There are a number of things that can throw off the balance of the vaginal environment and increase your risk for developing a yeast infection. These include:
- Antibiotics: An unpleasant side effect of taking antibiotics is that they may alter the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina, leading to an overgrowth in Candida.
- Menstruation: Frequent yeast infections may occur due to changes in hormone levels during a woman’s cycle. This will vary from woman to woman and should be treated the same way, whether or not it’s during menstruation.
- Menopause: Changes in normal vaginal tissue such as drying or thinning, which occur during menopause, can increase your likelihood of developing a yeast infection
- Pregnancy: Because of increased levels of estrogen, a pregnant woman is more susceptible to recurring yeast infections up until the time of delivery. This may make it difficult to cure an infection completely during pregnancy; therefore, a doctor should be consulted.
- Diabetes: Abnormally high sugar levels create a breeding ground for yeast. People with diabetes must take measures to control their blood sugar levels to help prevent vulvovaginal candidiasis.