Yeast Infections In Women - Why Do You Have It and How the Heck Do You Get Rid of It?

Yeast infection in women is a very common ailment since it is believed that, at some point in their lives, close to 75% of the female population will get a yeast infection. So, what is a yeast infection, or candidiasis, what are its symptoms, and what causes it?

To lead off with, yeast is a fungus and in scientific terms it's referred to as Candidiasis or Monila. Instead of using all three names, the two most common, Candidiasis and yeast infection, will be used interchangeably in this article.

Basically, a species of fungus known as Candida is the cause of yeast infections (yeast is a kind of fungus). Candid albicans is the most frequently appearing species and is responsible for the majority of yeast infections.

Usually the infection-causing fungus occurs in the body in tiny amounts, but it is harmless most of the time.  Yeast can be located on the human body in the intestines, rectum, mouth, vagina, and on the skin. The immune system usually keeps the fungus to a minimum along with microorganisms that are found on the body.

The trouble begins when the Candida fungus starts to multiply. As the Candida gets larger it can turn into an infection. When there is an imbalance inside the body, the yeast begins to grow and there is an overgrowth.
Various things can cause the body to become out of balance. Antibiotics, pregnancy, diabetes, oral contraceptives, weakened immune system, stress, non-ventilating clothing and poor nutrition are the most common contributors to imbalances in the body.

One form of fungal infection more common than others is the vaginal yeast infection. Vaginal may be more common, but candidiasis can and do occur other places in the body. Your mouth, your fingernails and your skin can all develop yeast infections.

There are various symptoms relating to an infection. For example let's look at the common signs of a vaginal infection which is the most prevalent form of yeast infection in women.  Most women will complain of vaginal itching and pain. A thick, white discharge may also appear with vaginal yeast infections. When a woman does discharge this vaginal fluid, it normally does not smell. Redness or swelling of the genital area, a stinging sensation during urination and experiencing pain during intercourse may also appear.

All of these symptoms may not occur in everyone, but most everybody will experience the itching associated with the vaginal yeast infection.

As stated earlier, candidiasis is not limited only to the vagina. Candidiasis can develop in the mouth, on the skin, and under the fingernails. When a person has an infection in their mouth it is known as "thrush". However, no matter where the yeast infection is located, it is caused by the same thing - an overgrowth of the yeast Candida Albicans.

There are some fairly easy steps you can take to both prevent candidiasis and also get rid of a yeast infection in women (or men) once it has appeared.



See our Web site, dealingwithyeast.com, to learn the steps you need to take to prevent yeast infections and what we think are the best yeast infection treatments. You will also find lots of free information on all aspects and types of yeast infections.