Can Quitting Smoking Cause Yeast Infections? An Essential Guide

Quitting smoking often causes people to wonder what the side effects of ceasing smoking really are; one of the most commonly asked questions is: can quitting smoking cause yeast infections? To find out the answer to this important question, consider the following essential guide that will help you understand everything you need to know about smoking and yeast infections.

What is a yeast infection?

A yeast infection is an infection caused by an imbalance of natural yeast cells and bacteria in the body. This imbalance can be caused by a number of factors, including certain medications, immune system problems, poor diet, lack of sleep, pregnancy and uncontrolled diabetes. Yeast infections can occur rarely, once in a while, or even with regularity depending on how well they are treated and the controlling factors behind their development. Some people experience frequent yeast infections that do not go away until they are medically treated, while others experience mild infections that occur once in a blue moon.

Regardless of how often someone personally develops a yeast infection, it is important for yeast infections to be treated as soon as possible because untreated infections can be more serious over time.

Yeast infection symptoms

There are many symptoms that someone with a yeast infection may exhibit; these symptoms may overlap with similar issues, but a diagnostic test from a physician will be able to confirm a diagnosis. The most common symptoms of a yeast infection include:

• Itching
• Swelling
• Burning during urination
• General soreness
• Redness
• Rash

In some cases, the symptoms may last for several days or even longer if left untreated. Some people may experience frequent infections which need to be handled professionally or managed by a physician in order to reduce their frequency and help prevent them as much as possible in the future.

Can quitting smoking cause yeast infections?

The answer to this question is complicated. Yes, quitting smoking can cause yeast infections–but not in a direct way. One of the causes of yeast infections is stress, and quitting smoking can cause both severe physical and severe mental stress. This stress can have a major impact on the body, including a higher risk for developing yeast infections. So, technically, if you quit smoking you may end up with a yeast infection if your body happens to be susceptible to yeast and bacteria level changes in response to stress.

If you feel that you could be at risk for developing a yeast infection due to quitting smoking, you should do everything you can to prevent the infection from developing. This means practicing basic hygiene standards that help prevent these types of infections, and keeping a close eye on your health in order to monitor any infection as they develop. If you suspect you may be developing one, consult with your physician as soon as possible. You can also try to manage your stress while you quit smoking, which can help decrease your risk for the yeast infection developing in the first place.