According to the Office on Women's Health, three out of four women will experience a yeast infection at least once, and almost half will have two or more in their lifetime. But what's surprising isn't how common yeast infections are; it's how little most women know about what actually causes them. From everyday medications to hidden vaginal health imbalances, the triggers tend to go unrecognized until the discomfort has already set in.
If you're looking for clear, no-nonsense answers about what causes a yeast infection in women and how your vaginal health plays a key role, this article is for you.
Symptoms of a Yeast Infection
Most yeast infections cause the vaginal area to itch and burn, but what you actually experience can differ quite a lot depending on how far the imbalance has progressed.
A few common signs include:
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Itching or burning sensation in or around your vagina
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Thick, white vaginal discharge (like cottage cheese)
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Redness and tenderness around your vulva and vagina
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Small cuts/cracks in the vulva skin
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Burning when you pee
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Pain during sex
Yeast infection symptoms vary from person to person. Some women might have intense itching with very little discharge, while others may have a burning sensation when they pee.
If you suspect a yeast infection, it's worth seeing a healthcare provider before reaching for over-the-counter (OTC) treatment, as symptoms of a yeast infection can resemble other vaginal infections, like bacterial vaginosis (BV) and several sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Common Causes of Yeast Infections and What to Do About Them
Yeast infections (also called vaginal candidiasis) are a common fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of Candida yeast. Candida albicans naturally lives in the body, but when the healthy bacteria fall out of balance, the yeast can quickly multiply and lead to an infection.
Under normal conditions, Lactobacillus (your vagina's natural protective bacteria) keeps Candida albicans in check by maintaining a balanced pH between 3.8 and 4.5. Most vaginal yeast infections occur when this balance tips, and they're quite common after puberty and before menopause.
Below, we take a closer look at how this yeast overgrowth can occur:
1. Antibiotics
Antibiotics are one of the most common triggers of vaginal yeast infections. While antibiotics are great at fighting harmful infections and bacteria, they also wipe out the healthy Lactobacillus bacteria that keep Candida fungus in line. When the body's healthy bacteria levels are low, yeast has more room to grow.
That said, not all antibiotics cause yeast infections in women. Broad-spectrum meds tend to have higher risk factors, including tetracyclines (demeclocycline), quinolones (ciprofloxacin), and those with penicillin.
One option to consider when prescribed antibiotics is pairing them with a vaginal probiotic like Good Girl Probiotics®, which is formulated to help support the bacterial balance and pH levels your vagina needs.
2. High-sugar diets
Like most yeasts, Candida feeds on sugar. A diet high in refined carbs and added sugar creates an environment where yeast growth thrives, both in the gut and in the vaginal microbiome.
You don't have to swear off dessert forever, of course, but if you're more prone to yeast infections, consider taking a hard look at your eating habits. Reducing processed foods and keeping blood sugar levels stable is one of the most practical dietary changes you can make for your overall (vaginal) health.
3. Unmanaged diabetes
Related to the previous point, when blood sugar is consistently high (as in poorly controlled diabetes), the body releases more glucose in your blood, saliva, pee, and yes, vaginal secretions. This extra sugar causes yeast to grow and multiply, ultimately leading to more frequent yeast infections.
Women with unmanaged diabetes tend to have a much higher chance of developing a vaginal yeast infection. Keeping blood sugar stable through diet, medication, and regular exercise can significantly reduce that risk.
4. Compromised immune system
A healthy immune system keeps Candida albicans from taking hold. A weakened immune system, whether due to the flu or medical conditions such as cancer or HIV infection, means the body can't properly fight infections or regulate yeast overgrowth that causes mild yeast infections.
If you're struggling with frequent infections and/or you have a compromised immune system, your doctor may recommend long-term antifungal medications or other treatment strategies. Supporting your gut health alongside that care, with options like our Gut Feelings Probiotics, is one way to give your body extra support.
5. Hormone changes
Estrogen is the biggest player in maintaining your vaginal health. When estrogen levels rise (during pregnancy, in the luteal phase of your menstrual cycle, using birth control pills, or with hormone therapy), vaginal glycogen spikes. This sugar-rich environment is broken down by Lactobacillus into lactic acid, which helps maintain your vagina's natural pH balance.
But when glycogen spikes too much (due to elevated estrogen levels), it can tip the microbial balance, making it harder for Lactobacillus to do its job. This surge can provide extra fuel for Candida to grow, which may contribute to a yeast infection in some women.
To support overall vaginal health, starting with your gut, try our Healthy V® Vitamin.
6. Douching
While many women think internal washing with harsh soaps and fragranced products can reduce vaginal odor and prevent dryness and yeast infections, it actually does the opposite. Douching disrupts your vagina's natural balance and strips away the protective Lactobacillus bacteria, which play a key role in women's health.
When these healthy bacteria are gone, yeast grows out of control, making more women more prone to infections. What's more, the risk of STIs and BV goes up, too.
It's important to know that your vagina is self-cleaning, and nothing needs to go inside your vaginal opening. For everyday cleaning, a gentle pH-balanced cleanser is enough. If you're concerned about persistent odor, it's worth checking in with a healthcare provider.
7. Sexual activity
Yeast infections aren't classed as sexually transmitted infections, but sexual activity can introduce bacteria into the vagina and disrupt pH levels, which could lead to Candida overgrowth.
If you're sexually active, it's important to practice safe sex and use condoms to reduce the risk of microbiome disruption.
8. Moisture in the genital area
Candida fungus thrives in warm, moist environments. Wearing tight synthetic fabrics or staying in wet or sweaty clothes after a workout all create conditions that encourage yeast growth.
Cotton underwear, breathable fabrics, and changing out of wet clothes are quick and easy habits that can lower your risk of developing a yeast infection.
Support Your Vaginal Health with Love Wellness
Now that you have a better understanding of what's behind most yeast infections, you can start making small, everyday changes that add up over time. Whether it's rethinking your diet, swapping out your body wash, or paying closer attention to how your body responds after a course of antibiotics, you have plenty of ways to support your vaginal health.
At Love Wellness, we developed our vaginal health collection with everyday support in mind, so you have the tools you need to feel your best.
FAQs
What is a yeast infection?
Vaginal candidiasis (a.k.a. yeast infection) is a fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans, a yeast that normally lives in the vagina in small amounts. When the vaginal microbiome is disrupted, Candida multiplies above normal levels, causing inflammation, itching, and discharge.
What are recurrent yeast infections?
Recurrent yeast infections, known as "recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC)", are typically diagnosed when women have 3+ vaginal infections in one year. In many cases, recurrent infections are linked to underlying factors like uncontrolled blood sugar, a weakened immune system, or persistent microbiome imbalances that haven't been fully addressed.
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