Youve probably seen countless commercials and ads for vaginal yeast infection treatments. Youve probably also suffered the intense itching, redness, burning, vaginal discharge, painful urination and painful sexual intercourse associated with having a yeast infection.

But how much do you actually know about a yeast infection? What causes it and where it comes from?

In fungal vaginitis, most often caused the bacteria Candida albicans, raised grey or white lesions surrounded by red areas are formed. These lesions can produce a thick white curd like discharge. What most people dont know or understand is that this bacteria is relatively common and is present in the natural microflora of 20% of non-pregnant women and 30% of pregnant ones. It normally doesnt cause any problems until something upsets the balance of good bacteria to the bad Candida albicans bacteria. When this happens the Candida bacteria overwhelm the bodys natural good bacteria and a yeast infection is born.

So what can cause this disruption in the balance between the good and bad bacteria? There are a number of causes, some of which can be avoided more than others.

1. Antibiotics using antibiotics to fight one type of infection can also kill the good bacteria that keep the yeast bacteria in check.

2. Clothing Tight or non cotton clothing such as your underwear creates the perfect warm moist environment for yeast to grow in.

3. Chemicals Such as those found in laundry detergents or on scented toilet papers can upset the bacterial balance.

4. Condoms Recent studies have found that condoms with nonoxynol-9, a spermicide, can kill off the good bacteria.

5. Hormones Changes in hormone levels can cause yeast infections, particularly in pregnant women.

6. Sexual transmission Candida can be transferred between sexual partners. Yes, men can get it too.

7. Weakened Immune System The bodys natural defenses are incapable of dealing with an outbreak of yeast. This is more apparent in women with HIV or Lyme disease.

There are some natural remedies for a yeast infection. They normally involve restoring the balance of good bacteria to bad bacteria and can be an effective way to counter the affects of the causes of a yeast infection.

1. Acidophilus and Bifidus These are bacteria that kill yeast and are normally present in healthy women. You can get them by eating yogurt with live cultures. You can also take a lactobacillus/acidophilus supplement found at any health food store. You can also find acidophilus suppositories which are effective in killing the yeast.

2. Decrease your sugar intake. Sugar creates a yeast growing environment.

3. Douche There are two types you can try. One is a solution of 1 to 3 tbsp of vinegar per quart of water. Use this once a day for no longer than a week. The second type is a herbal douche. Use equal parts of raspberry, comfrey and sage mixed with part goldenseal and mixed with a cider vinegar.

4. There are over the counter yeast infection medications. If you use one of these make sure they contain Nystatin or imidazole.

If you have never had a yeast infection before it is important that you see your doctor for an accurate diagnosis before trying any type of treatment. You dont want to be treating a condition you dont have. You also will need to see your doctor if your symptoms persist, as they will be able to make an accurate diagnosis of your condition and suggest the proper treatment.