{"id":55851,"date":"2022-12-29T22:03:38","date_gmt":"2022-12-30T03:03:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=55851"},"modified":"2024-10-25T10:58:28","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T14:58:28","slug":"recurring-yeast-infections","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/recurring-yeast-infections\/","title":{"rendered":"Why do I keep getting yeast infections?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Like most things in life, balance is key. This mantra holds true to a yeast (type of fungus) called <\/span>Candida<\/span><\/i> which normally lives on skin and inside different areas of the body like the mouth, throat, digestive tract, and vagina. Typically, <\/span>Candida<\/span><\/i> is present without causing any problems. Changes in hormones, <\/span>medicines like antibiotics<\/span><\/a>, or alterations in the immune system that weaken it may tip the balance and provide conditions which encourage overgrowth of <\/span>Candida<\/span><\/i> and can increase the risk of infections, including <\/span>vaginal candidiasis<\/span><\/a>. A single yeast infection is uncomfortable on its own, but recurring yeast infections can cause significant frustration with its interruption to day-to-date life. More than 50% of women older than 25 years of age have at least one episode of vulvovaginal candidiasis, or a vaginal yeast infection, in their lifetime; fewer than 5% of these women will experience a recurring, or chronic, yeast infection. <\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Can men get yeast infections?<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

What is a recurring yeast infection?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Yeast infections occur when too much of a naturally occurring yeast, most commonly <\/span>Candida albicans<\/span><\/i>, grows in the vagina. <\/span>Recurring yeast infections <\/span><\/a>are defined as those which occur four or more times in one year or at least three episodes unrelated to antibiotic therapy within one year. There is usually an underlying reason why a woman might suffer from recurring yeast infections and so getting to the root of that problem is crucial to effectively treat and eradicate the infection. Recurring yeast infections differ from persistent yeast infections in that patients will experience a period of symptom-free relief. <\/span><\/p>\n

Causes of recurring yeast infections<\/span><\/h2>\n

There are a few possible reasons someone may deal with recurrent yeast infections:<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Sexual activity<\/span><\/h3>\n

While yeast infections are not a sexually transmitted infection (STI), it is possible in some cases for sexual partners to pass the Candida to each other. To prevent this, use condoms or dental dams and practice good hygiene after sexual intercourse, such as showering. Avoid having sexual intercourse when one partner has a yeast infection.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. The original yeast infection was not completely treated <\/span><\/h3>\n

Symptoms may disappear before the infection is fully treated. When this happens, the yeast infection will come back if treatment is stopped prior to the prescribed duration of therapy. <\/span><\/p>\n

3. The yeast infection is caused by a drug-resistant strain<\/span><\/h3>\n

There are also strains of yeast that are more drug-resistant, which makes it harder to get rid of than others. While <\/span>Candida albicans<\/span><\/i> is the most commonly identified pathogen in patients with vulvovaginal candidiasis, other species of <\/span>Candida<\/span><\/i> like <\/span>Candida tropicalis<\/span><\/i> and <\/span>Candida glabrata<\/span><\/i> can cause infection and may require modifications to therapy. <\/span><\/p>\n

4. It is not a yeast infection <\/span><\/h3>\n

There are other infections, such as bacterial vaginosis, or sexually transmitted infections (STIs), that may have similar symptoms. While an initial infection may be diagnosed over the phone, clinical evaluations of recurrent episodes is critical to rule out alternative causes like STIs and receive an accurate diagnosis. It is critical to visit a doctor, such as a gynecologist or primary care physician, when a yeast infection does not clear up, or when you’re not sure that what you’re dealing with is a yeast infection.<\/span><\/p>\n

5. <\/span>Other complicating conditions<\/span><\/h3>\n

Those with certain conditions, such as weakened immune systems and uncontrolled diabetes, are more susceptible to recurrent infections. Pregnant women may also be more susceptible. Uncontrolled diabetes may be a predisposing factor for recurrent yeast infections since high blood sugar levels encourage the ability of Candida species to bind to vaginal epithelial cells. <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/span>Noncompliance with treatment may result in concerns of what is mislabeled as a recurrent and is actually more representative of a persistent infection. Some of the over-the-counter therapies, including topical treatments, may be considered inconvenient or messy by women and therefore therapy not completed as indicated. Antibiotics are often implicated in recurrent vaginal candidiasis since they decrease protective vaginal flora, allowing overgrowth of yeast. The risk of a yeast infection increases with duration and frequency of antibiotic use. <\/span><\/p>\n

Mechanical factors, like perspiration associated with tight-fitting clothing or underwear increases vaginal temperature and moisture, fostering overgrowth of <\/span>Candida<\/span><\/i> species.<\/span><\/p>\n

Contraceptive methods may also promote recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis by altering normal vaginal flora and increasing adherence of <\/span>Candida<\/span><\/i> species to vaginal epithelial cells. Women who have an <\/span>intrauterine devices<\/span><\/a> (IUDs) may be <\/span>predisposed<\/span><\/a> to vaginal colonization by <\/span>Candida <\/span><\/i>species, which could result in an infection. <\/span><\/p>\n

Chronic yeast infection symptoms<\/span><\/h2>\n

Symptoms<\/span><\/a> of chronic yeast infections don’t usually differ from a simple yeast infection, and include itching as the primary symptom. A woman may also suffer from a burning sensation in the tissue outside of the vagina, known as the vulva, which may intensify upon urination or during intercourse. The most common symptoms are listed below:<\/span><\/p>\n