Lifestyle & Health

Our body can acquire four types of infections according to the agent which causes it. They can be bacterial, viral, fungal or parasitic. Fungal infections are the second most common cause of infections of women's intimate region and it's estimated that every woman will face this kind of infection at least once in their lives.

Women naturally possess a fungus called Candida albicans in their intimate area. Under normal, healthy conditions, the balance between the amount of this agent is controlled by the healthy bacteria in our body.

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In order to understand the fungal infectious process, it's necessary to understand the warning signs. This agent isn't transmitted to us by another person, rather it is produced inside our own body. That's why it's important to control the risk factors which can make our intimate regions more vulnerable to the proliferation of Candida albicans.

Here we'll share some of the main factors which can influence the proliferation of this type of fungus.

1. pH alteration

Bacterial flora is one component of our intimate regions which protects them from external pathogens such as fungi. However, this flora can be affected by pH, which is a coefficient that indicates our levels of acidity or basicity of our fluids.

Conditions when our intimate region has a more acidic pH prevent the fungi and bad bacteria which can thrive. pH imbalances are one of the factors which most influences the body's susceptibility to acquire a fungal infection.

Once our body is vulnerable to a fungal attack, there are a series of causes which can lead to a fungal infection.

2. The use of antibiotics

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When it comes to health matters, any medicine should be taken with precaution. Occasionally, we don't gauge the effects which antibiotics can have on our body. Antibiotics kill bacteria, but not only do they kill those causing illness, they also kill those which have a positive effect on our health. Such is the case with lactic acid bacteria, which are in charge of producing lactic acid, which protects our intimate regions from fungal infections. Once these bacteria die, we're very vulnerable to this kind of infection.

3. Douches

Although for many women, douching their intimate region is a matter of hygiene, this is one of the worst decisions if you want to prevent fungal infections. The water pressure can remove all kinds of bacteria, both harmful and beneficial. When devoid of the protection offered by healthy bacteria, our body is defenseless and fungi can proliferate.

4. Entering swimming pools

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Generally, in order to keep swimming pools clean, it's necessary to use a series of chemical products which have an aggressive effect on our intimate region. Firstly, they can kill the good bacteria which gives us protection, and secondly, they alter our pH level, leaving us even more exposed to the possibility of a fungal infection.

5. Chronic stress disorder and excessive caffeine consumption

Stress affects our susceptibility to being attacked by fungi and getting an infection. When we suffer a lot of stress, the level of cortisol in our blood increases. This change causes imbalances in the immunological system, making it less able to defend itself against disease. The same thing occurs when we consume too much caffeine, whereby the level of cortisol in the blood increases.

6. Increased blood sugar level

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Elevated blood sugar levels can make us more susceptible to fungal infections. The sugar we have in our body travels via the bloodstream to all parts of the body, including our intimate region. This causes alterations to our pH level and generates the ideal conditions for the proliferation of Candida albicans.

7. Pregnancy

Pregnancy affects the levels of distinct hormones which our body secretes. The hormonal balance is responsible for our good bacteria being able to control the number of fungi and other harmful agents in our intimate region. When women are pregnant, estrogen levels in the body increase, thus generating a greater quantity of glycogen in the intimate region. Glycogen encourages fungal growth.

As we can see, fungal infections can be avoided. The most important thing is to identify which of these factors are affecting our susceptibility to infections caused by Candida albicans. Only a specialist can help us to take the necessary precautions in order to protect our health.

Source: Prevention, Beats of Health

READ ALSO: 7 Factors That May Cause Inflammation In The Intimate Area

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This article is purely for informational purposes. Do not self-medicate, and in all cases consult a certified healthcare professional before using any information presented in the article. The editorial board does not guarantee any results and does not bear any responsibility for harm that may result from using the information stated in the article.