How much do you know about yeast infections? Do you know what causes a yeast infection and how you get them? If you've ever had a yeast infection knowing the answers to these questions may not be important because if you suffer from the intense itching, burning, vaginal discharge and painful intercourse associated with a yeast infection all you cared about was making the infection go away.

You've probably also seen the numerous TV advertisements for over the counter treatments but did you also know that there are natural home remedies for yeast infections as well? By returning your body's micro flora to its natural state you will be able to not only treat your yeast infection but also protect against further outbreaks.

In order to understand why a home remedy for a yeast infection will work for you it's important to understand what causes them.

In fungal vaginitis, most often caused the bacteria Candida albicans, raised grey or white lesions surrounded by red areas are formed. These lesions can produce a thick white curd like discharge. What most people don't know or understand is that this bacteria is relatively common and is present in the natural micro flora of 20% of non-pregnant women and 30% of pregnant ones. It normally doesn't cause any problems until something upsets the balance of good bacteria to the bad Candida albicans bacteria. When this happens the Candida bacteria overwhelm the body's natural good bacteria and a yeast infection is born.

There are a number of causes for this disruption, some of which can be avoided more easily than others, in the balance between the good and bad bacteria.

1. Antibiotics - using antibiotics to fight one type of infection can also kill the good bacteria that keep the yeast bacteria in check.

2. Clothing - Tight or non cotton clothing such as your underwear creates the perfect warm moist environment for yeast to grow in.

3. Chemicals - Such as those found in laundry detergents or on scented toilet papers can upset the bacterial balance.

4. Condoms - Recent studies have found that condoms with nonoxynol-9, a spermicide, can kill off the good bacteria.

5. Hormones - Changes in hormone levels can cause yeast infections, particularly in pregnant women.

6. Sexual transmission - Candida can be transferred between sexual partners. Yes, men can get it too.

7. Weakened Immune System - The body's natural defenses are incapable of dealing with an outbreak of yeast. This is more apparent in women with HIV or Lyme disease.

Any of the home remedies for a yeast infection involves restoring the balance of good bacteria to bad bacteria. Some will have better luck with these than others.

1. Acidophilus and Bifidus - These are bacteria that kill yeast and are normally present in healthy women. You can get them by eating yogurt with live cultures. You can also take a lactobacillus/acidophilus supplement found at any health food store. You can also find acidophilus suppositories which are effective in killing the yeast.

2. Decrease your sugar intake. Sugar creates a yeast growing environment.

3. Douche - There are two types you can try. One is a solution of 1 to 3 tbsp of vinegar per quart of water. Use this once a day for no longer than a week. The second type is a herbal douche. Use equal parts of raspberry, comfrey and sage mixed with 1/4 part goldenseal and mixed with a cider vinegar.

4. There are over the counter yeast infection medications. If you use one of these make sure they contain Nystatin or Imidazole.

Before you make use of home remedies for a yeast infection it is good to consult with your doctor first. There are other conditions that may mimic the symptoms of a yeast infection and it is important that you get a correct diagnosis. You do not want to be treating an infection you do not have. You should also see your doctor if your symptoms persist for any length of time.