But you're not the only one, other women also end up with the chronic yeast infection, or ping pong yeast infection. If it’s a chronic in nature then it is the time for action.

This means you're going to have to be proactive. And find a solution to the issue. This infection is due towards the overgrowth of fungus called Candida Albicans inside the system. If this fungus is present in balance than it does not interfere with body functions but when there is an imbalance –watch out.

Candida Albicans yeast infections can multiply very quickly especially when unchecked. The problem can cause both short term and chronic health difficulties for men and women.

If you think you have a yeast infection during your period, and the irritation is primarily on the area just above the clitoris (called the mons pubis) then you need to rule out other causes as well. If you use sanitary napkins or minipads you may not have a yeast infection but a reaction to the sanitary napkin or minipad. This often happens when women use fragranced or 'deodorized' minipads. That's not to say you can't get a yeast infection during your menstrual cycle. With the changing hormones during your menses, it is entirely possible for the yeast Candida Albicans to overgrow and cause the yeast infection.

Chronic yeast infection is often resistant to the medications prescribed by the doctors. It can be controlled only for a short period of time and will remain dormant for only a short span of time. This chronic or recurrent yeast infection is triggered by yeast spores which are cyclical in nature and become active after particular period of time. Basically not everything that needs to get killed is killed by the medication and so the infection returns.

One of the reasons behind chronic yeast infection may be the level of tension inside your life. With a stressful life, the hormones that let us cope with stress, can have other changes inside the body. This can cause a condition which lets the Candida overgrow. The tension upsets your internal balance of hormones and bacteria. The imbalance leads to the yeast or Candida Albicans overgrowing thus becoming a yeast infection. Try whenever feasible to minimize stress in your daily routine.

Secondly, diet can play a big role in chronic yeast infections. Having a stable blood sugar decreases the chance of chronic yeast overgrowth. Minimize the amount of sugar in your diet.

Thirdly, unprotected sex, can lead to ping pong yeast infections. If you are infected then you and your partner can pass it back and forth multiple times. If you have a yeast infection, avoid sex until your yeast infection is under control.

Fourthly, medications like birth control pills and antibiotics change the normal working of your system functions. Antibiotics will not only treat your sore throat, but also kill the helpful bacteria inside your vagina. This can lead to a yeast infection. Birth control pills prevent pregnancies via their hormones, but the hormones also change the composition of fluids in your vagina which can encourage the overgrowth of yeas.

Finally, poor self care and personal hygiene can lead to your experiencing chronic yeast infections. Avoid wet clothes like wet bathing suits. Good personal hygiene is important, so keep yourself dry and clean. Hygiene sprays and douching is not needed. In fact, these items can often upset the delicate vaginal area and lead to irritation and sometimes yeast infections. Wear nightgowns instead of pajamas to let your genitals stay dry.

Don't ignore chronic yeast infections. Remember if you have a yeast infection more than 3-4 times a year, you may have a chronic yeast infection problem. Be observant and note what happens just before the yeast infection symptoms start.

• Did you go swimming?
• Start antibiotics?
• Wear tight jeans?

Write your activities down as this can help you treat the chronic yeast infection problem. Then take your notes to your healthcare provider and have them do a microscopic exam of the fluids/ discharge from your vagina. You may have an allergy or sensitivity causing the problem. Or you could have some conditions like diabetes or immune disorders which can make a yeast infection chronic. It's important to know the cause of the symptoms, before you start treatment for recurrent yeast infections.

Thanks to Ralaenin for use of the photo.

Women tend to experience more yeast infections than men. This is due to the unique anatomy of women which lets yeast overgrow. In our vaginas the yeast which live there normally are kept under control by lactobacilli. The lactobacilli control the yeast fungus. But sometimes stress, antibiotics or other causes kill the lactobacilli or make them ineffective. When this happens, the yeast overgrow and we have a 'yeast infection.'

Many women are used to choosing an over the counter solution for yeast infections like Monistat. While over the counter solutions can work, there are other ways to learn how to treat a yeast infection naturally.

Now most doctors do not discuss how to treat a yeast infection naturally with their patients. So where do you start? Natural remedies for yeast infection start with a healthy diet. Including fresh foods like vegetables, fruit, and yogurt are helpful to getting the body back to a state of optimal balance. Eating active culture yogurt can restore the bacterial level in your digestive system.

I know it sounds weird, but the bacteria in our digestive system and in our vaginas actually protect us from the overgrowth of yeast. This is one instance where bacteria is not only helpful but essential for our good health. So include some active culture yogurt in your diet today!

Make sure you read the label before you buy the yogurt as not all yogurts are the same. The yogurt needs to say, “Active cultures” in the list of ingredients.

