What it Is:



A yeast infection is a condition whereby the natural yeasts in your vagina or other areas of your body begin to flourish more than usual due to an imbalance in the delicate ecology of your body. Yeast infections are uncomfortable, unsightly, and can impede normal, healthy sexual activity. The majority (as high as 75%) of the population will contract a yeast infection at least once during their lifetime.

The causes for such imbalance can be many and can include external agents like soaps and perfumes or internal agents like eating excess sugar or excessive moisture. Yeast tends to grow out of control when your body's pH balance is disrupted or if certain bacteria that normally keep yeast levels to a minimum are destroyed due to an external influence. Yeasts can also grow out of control after being overfed by sugars for people who have excessively sugary diets.

Signs You May be Infected:

You will often become aware of a having a possible yeast infection when you notice intense, persistent itching in your vagina or vulva areas.

Another sign is excessive vaginal dryness. In yeast infection cases, this is caused by the yeast coating the walls of your vagina in such a way that your normal lubrication process is impeded.

Some people with vaginal yeast infections experience vaginal discharge. This is a white, odorless substance that may resemble cottage cheese.

If sexual relations with your partner have become unexplainably painful, this could also be the sign of a yeast infection.

Finally, if you experience a burning feeling during urination, this could be a yeast infection.

Of course, any of these symptoms could also be the sign of other maladies, so it is best to check with your doctor to be sure.

Treatments:

Treatments for yeast infection run the gamut from prescription drugs to natural remedies. A common remedy is Diflucan, an antifungal antibiotic that should only be taken to cure your yeast infection if prescribed by your doctor.

Natural remedies are also readily available for people who want to avoid medications or who are allergic to them. To find one that works, search the Internet for reviews of trusted remedies or ask friends which remedies have worked for them.

If you have any of the signs mentioned above, you could have a yeast infection. There is no need to worry, however: yeast infections occur for millions of women around the world every year. If you do have one, it is best to get treatment right away with a prescription-based or natural remedy.

Given the discomfort and unpleasantness that usually accompanies a yeast infection, it is always a good idea to seek treatment immediately if you suspect or confirm that you have an infection. A yeast infection can not only affect you, it can also affect your partner in terms of impeding your normal relations.