Commonly the use of antibiotics, steroid-related medicines and oral contraceptives are said to help create the proper breeding ground for the Candida fungus. Autoimmune conditions and diabetes are also said to increase the likelihood that a yeast infection will occur. But there are many other factors that may come into play when it comes to this common condition in women. Here are a few to consider.

1 Eating of processed foods that lack mineral content due to the manner in which they are grown.
2 Pre-natal care and infant nutrition that is inadequate and that involves the early introduction of animal proteins.
3 The ingestion of foods laced with chemical preservative, additives, colorings, stabilizers and artificial sweeteners.
4 Insufficient fiber and too much fat in one’s diet.
5 Insufficient amounts of fresh foods consumed each day.
6 Over consumption of alcohol and the overuse of recreational drugs and prescription medicines.
7 Stress that includes workdays and days off that are filled with too many things to do.
8 Anxiety and too little sleep.
9 Poor air and water quality and stressful living conditions.
10 Overexposure to chemicals and electromagnetic fields.

This list defines for many what is the root cause of many of our problems—the fact that our lives are led in a manner that limits our exposure to natural living. For many the solution to ailments such as yeast infections is to go natural and look for a holistic remedy. The theories being if we are out of balance due to the fact that we have basically polluted out lives, we need to utilize cures that will help us get rid of that pollution and find the proper balance once again. The theory makes sense.

Do all women who have yeast present in their vaginal areas have yeast infections? No, not necessarily. I read somewhere that between 25 to 50 percent of healthy women will have yeast in the vaginal region but will not be infected. But when inflammation occurs in the vaginal area that usually means that the Candida fungus is plentiful, growing and an infection has been established.

So what are some of the causes of yeast infections? These infections are related to either an increase in volume in the vagina of the already present yeast fungus or to new yeast being introduced in the vaginal area. Commonly this occurs when good bacteria, that is the type that protects the body, is killed by antibiotics. This can happen when a woman is taking antibiotics to eliminate a sinus, urinary, respiratory or other infection or if she is undergoing treatment that includes immuno-suppressive drugs.

Women are also susceptible to yeast infections when the inner area of the vagina is damaged or if they have weak immune systems. The former can occur after chemotherapy while the latter can be related to the ingestion of prednisone or other such cortisone-based medicines. Additionally, pregnant women, those with diabetes and woman on oral contraceptive all have an increased risk of developing a Candida yeast infection.

Yeast infections can be present in women who are practicing celibacy, and it is not considered to be a sexually transmitted disease (STD). By the way, women who use vaginal perfume sprays and who use douches also increase the likelihood of developing a yeast infection.

To get rid of yeast infection you need to see if any of the above is related to you. Maybe no other steps are necessary and you can prevent future yeast infection outbreaks.