INTRODUCTION: A vaginal yeast infection is often produced by a fungus called Candida albicans which is normally found in small numbers in the vagina. While it is definitely not a pleasant experience, there's no need to spend too much time worrying.

Yeast infection is also more common after menopause due to decreasing estrogen levels, which thin the vaginal walls. It is not usually spread by engaging in sex.

The only time Candida Albicans is a problem is when the conditions in its environment are such that it starts to grow and reproduce at an increased rate. When this happens a vaginal yeast infection is the result. If the yeast infection is left untreated, some physicians believe that the Candida Albican will continue to reproduce at an alarming rate. They feel that if the vaginal yeast infection is left untreated that it will create an imbalance in the bodies natural bacterias and the person's immune system will become involved, in short the person will grow sicker and sicker.

SYMPTOMS: Signs of a yeast infections are liken to a number of other problems, including bacterial vaginosis (a bacterial infection of the vagina), trichomoniasis (a sexually transmitted disease), and contact or allergic dermatitis (a skin reaction to an irritating or allergic material).

They can sometimes include intense and unbearable itching, rash, a burning sensation, vaginal discharge, and pain during sexual intercourse. Your health care provider will ask about your symptoms and examine you. Your provider may collect samples of cells from places you are having symptoms, such as the mouth or vagina.

TREATMENT: Treating vaginal yeast infection may include a topical cream or tablet; the majority are applied inside the vagina at bedtime with an applicator. Treatment durations vary according to the formulation; 1, 3, and 7 day treatments are equally effective. Women with recurrent infections should use a longer course of treatment for infections, between ten to fourteen days for a topical (ointment or suppository) medication or fluconazole 150 mg orally with a second dose 72 hours later.

Treating with antibiotics can lead to eliminating the yeast's natural competitors for resources, and increase the severity of the problem. Treating the disease will not help or cure sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, or trichomonas.

CONCLUSION: Let your provider help you be certain that yeast infection is the problem and, if it is, to determine why it's not responding to treatment. If you feel that your yeast infection is immune to the over-the-counter treatment you are using, you can try using a new product, or go to your doctor for a prescription treatment.

A good home treatment for vaginal yeast infection is to elevate your immune system through proper diet and complete sleep. Probably the best way to deal with a yeast infection is prevention. This may be a major "well duh", but one of the great ways to treat a yeast infection is to wash yourself thoroughly at least once daily.