Frequent yeast infections? And why is this happening to me?

About 5% of women have recurrent yeast infections (more than 4 infections, or at least 3 infections that were not related to the use of antibiotics, in the past year). They can be frustrating and inconvenient. Why do yeast infections occur frequently? Here are some of the most common reasons.

Have you recently taken any medication? Frequent use of antibiotics can kill some of the bacteria normally present in the vagina and thus allow the yeasts to multiply, which causes frequent vaginal yeast infections. Some medicines that reduce the immune system's response (such as medicines used to treat cancer or to reduce the possibility of rejection of transplanted organs) can decrease the body's ability to fight yeast infections, which leads to more frequent infections.

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What is your method of contraception? Spermicides, gels, foams and creams used in conjunction with diaphragms and condoms can kill bacteria normally found in the vagina and make it easier for yeast to grow and spread in the vagina. Oral contraceptives that contain estrogen, especially high-strength oral contraceptives, can make it easier for yeast to grow in the vagina.

Is your immune system weakened? A weak immune system reduces the body's ability to fight infections, especially yeast infections.

Do you have problems with sugar? If you have diabetes, having frequent vaginal yeast infections may be a sign that your diabetes is not well controlled and that your blood sugar is too high. Some people have suggested that a diet that is too high in sugar may contribute to the incidence of frequent yeast infections, but this claim could not be proven by medical studies.

Are your clothes at fault? Clothes that are too tight, especially those made from synthetic fabrics, can increase the humidity and heat in the vaginal area, which can facilitate yeast growth. Choosing natural fabrics like cotton keeps the area cooler and drier.

Do you have frequent sex? Frequent sexual activity may also irritate the vaginal area and increase the risk of getting vaginal infections. It is not sure whether yeast infections are sexually transmitted. About half of all women who have recurrent yeast infection have a sexual partner who is also infected. But, so far, no study has shown that treating a woman's sexual partner helps prevent recurrent yeast infections in women.

Are you using the wrong treatment? Sometimes frequent infections can occur because the treatment chosen is not effective against the type of yeast causing the infection. Although Candida albicans is the most common type of yeast causing yeast infections, certain types of yeast that are more difficult to treat, such as Candida glabrata , can also infect the vagina and these types of yeast are found more commonly in people. with recurrent infections. Another common cause of yeast infections is resistance, a phenomenon produced when yeasts change their genetic makeup, making them more difficult to treat.

Other factors that make your infection more likely to come back include not using treatment as directed, missing doses, or stopping the medicine before it is fully used.

If you have frequent yeast infections, check with your doctor before trying to treat them on your own. Your doctor can help you find out why you get these infections frequently and suggest an effective treatment.