The vagina harbors hundreds of different kinds of microorganisms. Candida yeasts are usually present in small quantities and most of the time, these fungi are harmless. But, under certain conditions, Candida yeasts can cause infections. One species in particular is the usual culprit of vaginal yeast infections. So, how exactly does a yeast infection happen? Liesbeth Demuyser investigates. [Directed by Mette Ilene Holmriis, The Animation Workshop, narrated by Alexandra Panzer, music by Stephen LaRosa].

Liesbeth Demuyser: What causes yeast infections, and how do you get rid of them?

What causes yeast infections, and how do you get rid of them?

Candida albicans shape-shifts, causing yeast infections when the vaginal environment is disturbed, leading to discomfort.

Antibiotics can disrupt the balance of vaginal microbiota, inadvertently promoting Candida growth by killing beneficial bacteria.

Research on vaginal health lags, with erectile dysfunction studies outnumbering yeast infection research sixfold, indicating a gap.