If you suffer from recurrent yeast infections, you might wonder if you have a serious condition. Almost every female will suffer a yeast infection in her lifetime. Although the infections are bothersome and even frustrating, you can treat and prevent them. Here are possible reasons for your recurrent yeast infections and the treatment options for them.

Why Do You Keep Getting Yeast Infections?

The yeast Candida lives in your vagina, digestive tract, and several other places in your body. Special bacteria called Lactobacillus acidophilus prevent Candida from growing out of control. However, certain things like hormonal changes can increase the Candida or decrease the Lactobacillus acidophilus in your vagina, which creates an imbalance inside your vagina. You experience a yeast infection as a result. 

You may also experience an yeast infection if you have sexual contact with someone who has a yeast problem. For example, if your loved one or partner has an yeast infection, you can also get an infection through intimate contact with that person. 

Eating foods that contain high amounts of sugar can also possibly lead to recurrent infections. Yeast uses sugar and other nutrients as food sources. The more sugar you eat in your diet, the more vulnerable you may become to yeast infections. 

By changing a few things in your life, you can keep your yeast infections at bay. 

How Do You Treat and Prevent Your Yeast Infections?

The first thing you might do is cut back on sugar throughout the day. If you can't live without sweets, add apples, pears, and strawberries to your daily diet. Fruit contains natural sugars that may not be as disruptive to your body as artificial sugars.

You should also eat more yogurt-based foods. Yogurt contains Lactobacillus acidophilus, which can help replenish the bacteria you lose in your body over time. However, you want to avoid yogurts that contain artificial sweeteners, as they can aggravate the yeast in your vagina or make your yeast infections worse.

You can also seek yeast infection treatment from a gynecologist. A gynecologist may provide medicines or creams that fight your yeast infections at the source. You may need to use the medicine for a set amount of time before it stops the infection. 

If your partner or spouse has a problem with yeast, ask them to seek treatment as well. Even if your infections go away, you can experience them again if your loved one doesn't treat theirs. 

For more details or information about yeast infections and how to treat them, contact a gynecologist today.