Recurrent yeast infections are a common issue for many women, potentially indicating an underlying health condition such as diabetes or anemia. It’s important to consult a healthcare provider to confirm suspicions of a recurring yeast infection and to rule out other possible causes. Yeast infections typically arise when the vaginal pH is imbalanced, with various factors like antibiotics and stress contributing to this imbalance.
Vaginitis can be caused by several internal and external factors, including estrogen levels, irritants, allergies, and infections like yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis, and trichomoniasis, each presenting slightly different symptoms. Vaginal yeast infections, often caused by the Candida albicans fungus, affect around 75% of women at least once in their lifetime, with up to 45% experiencing multiple occurrences. These infections are more likely when the body is under stress or experiencing hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy or due to health issues like diabetes.
Antibiotics are known to disrupt the natural balance of bacteria and yeast in the vagina, leading to an overgrowth of yeast and subsequent infection. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is another potential cause. Yeast infections, caused by the candida fungus and usually present in small numbers in the vagina, become problematic when this balance is disturbed. Factors increasing the risk of yeast infections include certain antibiotics, hormonal changes, and underlying health conditions.
Vaginal yeast infections after menopause are less common but can still occur due to an overgrowth of Candida albicans. Symptoms typically include itching, burning, redness, or swelling around the vaginal opening, and discharge that is usually white, thick, or clumpy. These infections are not generally sexually transmitted and can be treated with over-the-counter vaginal creams or suppositories.
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