Most women usually ask "how long does a yeast infection last?" because of the discomfort it causes them. Sadly, the answer to this question can be vague and unclear because each individual has different chemical compositions in their bodies. But by knowing the source of the yeast infection and the kind of medication you are using, it can be possible to give an estimate to the question "how long does a yeast infection last?" Here are some ideas.

� If antibiotics are being used for another problem, it might take a longer time to treat the infection. Antibiotics kill not just its targeted bacteria but also the good bacteria which fight the fungi that gives yeast infection. As long as you are using antibiotics, there is a big possibility that your yeast infection will linger on and that you will have reoccurring yeast infections. In fact, overuse of antibiotics is a contributing factor to yeast infections as the antibiotics strip the body of all the good bacteria that fight the yeast.

� Sometimes, an illness can cause yeast infections. You can start treating the infection once the illness which has caused it has already been treated. This is easier said than done because the illnesses are usually serious and difficult to cure such as HIV/AIDS or diabetes.

� If you experienced yeast infection for the first time, seek help immediately. Once you start treating the infection, it will be easy to completely eradicate it. The earlier you start treatment, the smaller the infection will be, thus the quicker it will be to clear up. Plus it is always a good idea to get a professional diagnosis so that you can recognize the signs and be sure you know what it is if you are unlucky enough to ever get another yeast infection.

The answer to the question "how long does a yeast infection last?" also depends on the remedy that you are using. The simple infection can be cured or treated fast or easily by garlic, yogurt and some probiotics, and by douching using apple cider vinegar. As long as you use these everyday, the symptoms should be gone in no time � they key is that you must be persistent and don't stop treatment until the infection is completely cleared up, otherwise it will just build back up again.

If you suspect you have a yeast infection, you should call your doctor right away so that you can get medication and start on treatment immediately. If it is your first yeast infection, then he or she might want to see you but once you have had one, you won't forget the symptoms and will know when you get another. If you choose to use natural treatments, then start treating at the first sign this way you can get rid of your yeast infection in under a week instead of having it linger on for a month or more.

A yeast infection can last a very long time and, if not treated properly, can actually wreak havoc on your whole system. That's why taking the steps to treat a yeast infection right away is key to having it only last a week or two � the longer you put off treatment, the longer your yeast infection will last.