Conditions That Increase Your Risk for Yeast Infection Everyday Health MenuNewslettersSearch Yeast Infection Conditions That Increase Your Risk for Yeast Infection Certain health conditions can make you more susceptible to yeast infections. Learn how to reduce your risk. By Mary Elizabeth DallasMedically Reviewed by Niya Jones, MD, MPHReviewed: July 31, 2014Medically ReviewedIncreased levels of estrogen during pregnancy can make it more likely to develop a yeast infection.Anastasia Molotkova/iStockVaginal yeast infections are caused by a type of yeast called Candida that normally lives in balance with “good” bacteria in the vagina. But any condition that disrupts this balance between yeast and bacteria can lead to an overgrowth of yeast and infection. High blood sugar levels, increases in estrogen, and a weakened immune system all provide a friendly environment for yeast to grow. As a result, you're at greater risk for developing a yeast infection if you have diabetes, are pregnant, or have a health issue that compromises your body's natural defense system. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to keep yeast in check and reduce your risk for developing yeast infections. Conditions That Enable Yeast Infections Yeast infections are very common. About 75 percent of women will get a yeast infection at some point and about 5 percent will experience recurring yeast infections, usually defined as getting at least four infections a year. Persistent yeast infections are most common among women with certain health conditions.Pregnancy. Hormonal changes associated with pregnancy — specifically increased levels of estrogen — make you more likely to develop a yeast infection. During pregnancy, the amount of sugar in vaginal secretions is also elevated. Yeast feeds on this sugar, which can lead to an overgrowth. Although yeast infections during pregnancy are not harmful to an unborn baby, they are often more difficult to treat. Pregnancy weakens the immune system, making it harder for women to fight off infection —— and some yeast infection medications are off-limits for pregnant women. If you are pregnant, always talk to your doctor before treating yourself for a yeast infection.Uncontrolled diabetes. You're more likely to experience symptoms of a yeast infection if you have poorly controlled or undiagnosed diabetes. Yeast feeds on sugar, so high blood sugar levels create an environment that encourages the overgrowth of yeast. “Poorly controlled diabetes can also weaken the immune system, adding to the risk for yeast infection,” says Oluwatosin Jaiyeoba, MD, an obstetrician-gynecologist with the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. Leukocytes, which are immune system cells involved in protecting against infection, are not as active in those with poorly controlled diabetes as they are when diabetes is controlled or in people without diabetes, she says. Keeping your blood sugar under control can reduce your risk for developing yeast infections, says Sarah Wagner, MD, an assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Loyola University Health System in Maywood, Ill. "Yeast infections often indicate poor blood sugar control in women with diabetes," she says. "Encouraging women to maintain tighter control of their blood sugar levels can lead to less frequent infections."A weakened immune system. Some of the medications that treat chronic medical conditions can weaken the immune system and increase the risk for yeast infections. Having a compromised immune system can make it more difficult to fight off infection. Women who take corticosteroids for asthma or a TNF inhibitor for autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or inflammatory bowel disease, are more likely to develop an overgrowth of yeast. In addition, women who have had an organ transplant or have other diseases that compromise their immune system, such as HIV/AIDS or cancer, are also at greater risk for recurring yeast infections. Ways to Reduce Your Yeast Infection Risk If you have a health condition that makes you more susceptible to yeast infections, try these steps to help keep the growth of yeast in check:Choose cotton. Avoid synthetic fabrics like nylon and opt for cotton underwear. "That’s the first thing I always tell women to do," Jaiyeoba says.Stay dry. If you use panty liners, be sure to change them often. "Candida likes to grow in moist places, so it's important to keep that area dry," Jaiyeoba says. Also, remove wet or damp clothing immediately after exercising or swimming.Size up smart. Avoid tight-fitting underwear and pantyhose. Loose-fitting clothing allows air to circulate around the vagina.Avoid douching. Douching can change the healthy balance of organisms and acidity in the vagina and lead to a yeast infection.Don't soak. For women who are prone to yeast infections, long soaks in the bathtub or a hot tub can make matters worse, Jaiyeoba says.Opt for unscented. Avoid scented hygiene products like bubble bath, sprays, pads, and tampons — all of which can alter levels of bacteria in the vagina. NEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Women' s Health Newsletter SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The Latest in Yeast Infection Home Remedies for Vaginal Yeast Infections Medications can be very effective, but some people still prefer natural options. 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