What Are the Causes of Yeast Infections?

Really, there is a whole list of yeast infection causes. If you know what kinds of things cause you to get yeast infections, you can be alert for symptoms and treat them early on with milder do-it-yourself remedies, rather than bombarding your body with drugs.

Many girls find that yeast infections tend to show up right before they get their periods because of the hormonal changes that come with the menstrual cycle. Clothing (especially underwear) that is too tight or made of materials like nylon that trap heat and moisture might lead to yeast infections because yeast can thrive in this type of environment. And douching and using scented sanitary products can upset the healthy balance of bacteria in the vagina and make yeast infections more likely.

Some of the more common items than can cause and/or prolong yeast infections:

• Antibiotics
• Spermicides
• Birth Control Pills
• Tight-fitting Pants
• Chemicals
• Injury
• Sexual Intercourse
• Weakened Immune System

Of course, these are just the most common causes. Also, many women have infections that come back. If you have more than four yeast infections in a year, see your doctor. He or she may do a test to make sure that your symptoms are being caused by a yeast infection and not some other problem, such as diabetes.