Click Here for information on Nursing Programs!

Yeast Infection: What Causes It?

There are several causes for the development of yeast infections, but one of the most common is a compromised immune system.

Almost 15 percent of those individuals who have a weakened immune system actually develop a systemic illness that is

caused by the fungus Candida. These infections enter the body through innocent-looking cuts in the skin, through mucous membranes or other breakdowns of the body�s system.

If you have a compromised or weak immune system, coupled with regular use of antibacterial, you may be at an increased risk of developing one of these illnesses. The antibiotics not only kill the �bad� bacteria causing your other health problems, but they also destroy the �good� bacteria that are holding the Candida in check.

The use of implanted devised in the skin also increase the risk for this particular development. Specifically those who use catheters an IV ports may be more susceptible to this infection. Drug addicts using dirty needles may also find themselves at a greater risk. These individuals may actually inject the yeast directly into their bloodstream or into their deep tissues.

Individuals who are receiving some type of cancer therapy who have weakened immune systems need to be mindful of the development of yeast infections as well. Certain cancer treatments, including the use of steroids, weaken the infection-fighting abilities of the body which may allow for the spread of the fungus throughout the entire body. This fungus has been known to attack the blood, brain, eye, kidney as well as the heart. But its attacks are not limited there. The fungus can also grow in the lungs, liver and spleen as well. In fact, Candida is the leading cause of esophagitis � inflammation in the throat � in those afflicted with AIDS.

In women, yeast infections are ranked as the second most common reason for burning of the vagina, as well as itching and discharge. Yeasts are normally found in the vagina. It�s fairly easy, therefore, for an overgrowth to occur if the environment of the vagina changes for any reason. Some of the more common changes include the use of antibiotics or steroids.

But even events as common as pregnancy, menstruation, and the use of birth control pills may disturb the balance of the yeast population. Even something as the presence of sperm has been known to create an imbalance in the vagina�s environment and cause an infection. Some individuals develop vaginal yeast infections simply because of their newly acquired diabetes. Yeast infections are more common once a woman reaches menopause.

Note: Some statements in this article may not be approved by the FDA. This article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional medical advice.

SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION

Privacy Statement

SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION

Subscriptions are $12 a year,
$20 for two years

Lifetime Subscription: $200

Bulk Subscriptions
(5 magazines each issue) $22 a year or
$35 for 2 years

To order, please click to our
Subscription Page

Inside Mother

Home
Subscribe!
What's New?
Mother's Tea
Guest Article
Homebirth
Editorial
Best Articles
Breastfeeding
Dear Mother Dear
Reader Letters
Eternally Pregnant
Circumcision

Site Features

Book Reviews
Mother Books
Cartoons!
Poems
Links
Birth Stories
Site Map
Advertising

Contact Us

Birth, Joy, & Raspberry Leaves
-a new video compiled by Catherine and Amanda Young
of The Compleat Mother

Go HERE for more information on the waterbirth video!

Click here to read: The Farmer and the Obstetrician