Ask a woman what is causing their yeast infection and you’ll likely get a blank stare.   But she will be able to tell you about the symptoms, the discomfort and most likely knows how to cure a yeast infection.   Men and women alike often know the cure for the current flare up, but to be able to cure yeast infections for life you really need to understand the causes.   Unfortunately, those who don’t learn from the past are doomed to repeat it.

A yeast infection or Candida is simply an irritation of mucous membranes in the body, commonly affecting the vagina, intestines, skin or mouth.   An infection causes swelling and irritation of the areas affected.   The infection itself is simply an over-abundance of a fungus known as candidiasis.   The candida family of fungi also causes thrush infections in the mouth and vaginitis.

What Do I Need To Know About The Cause Of Yeast Infections?

You must understand what causes yeast infections to stop getting them in the future.   Vulnerable areas of the body provide the candida fungus the opportunity to attack.   Yeast infections are very often the result of a woman taking antibiotics or steroid medications.   This type of medication is often responsible for the vagina developing too much candida.   Keep in mind that the candida fungus is always present in the body in small quantities but becomes a yeast infection when there is an over-abundance.   Antibiotics and steroids for some women are required for them to stay healthy.   Women who know they’re prone to yeast infections when they must take these medications head off a candida overflow by using a yeast infection medication at the same time.

Hot weather and damp underclothing or swimsuits can also cause yeast infections.   Candida thrives in warm, damp environments.   Everything Candida needs to flourish is provided by perspiration in the vaginal area or a damp swimsuit.   In hot, damp weather, it is always a good idea to wear dry underwear, use wetness absorbing powder in your underwear and change your swimsuit immediately after swimming.

Another common cause of yeast infections in women is wearing shorts or pants that are too tight.   Clothing that’s too tight-fitting causes vaginal irritation.   The Candida fungus thrives on the irritated vaginal skin.   Once the irritation begins, so does the full-blown yeast infection.   Women are advised to wear clothing that fits properly and forgo vanity for common sense.

Tight clothing is not the only source of irritations that cause yeast infections.   Some bath products have been known to cause irritated skin and will start a woman on the path to a yeast infection.   Many women are attracted to the smooth feel and pleasant smell but often regret their use afterward.   If you know that certain bath products cause irritations in which candida thrives, simply avoid them.   Try something like a milk-bath product that contains a small amount of soap.

Lastly, it’s very important for women to not use douche products.   Your physician will advise you that douches are not helpful or necessary in maintaining the health of your vagina.   Nature does that for you and does not need assistance from harmful douche products.