Need to get on the path to healthy eating but cooking for the family too? Take a look at this cookbook which is great for family friendly recipes to get rid of yeast infections, yet the recipes taste good.

Candidia is managed by the immune system and causes a problem when the yeast overgrows. This takes place when the immune system is weakend because of illness, stress or overuse of antibiotics which can harm the normal flora of the body. Thrush is one of the most common infections in individuals with depressed immune systems.

When the Candida infection happens in the mouth, it is called thrush. It is characterized by white patches which look like cottage cheese. Thrush can cause pain when swallowing, nausea, loss of taste and loss of appetite. Meanwhile a Candida infection in the vagina causes itchiness, burning sensation when urinating, redness and soreness in the genital area .

Candidiasis can often be prevented through medications which can aid in strengthening the immune system. This is considered the best way to put a stop to candidiasis becoming a long lasting health problem.

Some preventive tips include avoiding sugary treats and drinks that are sweet. These include candy, cereals, doughnuts, cookies, cakes and grape juice.

Treatment for candidiasis could include topical treatments like lozenges or liquids for gargling (Nystatin). These treatments are generally cheaper and have fewer side effects than some of the pills. It is also recommended to eat yogurt with live friendly bacteria(called acidophilus) and gargle with tea-tree-oil mouthwash. However, gargles are unpleasant to taste and often take a longer time to work. But before taking any medication, make sure that medical advice has been sought.

When Does A Vaginal Infection Happen?

Vaginal infection happens when the normal flora of the body becomes disrupted. This imbalance causes the fungus or bacteria to overgrow. Vaginal infections frequently cause a discharge in the company of itchiness, redness, and burning sensation of the vagina.

Vaginal infections can cause discomfort, profuse discharges and strong foul odor. However, these symptoms do not automatically signify an infection. In fact, what looks like a vaginal infection can just be irritation.

What Causes Inflammation Or Irritation Of The Vagina?
An inflammation of the vagina can be caused by a reaction to chemical products such as feminine wash products, bubble bath, laundry soaps, detergents, contraceptive jellies and synthetic underwear. This inflammation is commonly referred as noninfectious vaginitis.

Do All Vaginal Infections Have Discharge?

Not all vaginal infections have a vaginal discharge. Some women think a vaginal discharge means yeast infection. But that's not always the case.

Sometimes these discharges are due to sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea and chlamydial infection.This is why it is critical to make sure what the true cause of the vaginal infection is for sure. Gonorrhea and chlamydia affect other reproductive organs, such as the uterus and cervix.

How Do Women Get Vaginal Infections?

Some conditions causing vaginal infections are reduced acidity or increased pH in the vagina. When the acidity in the vagina is reduced, the protective bacterium that usually lives in the vagina diminishes, causing an infection. The decrease in acidity can happen because of diet, stress, illness, hormonal changes or medications.

Other Ways To Get Vaginal Infections?
Poor hygiene can also cause vaginal infection. When the genital area is not cleaned well, the number of bacteria increases causing vaginal infections.This is why wiping from front to back after a bowel movement is important. By doing this you avoid getting unwanted bacteria in your vagina.

Underwear which is too tight and non-absorbent can trap moisture which encourages growth of bacteria and yeast. Sexy, tight underwear may look good, but can also lead to vaginal infections.

After the menopausal stage of life, estrogen decreases causing tissues in the vagina become drier, thinner and more fragile. As a result, cracks or sores may form paving way for bacteria or yeast to thrive.

Douching often can remove normal, protective bacteria from the vagina, increasing the risk of infection.

How Can Doctors Tell What Type of Vaginal Infection You Have?
Doctors examine a sample of fluids from the vagina or cervix to check for microorganisms that can cause infections.

How Can You Prevent A Vaginal Infection?

• The best way to prevent vaginal infections is to keep genital area clean and dry.
• Washing every day with a mild, nonscented soap and letting the vagina dry thoroughly are recommended.
• Wiping from front to back after urinating or defecating prevents bacteria from entering the vagina.
• Wearing loose or absorbent clothing, such as cotton underwear, allows air to flow and keeps the genital area dry.
• Safe sex practices could also be a good preventive measure.

So why so many yeast infections during pregnancy?  Hormone levels and normal body yeast.

A tiny fungus usually Candida Albicans causes these infections. Many women have this fungus on and in their body naturally. The problem happens when the yeast grows so fast it overtakes the body's defense system. During pregnancy your body's level of estrogen rises. This higher level encourages the yeast fungus to grow even faster. Some researchers have said they think estrogen makes the Candida albicans stickier. When the tiny fungus is stickier it grows faster as it can hold onto the vaginal walls easier.

