What causes a yeast infection?

Yeast infection: A yeast infection results from an overgrowth of yeast anywhere in the body. The growth of yeast is normally limited by our immune system and normal body bacteria. If there is a compromise in our immune system or when taking medications such as antibiotics or steroids, yeast can become so numerous that they cause infections, particularly in warm and moist areas of our body.

Yeast: Yeast infections are due to a fungus called Candida which is normally found in the vagina. However, if there is a lack of healthy vaginal bacteria it can lead to overgrowth of yeast. Some causes of overgrowth: antibiotics, ^ estrogen (pregnancy or some birth control pills), malfunctioning immune system, diabetes mellitus as well as friction against vaginal tissues (intercourse) & douching.

Many factors:: Warmth and moisture content of the skin surface. Remember, we all have "yeast" on our skin. A yeast infection represents an overgrowth of certain yeast species because of the above factors. But others include anti-microbial drugs, diabetes, weakened immune system. If prone to yeast infections, wear undergarments made of cotton, rather than artificial fibers, since cotton can be bleached!

Fungus: Yeasts are microscopic organisms that are a type of fungus. Abnormal overgrowth of these fungi happen in a "yeast infection". This can be triggered by changes in ph (acidity) of the environment / anatomic location or by other factors such as taking antibiotics (which cause altered flora). Decreased immune system function may also be related to yeast infections. Hope that this helps.

More than natural: Having more yeast than there naturally should be in a particular part of the body... is what causes a yeast infection. Yeast and fungi are part of our lives on Earth. They are always with us, but when they end up in places or in numbers that are not natural, we call it an infection. Sometimes we call it an overgrowth, if the location is normal but the yeast numbers are too high.