Ask any woman past puberty about the cause of a yeast infection, and she may not be able to tell you the answer. While she may not know the cause, she will know the signs and symptoms, the intense discomfort, and probably will know how to cure a yeast infection in the short term. Men and women alike often know the cure for the current flare up, but to be able to cure yeast infections for life you really need to understand the causes. Unfortunately, those who don’t learn from the past are doomed to repeat it.

Yeast infections are simply irritations of mocous membranes throughout the body in places like the vagina, intestines, skin or mouth. An infection causes swelling and irritation of the areas affected. The fungus known as candidiasis is the cause of yeast infections when an over-abundance is present. The candida family of fungi also causes thrush infections in the mouth and vaginitis.

What is the 411 about the Causes of Yeast Infections?

To stop getting yeast infections, you must understand what causes them. The candida fungus seeks out and attacks vulnerable areas of the body. A major cause of yeast infections among women is taking antibiotics or steroid medications. Medications like these often cause the vagina to develop too much candida fungus. The candida fungus if found naturally in the body in small quantities but when the fungus becomes over-abundant then it causes a yeast infection. Antibiotics and steroids are necessary medications for women who need them. Women who know they’re prone to yeast infections when they must take these medications head off a candida overflow by using a yeast infection medication at the same time.

Hot weather and damp underclothing or swimsuits can also cause yeast infections. In warm damp environments, the candida fungus thrives. Perspiration in the vaginal area and/or wearing a damp swimsuit provides everything candida needs to flourish. In hot, damp weather, it is always a good idea to wear dry underwear, use wetness absorbing powder in your underwear and change your swimsuit immediately after swimming.

For women, another cause of yeast infections is clothing that is too tight. The tight-fitting clothing causes vaginal irritation. Candida flourishes on the irritated vaginal skin. After the irritation, comes the start of the full-blown yeast infection. It makes a lot of sense for women who are susceptable to yeast infections to avoid tight-fitting clothing whenever possible.

Tight-fitting clothing is just one of the reasons that irritations can begin and yeast infections start. Some women are especially sensitive to bath products that contain a lot of soapy suds. Many women are attracted to the smooth feel and pleasant smell but often regret their use afterward. Obviously, if you know that a bath product causes irritations for you, then avoid whenever possible. An option to turn to is to try a milk-bath product that only has a small amount of soap in it.

Lastly, it’s very important for women to not use douche products. Your physician will advise you that douches are not helpful or necessary in maintaining the health of your vagina. Nature will maintain your help and doesn’t need assistance from harsh douche products.