Caused by an overgrowth of a type of fungus called Candida, yeast infections can lead to severe vaginal pain and discomfort. Small amounts of organisms, including yeast are always there in your vagina, as well as in your digestive tract and mouth. Certain things can disrupt the balance and give yeast a chance to overgrow, which will cause a yeast infection. Many things can be the trigger of the yeast infection, and some people may wonder whether condoms can be one of the reasons.
Can Condoms Cause Yeast Infections?
Yes, it is true that condoms, especially spermicidal condoms can cause yeast infections. You can become infected when using condoms in two ways:
- The stimulation of spermicidal condoms. The active ingredient found in spermicidal condoms is nonoxynol-9 which can be irritating for the woman and affect the vaginal immunity. This in turn gives yeast a chance to take control of things and cause a yeast infection.
- Latex allergy. If you are allergic to latex, you can develop a yeast infection if your partner is using a latex condom, as the allergic reaction may change the pH levels in the vagina.
Note: Can condoms cause yeast infections? Yes, they can. Therefore, if you think that spermicidal condoms are causing problems, you should look for spermicide-free protection options. In case latex is the culprit, you can always try a polyurethane or lambskin condom.
What Are Other Causes of Yeast Infections?
Can condoms cause yeast infections? They certainly can, but there can be other causes for yeast infections.
1. Antibiotics
While antibiotics can kill the bacteria that makes you sick, they can also kill those good bacteria living in your vagina. It means that if you take antibiotics for skin infections or another sickness, you may end up killing some of those good bacteria in your vagina. This allows yeast to grow quickly and causes an infection.
2. High Estrogen Levels
Your estrogen levels go up when you are taking oral contraceptives, are pregnant, or are on estrogen therapy. Elevated estrogen levels increase glycogen levels, which in turn will provide yeast with a feasible environment to grow.
3. Douching
Douching involves cleaning the inside of your vagina using a squirt bottle which contains water or other fluids. Douching, especially with a solution that contains iodine, vinegar, or another cleaning agent can affect the normal pH of vagina, and cause an overgrowth of yeast. Using soap to clean the inside of your vagina can also cause yeast overgrowth due to the same reason.
4. Diabetes
You are at a greater risk of developing yeast infections if you have diabetes, and the risk increases when you have trouble keeping your blood sugar levels within a normal range. That's mainly because yeast will overgrow when your blood glucose levels are on the higher side.
5. Other Causes
- The use of panty liners: Using panty liners can cause yeast infections by creating a moist environment. This happens because the synthetic fiber in your panty liners can block airflow.
- Vaginal eczema: You may experience chronic irritation and inflammation if you have vaginal eczema. Leaving it untreated will eventually lead to yeast infections.
- Weak immune system: You are more likely to become infected when your immune system is already weak due to another health condition.
Symptoms of Yeast Infections
Can condoms cause yeast infections? The answer is yes. Then, what are the symptoms of a yeast infection. Not every woman having a yeast infection experiences the same symptoms. The severity of the symptoms may vary as well. Irritation and itching in the vagina is usually the most common symptom of a yeast infection. Other symptoms include:
- A burning sensation while urinating or engaging in sex
- Swelling and redness around the vulva
- Vaginal rash with vaginal pain
- Watery vaginal discharge, sometimes with a cottage cheese appearance
Home Remedies for Yeast Infections
1. Consume Probiotics
Taking probiotics and including probiotic foods in your diet can help restore the natural balance of good and bad bacteria in your vagina, which will help treat a yeast infection.
2. Try Organic Cranberry Juice
Including cranberry juice in your diet can improve the pH balance in the vagina, therefore help to treat a yeast infection.
3. Wear Lose Clothing
Wearing loose clothing can lower your risk of developing a yeast infection as loose-fitting clothing allows for uninterrupted flow of air to prevent the growth of yeast.
Warning: You should not try to treat your yeast infection if:
- You are pregnant.
- Your infection comes again.
- You also have developed a sexually transmitted infection.
- You are not sure about the infection. Never try a nonprescription antifungal cream unless you are completely sure that you have a yeast infection.