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Vaginal Yeast Infection
- Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
- Symptoms & Signs
- Diagnosis & Tests
- Prevention & Expectations
- Treatment & Monitoring
- Attribution
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
A vaginal yeast infection is caused by one of a group of fungal organisms known as Candida. These include Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, Candida glabrata, and Candida parapsilosis.
What is going on in the body?
Candida organisms are normally found in the vagina in small numbers. Their number is kept in check by the normal bacteria that also live there. Certain situations can disrupt this balance and allow a vaginal yeast infection to develop.
What are the causes and risks of the infection?
Vaginal yeast infections are caused by Candida organisms. Some diseases and conditions that increase a woman's risk for vaginal yeast infection include:
Other factors that increase the risk for a vaginal yeast infection include: