The vagina has its own environment which maintains its own balance of microorganisms. When the fungus Candida Albicans disturbes this balance Candida can then multiply unchecked and the result is a vaginal yeast infection. The natural balance of these microorganisms can be disrupted by a variety of reasons. How do you get a yeast infection can be caused by the following factors.

Antibiotics can destroy the good bacteria that help to protect the vagina. During or after the use of antibiotics a vaginal yeast infection can develop especially if you are taking the antibiotics for other conditions such as strep throat. Steroids are another medicine that can cause an infection.

How do you get a yeast infection also includes those with certain medical conditions. Those with diabetes have a lower glycogen store in their vaginal cells. In addition, diabetes can have a rise in the sugar content of their vagina which also increases the likelihood of developing a yeast infection. Also those with a weakened immune system can get a yeast infection such as those with HIV/AIDS, pregnancy, cancer, chemotherapy or anyone taking drugs that weaken the immune system.

How do you get a yeast infection is also affected by body changes such as ovulation, menopause, pregnancy, birth control pills and hormone therapy. Wearing underwear that is tight or made of material other than cotton can increase the temperature, moisture and local irritation in the vaginal which leads to an infection. Use douches or feminine sprays has been known to cause yeast infections. Also scratches in the vagina can cause a yeast infection such as during the insertion of a tampon.

Risk Factors

One you know how do you get a yeast infection you should also consider specific factors that can increase your risk of developing a yeast infection. Some of these risk factors you can control such as unnecessary use of antibiotics; poorly controlled diabetes; wearing tight fitting and nonabsorbent pants or undergarments that hold in warmth and moisture; using any feminine hygiene sprays such as talcs or perfumes in the vaginal area; douching; or using intrauterine devices.

Then there are risk factors that you can’t control such as an impaired immune system which affect the bodies ability to maintain a normal balance in the organisms in the vagina, pregnancy which change the hormone levels in your body and the balance of organisms in the vagina and undiagnosed diabetes which affects the normal balance of organisms in the vagina because of a change in blood sugar levels.

Although yeast infections are not sexually transmitted you may have an increased risk of an imbalance in the organisms as long as you have risk factors for a sexually transmitted disease. So that covers how do you get a yeast infection and what factors you can control to prevent getting a yeast infection.

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