Title: Yeast Infections: Causes and Risk Factors
Headings: Causes and Risk Factors of Yeast Infection
Causes and Risk Factors of Yeast Infection
Common Causes
Antibiotic Treatment
Increased Estrogen
Immunodeficiency
Diabetes
Cancer Treatment
Sexual Activity
Lifestyle Risk Factors

Content: Yeast Infections: Causes and Risk Factors
Sexual Health
Reproductive Health Issues
Vaginal Health
Yeast Infections
Yeast Infection Guide
Yeast Infection Guide
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Causes and Risk Factors of Yeast Infection
By
Heather M. Ross
Medically reviewed by
Medically reviewed by Anita Sadaty, MD on July 13, 2019
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Anita Sadaty, MD, is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist at North Shore University Hospital and founder of Redefining Health Medical. Learn about our Medical Review Board
Anita Sadaty, MD
Updated on July 17, 2019
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Table of Contents
Common Causes
Lifestyle Risk Factors
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How Yeast Infections Are Diagnosed
Candida is the organism responsible for yeast infections, but it usually lives in the vagina in balance with bacteria without causing any problems. Changes to vaginal acidity and the balance of organisms can occur due to antibiotics, diabetes, pregnancy, hormonal therapy, contraceptives, or an impaired immune system. When that happens, Candida cells can multiply unchecked, resulting in a yeast infection. © Verywell, 2018
Common Causes
Yeast infections have several causes, and some individuals may have more than one at play when an infection strikes. Antibiotic Treatment
This is a common reason for a yeast infection. 1 ﻿ The lactobacilli normally found in the vagina produce substances and a level of acidity that inhibits yeast. Antibiotics kill some of this friendly bacteria, which allows yeast to overgrow. Increased Estrogen
Having an increased estrogen level raises your risk of a vaginal yeast infection.