### Understanding Yeast Infections Yeast is a type of fungus that naturally lives on your skin and in areas like your mouth, intestines, and vagina. Normally, yeast is harmless, but when it grows too much, it can cause an infection known as candidiasis. #### Symptoms You might notice symptoms like itching, redness, burning during urination, and a white or yellow discharge from the vagina. On the skin or in the mouth (thrush), symptoms include redness, itching, and soreness. #### Causes Yeast infections occur when the balance of good bacteria (lactobacillus) and yeast in your body is disrupted. Factors like wearing tight or nonbreathable fabrics, prolonged use of sanitary pads, or staying in wet clothes can increase the risk. Antibiotics can also cause yeast infections by killing healthy bacteria, leaving more room for yeast to grow. #### Risk Factors Stress, illness, lack of sleep, and an unhealthy diet can make you more susceptible. Diabetes is another significant risk factor because high blood sugar levels provide more food for yeast. High estrogen levels during pregnancy or from hormonal birth control can also lead to yeast infections. #### Treatment Yeast infections are usually easy to treat with antifungal medicines, available as pills, ointments, or suppositories. It's crucial to complete the full course of treatment to prevent recurrence. Over-the-counter options are available, but a doctor's prescription is needed for pills. #### Prevention Preventing yeast infections involves identifying and avoiding triggers. Discuss with your doctor about your birth control or hormone therapy, and consider testing for conditions like diabetes or HIV that increase the risk. #### When to See a Doctor If it's your first yeast infection, see a doctor to rule out other conditions like bacterial vaginosis or STIs. In rare cases, yeast infections can become systemic, affecting the blood, heart, brain, and other organs, especially in women with weakened immune systems. #### Recurrence About 1 in 20 women experience recurrent yeast infections. For these cases, long-term antifungal treatment may be necessary. An antifungal has been approved for treating recurrent infections in postmenopausal or permanently infertile women. Understanding and managing yeast infections can help you maintain better health and prevent complications.