WHAT CAUSES VAGINAL YEAST INFECTIONS? - Yeast Infection

Normally, as mentioned, there are a few little yeast plants hanging around harmlessly in our bodies. It becomes a yeast infection when they grow and multiply excessively.

Three things can make women especially susceptable to vaginal yeast infections:

#1. PREGNANCY--The internal sexual organs of women are usually moist and mildly acid (like orange juice). The excessive growth of yeast organisms is normally suppressed in an acid environment. During pregnancy, our bodies tend to be less acidic--to be more alkaline (like baking soda). This is probably good for the growing embryo/fetus/baby (the amniotic fluid or "waters" surrounding the unborn baby are very alkaline), but it can cause a problem for the pregnant woman who finds that she is now more susceptable to yeast infections.

#2. TAKING ANTIBIOTICS--As previously noted, normally a few yeast organisms live harmlessly in our bodies. There are also bacteria that normally live in our bodies--some are simply harmless, and others are actually essential to our health.

These little yeasts and bacterias live in the same territory of our bodies, generally in balance with one another. When antibiotics kill off the bacteria, the yeast may then take over, causing a yeast infection.

#3. SEXUAL INTERCOURSE--Semen is usually much more alkaline than vaginal fluids, favoring the growth of yeast. Too, the rubbing on internal tissues during sex may cause irritated spots that are vulnerable to infection. Birth control devices with spermicide (diaphrams, sponges, suppositories, foam) can cause irritation, and some prophylactics ("rubbers") are coated with potentially irritating substances.