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Everyday Habits That Increase Risk Of Yeast Infection In Women

Listed here are a few of the major risk factors for yeast infection in women. Check them out.

By Shabana

The world that we live in is dominated by micro-organisms, which wreck havoc in the lives of humans. Our body is a perfect breeding ground for these microbes. They enter our body and multiply, causing infections and illnesses.

Everything ranging from skin infections to cough and cold is caused by the bacteria and virus. Their counterparts on the other hand - fungi, are notorious for causing yeast infections, especially in the private parts of women, like the vagina.

It is important to keep our body clean in order to get rid of the germs spread from other people. But there are two organs in our body, which are self-designed to clean themselves - our eyes and the vagina.

Our eyes secrete a fluid, which cleans and keeps them moisturized and healthy. The same goes on for the vagina as well. It secretes a fluid, which destroys the bacteria inside and also balances the pH level of it.

yeast infection

Our vagina is home to some healthy amounts of yeast. The problem starts when this amount increases, causing itching, burning sensation, vaginal discharge and odour.

Vaginal yeast infection is caused by the microorganism called Candida. It is a common infection and almost 75% of all women in the world suffer from it at some point of their lives. Although it is common, it is definitely undesirable.

Though our vagina is designed to clean itself, there are a few things that might be hindering this process like sleeping with your underwear on or wearing tight clothes. This traps the heat and moisture inside, which gives way to yeast infections. There are many other important factors that can cause these infections.

Here are a few everyday habits that can increase the risk of yeast infections in women, and hence we must make sure to stay away from these.

1) Consuming Too Much Of Sugary Food:

1) Consuming Too Much Of Sugary Food:

The yeast Candida is known to feed on sugar. By providing it with food, you are just encouraging it to grow. Thus, the more sugar in your diet, the more likely you are to get yeast infection. Reducing sugar should be the first step to do in order to get rid of the yeast infection.

2) Sitting Up Late At Night:

2) Sitting Up Late At Night:

If you are the one to work late in the night, you are at a higher risk of a vaginal infection. Our vagina has a self-cleaning mechanism which is most active in the night. When you are sitting up straight at that time, the heat and moisture get trapped inside, increasing the chances of a vaginal infection.

3) Wearing Gym Clothes And Swimwear For Long:

3) Wearing Gym Clothes And Swimwear For Long:

You are prone to sweating during a workout. Tight gym clothes trap the moisture in, making your vagina a breeding ground for the growth of infections. Same goes for swimwear as well if worn for longer durations.

4) Wearing Tight Pants:

4) Wearing Tight Pants:

Tight pants, especially leather pants, are a rage this winter season. But these could be a cause of your recurrent vaginal infections. They hold moisture close to the skin and encourage the growth of infections. It is very important to keep your private area as dry as possible.

5) Having An Intercourse Without Protection:

5) Having An Intercourse Without Protection:

Though yeast infections are not considered as STDs, you can get a yeast infection from someone already carrying it. And yes, men too can get yeast infections which can spread to you if you indulge in unprotected sex. Better be safe than sorry.

6) Using Hormonal Birth Control Pills:

6) Using Hormonal Birth Control Pills:

Birth control pills work by causing hormonal imbalance in our body. They increase the amount of oestrogen levels, which in turn increases the blood sugar levels. This gives a chance for the yeast to thrive, as they feed on the sugar.

7) Stress:

7) Stress:

Chronic stress is known to weaken our immune system, making the spread of infections easier. Women who are stressed may also not take their hygiene seriously, which may also cause the growth of the infection.

8) Alcohol Intake:

8) Alcohol Intake:

Alcohol can increase the levels of a hormone called cortisol in your blood, which is known to weaken our immune system, making us more susceptible to yeast infections. Alcohol increases the blood sugar level in our body, giving the infection another reason to happen.

Story first published: Thursday, November 16, 2017, 10:29 [IST]
Read more about: sugar stress alcohol