Why Are Yeast Infections More Common In Women Than Men?
Both men and women have candida albicans, the yeast-like organism that causes candida when it goes out of balance, in their bodies. Studies have shown that women are up to 70% more likely to develop candida infections than men are. Unfortunately, there are both lifestyle and biological factors that make it far more likely women will suffer from candida.
Reproduction
Many women use oral contraceptives. Unfortunately, this can lead to different types of candida infections. Some birth control pills may cause thrush, a white coating on the tongue. In other cases, long-term birth control use may cause reoccurring vaginitis or yeast infections in women. Additionally, the hormone imbalances caused when they are pregnant also makes women more likely to develop candida infections in their vagina. Infections because of pregnancy may go away after the baby is born, or could become a reoccurring problem.
Progesterone
Progesterone is a hormone in the body that helps regulate a woman’s menstrual cycles. Men produce some progesterone too, but only in small amounts and it does not play a major role in their sexual reproductive system. If the levels of candida albicans in a woman’s body are normal, then estrogen and progesterone go through their monthly wax and wane cycle with no problem. However, when there is too much candida albicans, the higher levels of progesterone that a woman produces during the peak of her menstrual cycle acts an accelerant for the candida overgrowth. In other words, the candida overgrowth actually feeds off a woman’s high progesterone levels during her period.
Low Estrogen
The balance between estrogen and progesterone is delicate and, unfortunately, it fluctuates on a monthly basis. Estrogen naturally defends the body from candida overgrowth. However, as a woman’s progesterone levels rise, her estrogen levels fall. The lower amount of estrogen means the body has less of a defense against candida overgrowth. Additionally, women who have low estrogen levels for other reasons are more likely to suffer from frequent yeast infections or other types of candida infections.
Genital Candidiasis
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More commonly referred to as a yeast infection, women are more prone to suffer from genital candidiasis than men are. Even though both men and woman take medications like antibiotics that can cause candida infections, women tend to suffer from more side effects because of the more sensitive nature of their sexual reproductive system. Most women, even those who never have children, have at least one yeast infection during the course of their lifetime.
Not all women develop candida problems and some will show no yeast symptoms, but it is important to remember that they are more naturally susceptible than men are. Many doctors suggest that women follow a balanced diet that is not too high on carbohydrates and sugars and avoid things that eliminate their body’s natural defense mechanisms or lower their immune system.
About the Author: Yulanda Schebel suffered from yeast health issues for several years. She finally found a great doctor and made some lifestyle changes and hasn’t had an infection in months.
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