What Increases The Risk Of Yeast Infection In Women?
Vaginal yeast infection is one of the common problems among menstruating women. The symptoms include irritation in and around the opening of the vagina and vulva, along with itchiness.
Risk Factor Of Yeast Infection Among Women
There happens to be no underline health problem that causes yeast infection. However, different risk factors increase the chances of yeast infection among women. Some of these include:
● Antibiotics
Antibiotics can kill a variety of bacteria. Our vagina contains naturally living bacteria. It helps to protect the vagina from the risk of yeast infection. But as one consumes the antibiotics, the effect of the medication tends to kill the bacteria. However, you will find different pill for yeast infections that can help you to prevent the problem.
● Hormonal Contraceptives
Hormonal contraceptives, including vaginal rings, patches, and birth control pills, can cause yeast infections among women who use them. The birth control methods contain hormonal estrogen which increases the risk of the problem.
● Weak Immunity System
People who have weak immunity can get affected by yeast infection. However, sometimes the usage of different medications, including steroids or chemotherapy and post-organ-transplant medications, can weaken the immunity system while causing yeast infection.
If you have a compromised immune system, it becomes difficult to cure the infection. At the same time, women who have undergone organ transplants are also at risk for recurring infections.
● Contraceptive Devices
Different contraceptive devices, including vaginal sponges, intrauterine devices, and even diaphragms, can increase the risk of yeast infections. Spermicides do not lead to yeast infection, although they cause vulvar irritation. At the same time, one can also experience vaginal issues with the usage of these products.
● Diabetes
Women having diabetes are at a higher risk of having yeast infections. Especially when the blood sugar is not under control, the individual can succumb to the disease easily.
If you can keep your blood sugar under control, it can help to reduce the risk of infection. Moreover, the development of the infection indicates the poor control of blood sugar in women with diabetes.
• Pregnancy
During pregnancy, one can experience hormonal changes. One common change is the increase in the level of estrogen. It is one of the reasons for developing a yeast infection. The sugar level in the vagina secretion also elevates, helping the yeast to feed on this sugar. Due to this reason, infection develops faster.
Besides, the infection does not harm the unborn baby, but they are difficult to treat. As the pregnancy situation weakens the immunity system of the body, the woman finds it difficult to fight the infection. Hence before you treat the problem all by yourself, you must talk to your doctor.
● Sexual Activity
Though it is a fact that vaginal yeast infections are not at all sexually transmitted infections, they are common among sexually active women. However, women who never underwent any sexual activity can also experience the problem of vaginal
Reduce The Risk Of Yeast Infection
You can follow the following steps to avoid a yeast infection.
● Make sure that you choose cotton clothes over synthetic fabrics like nylon while choosing your underwear.
● Stay dry, especially when you use pantyliners.
● Avoid tight-fitting underwear and pantyhose.
● Avoid douching as the process can change the acidic level and a healthy balance of organisms in the vagina.
● Women prone to yeast infection must not use hot tubs and bathtubs for a long period.
● Avoid scented hygiene products, including tampons, pads, bubble baths, or sprays. All these can alter the level of vaginal bacteria.
● You will find suitable pills for yeast infections that can help you reduce the problem.
When To Take Doctors Help
Making an appointment with the doctor becomes extremely important when you see yeast infection symptoms for the first time. If you are not sure about the symptoms, you must immediately visit the doctor. You must go for medical help as soon as possible when your symptoms do not get better even after having the over-the-counter product.