You usually get a yeast infection when the normal balance of yeast and bacteria on your skin or in the vagina gets thrown off, letting yeast (most often Candida) overgrow and irritate the area.

What is a yeast infection?

A yeast infection happens when yeast that normally lives harmlessly on the body grows too much and causes symptoms like itching, burning, redness, and sometimes a thick white discharge (for vaginal infections). It can affect the vagina, penis, skin folds, mouth (thrush), or other warm, moist areas.

Common ways people get a vaginal yeast infection

You don’t “catch” most vaginal yeast infections from dirt or poor hygiene; they usually come from your own yeast getting out of balance. Typical triggers include:

  • Taking antibiotics, which can kill the “good” bacteria that normally keep yeast under control.
  • Wearing tight, non‑breathable clothing or staying in wet/sweaty clothes or swimsuits for a long time.
  • High estrogen states: pregnancy, certain birth control pills, hormone therapy.
  • Uncontrolled diabetes or very high sugar intake, which can create a better environment for yeast.
  • A weakened immune system (from illnesses or some medications like steroids or chemotherapy).
  • Using scented products in the genital area (scented pads/tampons, douches, perfumed soaps, sprays).
  • Excessive “intimate washing” or douching that disrupts the natural vaginal environment.
  • Sexual activity that introduces a lot of moisture/irritation or, less commonly, a partner with a yeast infection.

Sex can sometimes pass yeast back and forth, but yeast infections are not considered a classic sexually transmitted infection.

Other types of yeast infections

Yeast can overgrow in other places too:

  • Skin folds : under breasts, in the groin, between toes, or belly folds when skin is warm, moist, and rubbing.
  • Mouth (thrush) : more common in babies, people using inhaled steroids without rinsing, people with weak immune systems, or those on antibiotics.
  • Penis/genital area in men : especially if not drying well, uncircumcised with trapped moisture, diabetes, or recent partner with a yeast infection.

What increases your risk (in simple terms)

You’re more likely to get a yeast infection if:

  1. Your skin/genital area stays warm, moist, and covered.
  2. Your hormones change (pregnancy, estrogen‑containing birth control, hormone therapy).
  3. Your blood sugar is often high (diabetes that isn’t well controlled).
  4. Your immune system is weaker than usual.
  5. You use antibiotics or steroids.
  6. You use a lot of scented or harsh products on or inside the genital area.

Can you prevent it?

You can lower your chances by:

  • Wearing breathable cotton underwear and avoiding very tight pants for long periods.
  • Changing out of wet gym clothes or swimsuits quickly.
  • Using mild, unscented soap on the outside only; do not douche.
  • Taking antibiotics only when truly needed and as prescribed.
  • Managing blood sugar carefully if you have diabetes.
  • Letting the area dry well after showering or swimming.

When to see a doctor

See a healthcare professional if:

  • It’s your first time and you’re not sure it’s a yeast infection.
  • You have severe pain, swelling, or sores.
  • Symptoms keep coming back or don’t improve after over‑the‑counter treatment.
  • You’re pregnant or have a health condition that affects your immune system.

They can examine you, confirm if it really is yeast (and not something else like BV or an STI), and guide you on the safest treatment.

Bottom note: Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.