Candida is a yeast or fungus and is normally found in the vagina. When the vaginal bacteria goes out of balance, this can result in an infection caused by too much yeast growing.

The symptoms of a yeast infection can be mild or severe and you might have all the symptoms or only have a few.

You might have burning and redness in the vaginal area. There is often intense itching with yeast infection. The vagina might be swollen. Urinating or having sex can cause pain or discomfort.

A yeast infection can also cause a discharge. This might be runny or thick, white or yellow and odorless or smelling slightly pungent or yeasty.

The following are some possible causes of the infection: illness, not enough sleep, stress, unhealthy diet or too much sugar, being pregnant, using scented feminine hygiene products or douches, having a period, taking antibiotics, contraceptive pills or steroids, illnesses such as HIV or poorly controlled diabetes.

If you have a yeast infection, it can be extremely uncomfortable but it can be treated. It can be passed between sexual partners (although it is not classified as a sexually transmitted disease) so if you treat yourself for a yeast infection, your partner might need to be treated if he shows signs of the infection.

Yeast infections can be cured with anti-fungal medicines. These come in the form of creams, ointments, tablets or suppositories that are inserted into the vagina.

Such medicines include nystatin, butoconazole, clotrimazole, miconazole, terconazole and tioconazole. You can buy these products over the counter at the drug store or your doctor can prescribe you a single dose of oral fluconazole.

Remember that some creams can weaken diaphragms or condoms so you might want to avoid sex until the course of treatment is over.

If you have never had a yeast infection before, might be pregnant or are suffering from repeated infections, you should see a doctor rather than buy an over the counter treatment.

About five percent of women suffer from four or more yeast infections a year and an anti-fungal medicine is usually prescribed for this.

There are some things you can do to avoid getting future infections. Avoid using scented products around your vaginal area. Choose cotton underwear rather than synthetic materials. Change out of sweaty or wet clothes as soon as you can. Remember to change pads or tampons regularly when you are having your period.

A yeast infection can be itchy, painful and embarrassing but fortunately it is relatively easy to treat.