Causes of Chronic Yeast Infections

If you suffer from chronic yeast infections you know just how miserable they can be. The burning, itching, pain and embarrassment can become overwhelming and it can be frustrating trying to cope from day to day. In order to begin learning how to treat them it is important to take a look at some of the causes of chronic yeast infections. By eliminating or uncovering the cause the treatment can become both easier and more effective.

You may be surprised to learn that one of the most common causes of chronic yeast infections is using over the counter yeast infection creams and treatments. Part of the problem with OTC creams is that they often times don't kill all of the yeast that is present. Instead they kill the weaker yeast and leave behind the yeast that is resistant to treatment.

What happens then is that the more resistant yeast can multiply. What that means is that next time that you get a yeast infection the over the counter cream will be even less effective because there will be more of the resistant yeast than the first time around. This cycle can repeat over and over each time you treat a yeast infection with an over the counter cream. Before you know it all you have left is resistant yeast and the cream is ineffective in getting rid of it or treating your yeast infection.

Because yeast infections can be sexually transmitted having sex with an infected partner can also lead to chronic or recurring yeast infections. Both men and women can get them and often times men (and more rarely women) will have no symptoms but will have a yeast infection that they keep transmitting back to their partner without knowing each time they have sex.

Another very common cause of yeast infections is from extended use of antibiotics. Antibiotics kill both "good" and "bad" bacteria. The good bacteria in the human body helps to keep the yeast that occurs naturally in our bodies from growing out of control. When the bacteria is gone from using an antibiotic the yeast can grow out of control and cause a yeast infection. Other drugs such as birth control pills and cortisone drugs can also lead to yeast infections.

Douching too often, stress, hormonal changes, poor nutrition and sudden diet changes can also contribute to chronic yeast infections. Additionally, there are several medical conditions that can also cause chronic yeast infections including diabetes, a weakened immune system, pregnancy and others. It is always a good idea to rule out any underlying medical conditions with your doctor to make sure there is nothing more serious causing the infections.



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