How Do I Know I Have A Yeast Infection?

Signs and symptoms of a yeast infection are:

• Redness and itchiness are two of the primary symptoms of thrush. Urination can also cause burning. As urine goes over the irritated skin, it hurts.
• A creamy white discharge without odor.
• Discomfort with sexual intercourse

How Pregnancy Affects Treatment

It's often difficult to self diagnose a yeast infection.  Studies have shown the majority of women misdiagnose a yeast infection.

Accuracy of self-diagnosis of yeast infections can be increased with the use of testing strips for yeast infection. One study showed the accuracy to be 96% when the test strips were used. Kit with a test strip for yeast infection can be purchased at a local drugstore or online.

With prescriptions from your healthcare provider you can start to feel better and get rid your yeast infection.

Your healthcare provider knows which medications are safe to use during pregnancy. Many medications interfere with your developing baby.

During pregnancy you are limited in the medications you can safely use. The pill form of yeast infection medication should not be taken during pregnancy. The medication can interfere with the healthy development of your baby.

Yeast infections can be difficult to control during pregnancy. Together with your healthcare provider you can have a healthy baby and get rid of the yeast infection.

It's hard to believe but a yeast infection is caused by a tiny one cell fungus called yeast. Although there are many different types of yeast the one most frequently causing infections in people is the species Candida. The yeast infection is not an infection really but an overgrowth where the yeast takes over the vagina or wherever the yeast infection is. The yeast infection can cause pain as well as be annoying.

Now Candida is not a foreigner to the body. It grows normally on and inside the body. Candida especially likes to grow under moist, warm conditions. It can be found growing in the vagina, foreskin of the penis, and in skin folds. Normally the body keeps the level of yeast under control. In the vagina there is a specialized bacteria whose job is to keep the yeast from overgrowing. These bacteria keep the vagina acidic preventing the overgrowth of the yeast.

Unfortunately with things like stress, taking antibiotics, hormone changes of pregnancy and illness the yeast can overtake the body's defenses. This is when the yeast overgrow and the result is what we call a yeast infection.

Symptoms of a yeast infection include itching and burning. There are many different ways of treating a yeast infection. Most prescription medications work decreasing the growing number of yeast. This type of treatment works on the symptoms of the yeast infection, not the cause.

What are some of the causes of yeast infection?

Taking antibiotics is one of the most common ways of getting a yeast infection. The antibiotic kills the helpful bacteria, which normally keeps yeast from overgrowing.

Stress also can lead to yeast overgrowth. Stress taxes our bodies' defenses so the body is less able to fight the yeast overgrowth.

You may look great in tight jeans, but you may be setting yourself up for a yeast infection. Tight jeans hold sweat and body heat next to the body creating a perfect place for yeast to grow. Yeast grows best in warm moist places.

Hormone levels fluctuate wildly during pregnancy. These changing levels can lead to the ideal conditions for yeast to grow and grow leading to a yeast infection.

When you douche you change the normal acidic environment of the vagina. this can make it easy for the yeast to overgrow and cause a vaginal yeast infection. People who are diabetic and often have high or uncontrolled blood sugars are also prone to yeast infections. That's because yeast like to feed on sugar.

Protection against yeast infections is something to discuss with your health care provider. Talk about ways of helping your body protect itself. You'll find natural lifestyle changes can make yeast infections a memory best forgotten.

Candida Infection Causes And Results

Antibiotics attack not only the problem bacteria that cause your strep throat or your infected finger but also helpful bacteria as well.  Though antibiotics do their job to protect you, one of their side effects is to kill helpful bacteria as well.

When the helpful bacteria die, the body is unable to stop the overgrowth. Thrush is the result.

So when you have antibiotics to treat an infection elsewhere in your body, eat yogurt with live acidophilus to help build up the helpful bacteria.

If you are given a prescription, check with your healthcare provider to make sure the antibiotic is truly necessary.

Your sexual partner can spread the infection back and forth to each other. Though unusual it is more apt to occur when the male partner has not be circumcised. If you have a yeast infection avoid sexual relations until the infection has gone.

A yeast infection ping ponging back and forth between partners is no fun. It also can be very time consuming when trying to treat them.

Sugary foods set the stage for the fungus to grow. Sugary products, a doughnut, pastry or candy bar can dramatically raise your blood sugar. This can add fuel to the growth of yeast, which can increase the chances of your yeast infection continuing.

Check with your healthcare provider to determine your best course of action for your condition.  In the meantime start by taking control of your health care by checking out holistic healthcare alternatives.

There are over 20 different varieties of Candida. The variety causing the most vulvovaginal candidiasis is Candida albicans.  Yeast infections occur when the growing condition for this tiny one cell fungus becomes ideal.

