The fungus that is called Candida, a naturally occurring yeast found in everybody, is the primary cause of yeast infections. The number of Candida present in your body is balanced by the good bacteria that are also present in your body. If the balance is disrupted for some reason, the yeast could grow uncontrollably. This is the cause of yeast infections. This infection usually begins in the digestive system or the genital area then spreads to other parts of the body.

The most common area for a yeast infection is the vaginal area. The pH balance on the vagina must be carefully controlled in order to keep the natural balance. Any change could cause a yeast infection.

Taking antibiotics for a long period of time will cause a yeast infection. Antibiotics will kill bacteria in your body, even the good ones that regulate the yeast in your genital area. A disruption of bacterial balance will leave the yeast to grow and flourish, ultimately causing an infection. Use of antibacterial soaps in the genital area is also a contributing factor in the development of vaginal yeast infections.

The use of the birth control pill could also contribute to the formation of a yeast infection. Any hormonal imbalance could change the acidity of the vaginal area, causing the bacterial balance to change. This change could be significant enough to promote the increased growth of the yeast.

Symptoms that are associated with vaginal yeast infections include itching or burning in the genital area, as well as some discharge of a cottage cheese-like substance.

Vaginal yeast infections can be treated with antifungal medications. These medications come in either pill or topical ointment form. Use of these antifungal medications should be carefully regulated. Prolonged use could cause the yeast to develop a resistance to the medication. You should only use these products is you are suffering from a yeast infection.