definition and cause of vaginal yeast infections

Definition and Cause of Vaginal Yeast Infections

by Stephanie Rolfe CNC

Vaginal Yeast Infection is defined as an invasion or overgrowth of yeast or Candida Albicans in the vagina. A small amount of yeast is normally present in the vaginal canal, but in a healthy environment, this yeast is constantly counterbalanced and kept in check by friendlier bacterium like Lactobacillus acidophilus.

Candida manifests as a slight or overwhelming burn, itch, a curd-like discharge with an offensive odor that smells somewhat like yeast gone bad. As anyone who's had Candida can attest, it's an uncomfortable experience. Some experience it as low grade irritant, others as a crazy-making distraction.

What causes Candida?

There a multitude of causes for Candida or Yeast Infection, number one being antibiotics, which kill ALL bacteria in the body, including the necessary friendly bacteria, thus the acidophilus is no longer present to counterbalance the yeast.

Doctors rarely tell their patients to take acidophilus supplements to insure healthy vaginal balance. I like to think they just don't know, but this information has been around for years, so the skeptic in me thinks they just make SO much money on treating this common condition, they'd rather not inform their patients on how to prevent it. I hope this isn't so.

Others causes of Yeast Infections are;

Pharmaceutical immunosuppressive and steroid drugs.
Poor hygiene combined with marathon sex.
Wearing excessively tight clothes, especially tight blue jeans which inherently rub the labia in all the wrongs ways, wearing out the thin skin and allowing for easier yeast invasion.
Consumption of excessive sugars, especially when under stress, which allows for the proliferation of yeast since sugar is their most loved food.
Uses of medical devices such as catheters and IV ports can cause openings for the entry of yeast. Drug addicts using dirty needles can pass yeast back and forth also.
Hormonal imbalances such as PMS, pregnancy, menopause and use of birth control pills can contribute to yeast invasion.
People with weakened immune systems due to cancer treatments, AIDS and diabetes can be susceptible to systemic yeast. Please see section on Systemic Yeast Infection.

*click here for The Vaginal Yeast Infection Instant Cure