The Candida albicans fungus is the organism that is responsible for causing a yeast infection. This opportunistic pest can manage to make you extremely uncomfortable by causing recurring problems if you do not ensure that you fully clear up an infection. The organism's ability to live in small numbers on the human body and its capacity to rapidly increase in numbers when the right conditions exist is one of the key contributors to recurring infection.
Using anti fungal treatments is one option for treating the Candida infection. However, it is best to use this option in conjunction with making other positive lifestyle changes as well as combining natural therapy in your treatment regime. In many cases, what causes recurring yeast infections is the fact that the initial infection is never fully cured. This can result in recurrence when the individual is under stress or has some other form of illness that compromises immunity.
Low levels of immunity can lead to recurring yeast infections in both males and females. One thing in particular that can compound the problem is the use of antibiotic medications. The antibiotics can wipe out healthy bacteria in the gut letting in the opportunistic Candida albicans. One possible cause of recurring infection is that the combination of low immunity and the increased numbers combine to create a situation where the infection appears to have been cured, but can return when the body is under any stress.
A further problem that can arise once the infection has really established itself at a low level such as this is that it can pass back and forth between spouses or partners. What causes recurring yeast infections under these circumstances is that the infection is constantly present. Being opportunistic, it then occasionally 'spikes' resulting in an infection that recurs repeatedly when even a minor illness or degree of stress is present.
Once you understand what causes recurring yeast infections, there are some steps you can take to implement natural treatments and preventative changes into your everyday life. Changes you may consider could include cutting down the amount of 'yeasty' food you eat, eating yogurt and taking probiotics regularly to increase 'good' bacteria in the intestines, using natural anti-fungals such as tea tree oil regularly to reduce the presence of the Candida and help reduce recurrence of infection.
Repeated infection with the Candida organism can create unpleasant symptoms that you will understandably want to be rid of. With a bit of knowledge about what causes recurring yeast infections, you'll be in a position to implement lifestyle and dietary changes, as well as other strategies and work on eliminating this problem for good.