You will be most susceptible to a yeast infection the week before your menstrual cycle and also during pregnancy as these are the times when your body becomes unbalanced by hormonal changes. Following these steps will encourage a healthy body and help to maintain good balance between too much and not enough yeast.

Some women are prone to yeast conditions and get them frequently. These women may want to pay attention to precipitating factors, which can vary from person to person. Some things which commonly cause or worsen yeast overgrowth are stress, sudden diet and weather changes, birth control pills, use of the contraceptive sponge, and most commonly, a high sugar, carbohydrate, caffeine, or yeast diet. Frequent douching can increase yeast problems. Some health conditions, such as pregnancy and diabetes, can instigate an overgrowth

The Food and Drug Administration now allows medicines that used to be prescription-only to be sold without a prescription to treat vaginal yeast infections that keep coming back. But before you run out and buy one, if you've never been treated for a yeast infection you should see a doctor. Your doctor may advise you to use one of the over-the-counter products or may prescribe a drug called Diflucan (fluconazole). FDA recently approved the drug, a tablet taken by mouth, for clearing up yeast infections with just one dose.

Its easy to guess wrong about a vaginal infection. See your doctor if you aren't sure what you have or if this is the first time you have had these symptoms. Also see your doctor if you are pregnant. Your doctor may want to do a vaginal exam and may also do a culture of the discharge to find out what is causing your symptoms.

It is normal to have some fungus, or yeast, on the body. Bacteria usually keep the growth of the yeast in check.However, sometimes the yeast grows (multiplies) quickly and causes an infection. There are several situations in which the yeast may multiply. For example, antibiotic medicine may kill the bacteria that keep yeast levels down. Conditions that cause hormonal changes, such as menopause, pregnancy, or taking birth control pills, may also cause the yeast to grow. Yeast infections are often associated with diabetes, especiallywhen the blood sugar level is too high. Recurring or stubborn cases of vaginal candidiasis may sometimes be an early sign of diabetes. In some cases, yeast infections that don't go away are an early sign of HIV infection. Drugsthat suppress the body's defense system (such as drugs used to treat AIDS) also allow the yeast to grow and spread. Candidiasis usually is not spread by sexual intercourse.

Recurring yeast infections may be difficult to prevent or cure. There are significant differences between occasional, easily treatable yeast infections and recurring infections that seriously affect a woman's life. Women who have recurring yeast infections should be tested for underlying causes so that the appropriate treatment can be chosen.

Most women are familiar with the dreaded yeast infection. In fact, it is estimated that 50% of college women in the United States have been diagnosed with at least one yeast infection by the age of 25. Luckily, yeast infections are fairly easy to treat. But it's important to remember that there are a number of vaginal infections whose symptoms mimic those of a yeast infection, and should be ruled out before treatment begins.