What Is a Yeast Infection?

Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of a bacterial organism called Candida albicans. Occasionally, a change in their environment gives them a chance to really multiply and grow out of control, particularly in warm and moist areas. Conventional treatments come in a wide range of forms including pills and vaginal creams, which may need to be taken anywhere from one dose to a week-long course of medication.

Almost half of all healthy, sexually active women, and one-third of all pregnant women have Candida albicans which might indicate that sexual activity itself contributes to the growth of Candida albicans. Furthermore, 75% of all women have had a yeast infection, and almost half have had two or more yeast infections.

We get yeast infections because, for a variety of reasons, our bacteria multiply rapidly and take over, causing a full-fledged yeast infection. This can be due to a change in the vaginal environment, injury, sexual transmission, or HIV. Common environmental disruptions that favor yeast include increased pH, increased heat and moisture, allergic reactions, elevated sugar levels, hormonal fluxes, and reductions in the populations of bacteria that are normally present.

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.