subject: Causes And Symptoms Of A Vaginal Yeast Infection [print this page] A vaginal yeast infection is more often than not caused through an uncontrolled growth of a fungus that goes by the name of Candida. An imbalance in certain systems of the body is what causes this unchecked multiplication. The reasons for this imbalance and extra growth can be many. Some of those causes can be the use of spermicides, antibiotics, intercourse of a sexual nature, and other incidences or acts that can precipitate an imbalance in the hormones.
Medications, such as steroids, birth control pills, and antibiotics, can be the cause of an imbalance in the quantity of bacteria and yeast found in the body. For example during the time that an antibiotic is taken bacteria, whether beneficial or not, is eliminated in many areas of the body. Thus allowing growth of the candida fungus to go unchallenged in places such as the vagina which in turn allows infection to set in.
Participating in sexual intercourse can be a means to pass on an infection as it is contagious. Thus if a single partner, or both of them have it, then it can be given to others. Treatment for the infection should be sought out in order to prevent it from spreading or being constantly passed from partner to partner.
Another trigger for an infection in the vagina is the use of spermicidal foams or creams. It can upset the pH balance in a woman's system so much that an environment that encourages the growth of the Candida Fungus.
Oddly enough what a woman wears can also create an environment that allows the fungus to thrive as well. The naturally occurring yeast in the body is relatively harmless at lower levels but can multiply out of proportion due to moisture and warmth. Tight fitting clothes hold in the moisture that is created through perspiration and combines with the warmth of the body in the vagina to create the perfect environment.
The recognizable symptoms of vaginal yeast infection are a soreness and itch in the vagina. A burning sensation in the surrounding skin often accompanies the itch and just adds to a woman's discomfort. Some women also experience an odorless discharge that will be thick and colored white. If one finds themselves experiencing such symptoms treatment should be sought out right away.
