Risk Factors For Developing Yeast Infections Discussion Paper

First, antibiotic use increases the likelihood of developing yeast infections. Therefore, this diagnosis is common in women who use antibiotics regularly compared to those who do not. According to Lin et al. (2021), various types of antibiotics kill different bacteria found in the vagina, including harmful and good bacteria. Additionally, antibiotics alter the average vaginal pH value (4–4.5), which has protective effects, resulting in yeast overgrowth. Risk Factors For Developing Yeast Infections Discussion Paper

Secondly, high estrogen levels increase the risk of yeast infections. Thus, yeast infections are commonly diagnosed in women with increased estrogen levels. For instance, estrogen increases during pregnancy. As a result, pregnant women are more prone to yeast infections than non-pregnant women. Additionally, women taking high-dose estrogens, such as oral contraceptive pills, or those taking estrogen replacement therapy are at a high risk of yeast infections (Lam et al., 2021). Risk Factors For Developing Yeast Infections Discussion Paper

Uncontrolled diabetes is another contributing risk factor for yeast infections in women. Studies show poorly controlled glycemia results in candida colonization among women with diabetes Mellitus (Rodrigues et al., 2019). Thus, yeast infection risk is relatively higher in women with poorly controlled glycemia than in those with well-controlled blood glucose.

Lastly, impaired immune systems increase the possibility of developing yeast infections. Therefore, yeast infections are common in women with a weaker immune system, including HIV-positive individuals and those taking corticosteroid therapy to suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation (Mohammed et al., 2021).

Several strategies can be adapted to reduce the risk of developing yeast infections in the future. First, women should avoid douching. This procedure kills good bacteria that prevent fungus growth in the vagina (Lin et al., 2021). Secondly, women should avoid using feminine deodorants or cleaning the vagina with detergents or other chemicals. These products create an abnormal vaginal pH environment, resulting in yeast infections (Lin et al., 2021). Furthermore, women should avoid unnecessary antibiotics since they kill good vaginal bacteria, contributing to yeast growth. Women should also avoid using scented pads or tampons since they are likely to tamper with the pH value of the vaginal fluid, resulting in yeast infections (Lin et al., 2021). Another preventive measure involves changing out wet clothing, including gym clothes or bathing suits, within a short period. The wet environments are conducive to the growth of fungus. Thus, removing wet clothes as soon as possible prevents fungus growth. Wearing loose-fitting clothes and cotton underwear is also recommended to create an unconducive environment for yeast growth. More so, women with conditions that weaken the immune system, such as HIV infection, should strengthen their immunity by taking a healthy and balanced diet and exercising regularly to lower the risk of yeast infections. Lastly, women diagnosed with diabetes Mellitus should keep their blood sugar within the normal range to reduce the likelihood of fungus growth. Risk Factors For Developing Yeast Infections Discussion Paper

I will apply the learning to the practice by educating female patients about risk factor for yeast infections, including poorly controlled blood glucose in individuals with diabetes type 2 Mellitus diagnosis, high estrogen levels, impaired immune system, and regular antibiotics use. Additionally, I will use acquired knowledge to educate this patients on strategies for reducing risk of yeast infections in the future. These individuals will be advised to avoid unnecessary antibiotics usage, wet clothing, and female deodorants. I will advise female patients with diabetes Mellitus to keep their glycemic level under control to reduce risk of yeast infections.