The Reasons Why Women Are Susceptible to Yeast Infection

Women all around the world are affected by yeast infection. Studies also show that every woman in this planet will be affected by yeast infection at least once in their lifetime. Why is this happening? What are the reasons why it is attacking mostly women? To know the reasons why yeast infection attack women more than men, we have to look into what this disease is all about.

The most frequent yeast infection in women is vaginal yeast infection when there is abnormal growth of yeast in the vagina that causes vaginal burning, itching and discharge. This type of infection is usually caused by taking antibiotics and steroids but it can also be prompted by pregnancy, sperm, diabetes and taking birth control pills. Vaginal yeast infection happens more to women after menopause.

Yeast infection is caused by yeast-like fungus called Candida Albicans. The fungus itself is normally found in our bodies, particularly in moist and dark areas. They are part of the body mainly for two reasons: to help with our digestion and also to kill other microorganisms in our body. They help keep a sort of equilibrium among the different types of bacteria and fungus found in our body. The infection starts when there is an abnormal growth of the fungus itself.

There are several factors that make women susceptible to yeast infection. The main reason to their susceptibility to yeast infection is the one thing that makes them women and that is the vagina. The vagina is a natural breeding ground of different microorganisms. Some of them may be bad and some of them good. They are there to help the vagina keep itself clean and healthy. Disruption of this balance will result in many kinds of infections. Without Candida Albicans, the vagina would be prone to even nastier diseases other than yeast infection.

Pregnancy and yeast infection often go hand in hand. It is almost impossible to separate the two. It is mainly because of the hormone estrogen. Pregnant women create a lot of estrogen that naturally makes the fungus multiply rapidly. Women who are taking birth controls pills are also susceptible to this disease. Birth control pills also contain estrogen.

Another possible reason for their susceptibility to yeast infection is the fact that women always use feminine sprays. These sprays often contain materials that irritate the vagina and upset the pH level. This would be an ideal environment of the fungus to grow fast. The use oil-based contraceptive lubricants also have similar effects.

Menopause is another reason for their susceptibility. When a woman is getting older, her estrogen level drops, which will make the vaginal wall become thinner. The moment that vaginal wall becomes thinner; the vagina will be susceptible to a lot of infections other than yeast infection.

Not everything can be controlled. There are factors which are part of the normal process of a woman’s body that is making them susceptible to yeast infection. All one has to do is just treat the infection immediately. After all, it is quite treatable.