A vaginal yeast infection is a fungal infection that
produces inflammation, discharge, and severe itching in the vagina and vulva —
the tissues that line the vaginal entrance. Vaginal yeast infection, also known
as vaginal candidiasis, affects up to three out of every four women at some
point in their lives.
Most vaginal yeast infections are caused by the fungus Candida albicans. Your vaginal environment contains a healthy balance of yeast and bacteria, including candida. Yeast overgrowth is prevented by certain bacteria (lactobacillus). However, this equilibrium can be upset.
Several factors can cause a yeast infection, including Trusted Source:
Candida development may also be aided by specific lifestyle choices, which include:
Yeast infections can strike any female at any time. Because of the hormonal changes that occur throughout the menstrual cycle, many ladies discover that they tend to show up shortly before their periods. Tight clothing (particularly undergarments) and fabrics like nylon that trap heat and moisture may increase the risk of yeast infections. Douching and using scented sanitary products might disrupt the vaginal microbial balance, making yeast infections more prevalent.
Yeast infections aren't a sexually transmitted diseases. They aren't contagious and can't be passed from one person to another during intercourse. However, sexual contact can induce yeast infections because your body chemistry reacts negatively to another person's normal genital yeast and germs, causing the yeast to proliferate.
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