The causes

All external or internal influences that affect and change the vaginal flora can be causes or risk factors for vaginal fungal infections. These include hormonal changes with an increased oestrogen level, such as during pregnancy or when taking the contraceptive pill. Also, certain medications that suppress the body’s immune response favour an excess growth of yeast fungi.

If the immune system itself is weakened by diseases, such as AIDS or diabetes, the reproduction of yeast fungi is also facilitated. Another possible cause is unprotected sexual intercourse, which can lead to micro injuries through friction if the intimate mucosa has been damaged. As a result, yeast fungi can multiply more easily and lead to infection.

Here, transmission from the male side to the female and vice versa is possible. In addition, excessive intimate hygiene can lead to washing out of the lactic acid bacteria that are important for the vaginal flora, thus simplifying the colonization of yeast fungi. Synthetic, air-impermeable clothing or wearing damp bandages or underwear for too long can also optimize the propagation conditions of yeast fungi.

Some common causes of infection by yeast fungi are an imbalance in the vaginal flora. This means that the natural colonization of the vagina by microorganisms has changed and, for example, yeast fungi gain the upper hand. This is often the case after antibiotic treatment, when the lactic acid bacteria in the vagina are also killed along with the pathogen that actually causes the antibiotic treatment.

Lactic acid bacteria are an important protective mechanism of the vagina, as they maintain the pH value of the vagina in an acidic environment. As a result, certain pathogens, including yeast fungi, are less able to multiply. If these important bacteria are killed by taking antibiotics, vaginal mycosis can occur more easily.The immune defence is the biggest opponent for yeast fungi, because it prevents the excessive spread of the yeast fungus and thus a possible risk of infection for other people.

However, the immune system normally has no problems to prevent the fungi from spreading. If, on the other hand, the immune system is weakened, this can pose a danger and possibly lead to a more serious disease. Persons who have undergone surgery or chemotherapy are considered to be particularly at risk.

However, even regular medication (e.g. antibiotics, antidepressants) can lead to a severe weakening of the immune system. A generally unhealthier lifestyle (overweight, unhealthy diet, etc.) can also be considered a risk factor for yeast infections.

In rare cases, immunodeficiency can trigger a serious disease. Thus, the fungus can colonize internal organs and spread rapidly. In most cases the oesophagus is affected (thrush oesophagitis).

In rare cases, the lungs, liver or heart may also be affected. A yeast fungal disease of the brain can also occur. A dreaded complication is candida sepsis, a blood poisoning caused by the yeast fungus, which is usually accompanied by a poor prognosis and can be fatal.

Independent of the immune system, there are other risk factors that can trigger a yeast infection. These include moist and acidic skin climate, as this is an ideal condition for the formation of yeast fungi. Especially in body folds and the armpits this environment can be created by sweating. In addition to the skin milieu, damage to the skin can also make it easier for fungi to overcome the skin barrier. But also genetic predisposition causes increased yeast infections.