What Causes Yeast Infections, & How To Get Rid Of Them?

Dr. Liesbeth Demuyser explains:

The fungus among us

The vaginal microbiome is host to countless microorganisms, with Lactobacilli being especially prevalent, which is good because they produce acid that lowers pH and prevents infections.

Candida yeasts (so, fungus) are normally present in small quantities, and/but kept in check by the immune system and competing microbes like the aforementioned Lactobacilli.

If the vaginal microbiome is disrupted, then C. albicans (the most commonly bothersome form of Candida) will shift into disease-causing forms, multiply, form hyphae, secrete enzymes that damage epithelial tissue, and trigger immune responses that cause itching, burning, swelling, redness, and thicker white discharge.

Things that can cause/promote this: antibiotics reduce protective Lactobacilli, lowered immunity allows overgrowth, hormonal changes and diet alter balance, semen raises pH, tight/wet clothing retains moisture, and soaps damage the protective mucus and physically wash out bacteria that should be there (while leaving the Candida relatively unbothered).

Avoiding problems: when it comes to hygiene down there, generally speaking “less is more”. Let the vagina do its thing without interference, and wash the vulva gently without special chemicals (including: without greenwashed chemicals that the “special cleansing crystals” or something, but in fact throw the pH way out (because they are salts, and bases) and kill a lot of bacteria that should be there (while, once again, leaving the Candida relatively unbothered).

Treating problems: most infections are mild, clear by themselves within two weeks if left alone, and/or respond well to antifungal medications; probiotics can help but are very hit-and-miss.

Click Here If The Embedded Video Doesn’t Load Automatically!

Want to learn more?

You might also like:

Vaginal Probiotics: What Does The Science Say?

Take care!