Yeast Infections - Causes

Most yeast infections are caused by a type of yeast called Candida albicans. A healthy vagina has many bacteria and a small number of yeast cells. The most common bacteria, Lactobacillus acidophilus, help keep other organisms in the vagina like the yeast under control. Anything that ends up changing the balance of these organisms in the vagina can cause the present small number of yeast to grow too much and cause symptoms. 
- 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 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 yeast infections.

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