Increased estrogen levels. Yeast infections are more common in women with higher estrogen levels — such as pregnant women or women taking high-dose estrogen birth control pills or estrogen hormone therapy.
A lack of regular hygiene practices, such as daily showers and brushing your teeth, or a constantly damp environment can also lead to chronic yeast infections. You're also at risk of recurring yeast infections if you have a weakened immune system.
Women that suffer from recurrent yeast infections - four or more in one year - require special treatment. A yeast infection is one of the most common types of vaginitis, or inflammation of the vagina.
“Lactobacillus rhamnosus, the most researched probiotic, has been found to be beneficial in the prevention of yeast infection,” explains Dr. Goje.
Yeast is most commonly found in processed sugars, gluten-based foods and grains (a candida diet is recommended for people who have a yeast infection). In addition to this, it is also recommended to stay away from meat and starchy vegetables like potatoes and carrots and avoid excessive consumption of alcohol.
Women tend to be more likely to get vaginal yeast infections if their bodies are under stress from poor diet, lack of sleep, illness, or when they are pregnant or taking antibiotics. Women with immune-suppressing diseases such as diabetes and HIV infection also are at increased risk.
Your immune system might not be up to par.
In fact, chronic yeast infections that don't respond to any treatment might be an early sign of HIV, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). “Women with recurrent yeast infections should be tested [for HIV],” Dr.
What is the fastest way to get rid of a yeast infection? The fastest — and most reliable — way to get rid of a yeast infection is to visit a doctor if you suspect you have one. They will likely prescribe fluconazole, an oral treatment that may take 1 week to get rid of the infection.
According to a study recorded by Cynthia Aranow, M.D. in 2011, “vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased autoimmunity and susceptibility to infection.” Low levels of vitamin D were also found in those suffering with Candida, yeast, bacterial overgrowth, and various digestive disorders.
High levels of estrogen cause Candida fungi to overgrow. Because of this, it's common to get a yeast infection around the time of your period. Some people get yeast infections around the same time of their cycle every month, a condition called cyclic vulvovaginitis.
Frequent yeast infections are a sign of another medical condition. You may need a 6-month treatment regimen to get rid of the yeast infection or have an underlying condition that needs to be treated.
Hormone imbalances may also be a risk factor for yeast infections. Hormones can have a pretty big impact on your vagina's delicate microbiome. Fluctuations in estrogen can lead to an overgrowth of yeast and eventually a yeast infection.
A yeast infection can happen if your skin gets damaged. Yeast can also “overgrow” in warm or humid conditions. An infection can also happen if you have a weak immune system. Taking antibiotics can also cause an overgrowth of yeast.
Other than itching and being dried out, it can lead to or exaggerate yeast infections. The vagina is a delicate ecosystem and if something as serious as dehydration throws it off, the PH balance can be thrown off and a domino effect of complications can be set into motion.
In therapeutic terms, probiotics are known to reduce Candida infections in different organ systems of the human body, and are generally considered to be beneficial for overall health.
Proponents of the candida diet claim that it kills off candida overgrowth by eliminating sugar, gluten, alcohol and some dairy products. It focuses on organic, low-sugar, high-quality produce, meats and fats.
Supplementation with probiotics to boost the body's overall population of lactobacilli can help restore the balance of microflora in the vagina and thus help prevent common female problems such as bacterial vaginosis, yeast infection, and urinary tract infection.
Factors that increase the risk of developing vaginitis include: Hormonal changes, such as those associated with pregnancy, birth control pills or menopause. Sexual activity. Having a sexually transmitted infection.
Complications of untreated yeast infections
If left untreated, vaginal candidiasis will most likely get worse, causing itching, redness, and inflammation in the area surrounding your vagina. This may lead to a skin infection if the inflamed area becomes cracked, or if continual scratching creates open or raw areas.
Recurrent yeast infections, however, are rarely ever “cured.” Curing the fungal infection completely is nearly impossible, and most women with this condition aim instead for mycologic control. This usually takes more than a single course of oral fluconazole—normally 3 doses—or up to 2 weeks of topical treatment.