental factors that cause the irritation allows us to practice lifestyle changes that can successfully reduce the amount of yeast produced by the body.
This approach goes beyond temporary topical treatments, and instead focuses on a solution that treats the root of the yeast infection causes.