The fungus grows best in warm moist conditions. The  fungus grows normally on and in the bodies of most women. Yeast doesn't have a chance to become a problem usually. The growth of the yeast is kept in control by other systems in the body.

The body's defense system can be broken. When the system breaks that tiny one celled fungus grows uncontrolled. Yeast infections happen when the overgrowth occurs.

What Causes Candida To Overgrow?

Other organisms in the body normally balance Candida. In the vagina bacteria known as lacatobacillus is the guardian.

When you take an antibiotic one side effect you may not know about is the killing of helpful bacteria in your body. The number of lactobacillus is decreased and in some cases even eliminated. With no organism to stop or minimize its growth Candida goes into fast grow mode.  This results in vulvovaginal candidias.

Antibiotics aren't the only cause of Candida overgrowth. People with high blood sugars like diabetes, people who take steroids, and take oral steroid inhalers are at higher risk of having a yeast infection.

How Do You Minimize Your Chance Of Getting Vulvovaginal Candidiasis?

Changing your dietcan be one of the better ways to control Candida overgrowth in your body. While you're waiting for the diet to work, there are other steps you can take to minimize the Candida overgrowth in your body.

If you possibly can wear clothing made from natural fibers. These fibers wick away moisture from your body. Taking away the moisture makes it most difficult for the yeast to overgrow.

Decrease your skin's irritation. Many women have skin and vaginal irritation when using scented soaps on their skin or when washing their clothing. For some reason Candida has a tendency to overgrow when skin irritation exists.

Decrease the times you wear tight clothing. Form fitting jeans, thongs and pantyhose don't give your skin and vagina a chance to breathe. With the trapped warmth and moisture the Candida albicans are given extremely favorable growing conditions.

Minimize or eliminate the time you spend in hot tubs. Hot tubs are excellent growing conditions of yeast.

Add yogurt with live acidophilus cultures to your body.  If you can minimize your stress do so as well. Stress changes the environment inside our body making it a very good way for yeast to grow.

Use small changes to create your own recipe to get rid of Candida in your life. These small changes can help you decrease and even eliminate yeast infections in your life. That can make your life just a little bit easier.

When the helpful bacteria is eliminated, yeast cells start
reproducing rapidly. This can lead to a yeast infection.

Antibiotics are often part of a medically prescribed plan
of treatment for a bacterial infection. Sometimes a side
effect of taking antibiotics is a yeast infection. Not every
person will get a yeast infection as a side effect.

Risk Factors For Yeast Infection

There are some factors, which can increase your risk of
yeast infection. Stress is one of the prime risk factors
leading to yeast infection after antibiotics. When your body
is stressed you are less able to fight off other infections
including yeast.

Physical exercise, meditation, getting enough sleep are all
ways to decrease the stress in one's life. Finding a
therapist or enrolling in a stress reduction course can also
help. Some people believe in distraction such as hobbies,
volunteering or other activities to get your mind off the
stress in your life. Poor diet can also contribute to the
risk of yeast infections. With our hurry up lifestyles we
often skip meals or eat meals low in healthy foods. Green
vegetables and other high nutrition foods can help your body
build immunity to yeast and other infections.

The changing levels of female hormones also play a big part
of whether or not yeast overgrows in the vagina. Things such
as birth control pills, the menstrual cycle, and pregnancy
all change the pH level of the vagina. With the pH change
the yeast is allowed to grow unchecked causing a yeast
infection.

Thrush is one of the most common infections in individuals with sexually transmitted diseases (STD’s).

When the Candida infection happens in the mouth, it is called thrush. It is characterized by white patches which look like cottage cheese. Thrush can cause pain when swallowing, nausea, loss of taste and loss of appetite. Meanwhile a Candida infection in the vagina causes itchiness, burning sensation when urinating, redness and soreness in the genital area .

Candidiasis can be prevented through medications which can aid in strengthening the immune system. This is considered the best way to put a stop to candidiasis becoming a health problem.

Some preventive tips include avoiding sugary treats and drinks that are sweet. These include candy, cereals, doughnuts, cookies, cakes and grape juice. It is also recommended to eat yogurt with live friendly bacteria(called acidophilus) and gargle with tea-tree-oil mouthwash.

Treatment for candidiasis could include topical treatments such as cream (clotrimazole for vaginal or skin infections), lozenges or liquids for gargling (Nystatin) and suppositories (miconazole). These treatments are generally cheaper and have fewer side effects than some of the pills. However, gargles are unpleasant to taste and often take a longer time to work.

Common side effects of anti-fungal medications include rash, nausea and vomiting. But before taking any medication, make sure that a medical advice has been sought.

Photo courtesy of CDC.