Immune suppression has been linked to the causes of the overgrowth of yeast. Some factors of change such as change in diet or nutritional habits can cause and imbalanc of yeast. Even the use of broad spectrum antibiotics, such as tetracycline or penicillin which can suppress and even kill beneficial bacteria that are vital to the genital tract, can allow the yeast to multiply and go unchecked. There are other underlying factors, such as Diabetes, that are believed to possilbly be the root cause of Yeast Infections.
 
When Physicians are met with recurrent yeast infections and there seems to be no other cause, they do have to consider HIV. HIV (the virus that leads to AIDS) lowers the immune system and could greatly reduce the ability of a woman to combat yeast. Yeast infections can be somewhat contagious in that they can be passed back and forth between partners during unprotected intercourse. Realistically, if a partner becomes infected, it generally means that his or her immune system is already depressed and the infection would have been inevitable.
 
HIV is not the only immune depressant. Any kind of infection or illness can weaken the immune system, thus allowing the body’s own natural defenses to become inadequate. Physical and mental stress as well as lack of sleep, poor nutrition, and medications such as birth control pills, can also wreak havoc on the immune system, opening the door for yeast to occur. Hormonal surges during pregnancy can also temporarily upset the immune system and cause more frequent yeast infections.