What Causes a Yeast Infection

Mostly, yeast infection results from a type of candida fungus known as Candida albicans which are are yeast-like fungal organisms found in small amounts in the human intestinal tract.

** In people who have a weakened immune system due of cancer treatments, steroids, or diseases such as AIDS, candida infections can occur throughout the entire body and can be life-threatening. The blood, brain, eye, kidney, and heart are most frequently affected, but Candida also can grow in the lungs, liver, and spleen. Candida is a leading cause of esophagitis (inflammation in the swallowing tube) in people with AIDS.

** Almost 15% of people with weakened immune systems develop a systemic illness caused by Candida. These infections enter into the bloodstream through breakdowns or cuts in the skin or mucous membranes. Candidal organisms may build up in an area because of frequent use of antibiotics, which kill the bacteria that normally keep them under control.

** Use of devices implanted in the skin such as urinary catheters and IV ports also provide access for the yeast to enter the body. IV drug users utilizing dirty needles may inject the yeast directly into their bloodstream or deep tissues.

Female Yeast Infections

Yeast infections are the second most common reason for vaginal burning, itching, and discharge. Yeasts are found in the vagina of 20% to 50% of healthy women and can overgrow if the environment in the vagina changes.

Antibiotic and steroid use is the most common reason for yeast overgrowth. But menstruation, pregnancy, sperm, diabetes, and birth control pills also can contribute to getting a yeast infection. Yeast infections are more common after menopause.

Your vagina naturally contains a balanced mix of yeast and bacteria. Lactobacillus bacteria produce acid, which discourages overgrowth of yeast in the vagina. But disruption of the healthy balance can result in an overgrowth of yeast. Too much yeast in your vagina can lead to vaginal itching, burning, and other classic signs and symptoms of a yeast infection.

Read more about Yeast Infections in Women

Male Yeast Infection

 
Some people think only women get genital yeast infections. Regardless of your sex, though, prolonged antibiotic use increases your risk of a yeast infection. Also, men and women with diabetes or impaired immune systems, such as those with HIV, are more susceptible to yeast infections.

Regardless of what you may have heard, according to Dr. James M. Steckelberg, M.D., just because your girlfriend has a yeast infection doesn’t mean you will get one too. Sexual transmission of yeast infections is uncommon.

Read more about Yeast Infections in Men

Children Yeast Infection

 
The leading cause that children get yeast infections is due to taking antibiotics.
This happens because antibiotics destroy good and bad bacteria within their body. When the antibiotics kill the good bacteria then the body will not have the proper balance of good bacteria for the digestive and immune system. With the absence of this good bacteria it allows the yeast fungus which is present in all individuals, to remain unchecked within the body. This situation allows for a higher percentage of yeast infection for children to occur.

Read more about Children and Yeast Infections

Here are some related articles of interest:

What is a yeast infection
Yeast infection symptoms / What causes yeast infections
Yeast infection in the mouth / Oral thrush
Yeast infection treatments / Home and Natural remedies
Vaginal yeast infection / Yeast infection during pregnancy
Male yeast infection / Treating male yeast infection
Recurring yeast infection / Preventing yeast infections
Children and yeast infections
Untreated yeast infection
Yeast infection photos

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