Vaginal yeast infections, also called "Candida vaginal infections," typically are caused by the Candida albicans fungus. During a lifetime, 75 percent of all women are likely to have at least one vaginal Candida infection, and up to 45 percent have two or more. Women tend to be more likely to get to vaginal yeast infections if their bodies are under stress from poor diet, lack of sleep, illness, or when they are pregnant or taking antibiotics. Women with immune-suppressing diseases such as diabetes and HIV infection also are at increased risk.



Dealing with yeast infections is not something that most women want to do. But unfortunately many cannot avoid the inevitable infection that follows birth control pills, antibiotics, soap sensitivities, and pregnancy. For first time infections visit your physician to insure that your symptoms are really the result of yeast infections. After your first visit you should be able to recognize the symptoms and treat your yeast infection on your own the next time you are infected. If your infection does not go away within a week you should revisit your physician.

How to Handle a Yeast Infection

The itching, burning sensation that seems to last forever and continually get worse until you are ready to try just about anything, or scream is something only women who have had to deal with a yeast infection understand. An estimated three out of four women will join the ranks of those who have suffered from yeast infections in their lifetimes.

Once you are sure you have a yeast infection you should start treating the symptoms as quickly as possible so you can be rid of the persistent pain and itching. There are many different treatment options including over the counter anti-fungal creams that can clear up a yeast infection in a few days to a week. For more stubborn yeast infections you can use prescription medication in pill form instead of topical treatments. Most partners receiving gifts, a yeast infection is not what you want to be giving though.

Proper treatment cures up to 90 percent of vaginal yeast infections within two weeks or less, often within a few days. A small number of people will have repeat infections. Usually, these will improve with repeated treatment. However, patients with unexplained, repeat episodes should be tested for diabetes or HIV - two conditions that can suppress the immune system and increase the risk of infections.

Try beneficial bacteria: To prevent the overgrowth of yeast organisms, eat yogurt containing live acidophilus cultures daily, and use acidophilus topically as vaginal suppositories or a douche.

Yeast infections are caused by an imbalance in the PH levels within the vagina. This causes some very unpleasant symptoms to put it nicely. There are several reasons why women get yeast infections. Antibiotics, birth control pills, sexual transmission, diabetes and sensitivity to soaps or douches are frequently the cause.

Some simple changes in your lifestyle can make you less vulnerable to yeast infections. Wearing loose clothing and cotton underwear help to wick moisture away from the body. Yeast requires a warm, dark, moist place to grow if you eliminate the possible breeding ground for yeast you will reduce your risks.

The use of douches and scented feminine hygiene products and sprays which can cause an imbalance in the vaginal environment, can also lead to chronic yeast infections occurring.

For some women it is impossible to completely avoid yeast infections. There are times when we have to take antibiotics and other times when a stubborn yeast infection seems to have fallen in love with us and won't leave no matter how hard we reject it. It is possible to reduce the risk of flare-ups.