Most yeast infections are caused by a type of yeast called Candida albicans.
A healthy vagina has a balanced mix of bacteria and yeast. The most common bacteria, Lactobacillus, produces acid to help keep other organisms in the vagina like yeast under control.
Anything that ends up changing the balance of these organisms in the vagina can lead to an overgrowth of yeast and subsequently, a yeast infection:
- Taking antibiotics, birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy, or corticosteroids; being pregnant; douching (the act of rinsing out the vagina with water or a special solution) may cause an imbalance of organisms in the vagina.
- Certain health problems may also cause this imbalance like diabetes, immune system problems (HIV infection), and other diseases also increase the risk of developing yeast infections.
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