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Vaginal Yeast Infections - Cause

A vaginal yeast infection is caused by an overgrowth of yeast organisms that normally live in small numbers in the vagina. Factors that encourage an excess growth of vaginal yeast include:

Most yeast infections involve Candida albicans (C. albicans), a yeast that can be treated effectively with standard yeast infection medication. Recurrent vaginal yeast infections tend to involve non–C. albicans types of yeast, which are more resistant to the standard treatments for C. albicans yeast infections.

Chronic yeast syndrome, a condition in which excess growth of yeast supposedly affects the whole body, has not been medically proven.

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: March 10, 2006
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.
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