Candida albicans is the most frequent cause of yeast infections. Although there are other species of Candida that cause vaginal infections, they all behave similarly to c. albicans.

Some unfortunate women are plagued with recurrent yeast infections despite treatment. There are predisposed factors that increase the risk of these infections. Pregnancy increases the likelihood of yeast infections. Pregnancy's hormonal state increases the sugar level in vaginal cells and yeast loves sugar.

This is also why diabetics are predisposed to yeast and why too much sugar intake can also increase the likelihood of these infections. Birth control pills mimic pregnancy's hormonal environment and in some women may lead to infections that are more frequent. Antibiotics are another cause of this problem.

Yeast can be present in the vaginal environment and not cause any problems if it stays in the background. Antibiotics can tip the scales in favor of the yeast organism by killing all the vaginal bacteria. Some women should take a medicine for yeast any time they are treated with antibiotics. Warmth and moisture also cultivate yeast, so loose, natural fiber garments and cotton panties may prevent infection.

Several over-the-counter medications treat yeast effectively. They are all about equally effective. There are also prescription creams and suppositories that are similar to these medications. Another new medication now exists that, when taken orally, can "de-yeast" the whole body. The bowel harboring heavy concentrations of yeast may cause recurrent yeast infections in some women, so just vaginal treatment isn't enough. This is also the reason for always wiping front to back.

There are other causes of vaginal infections that can masquerade as yeast. Trichomoniasis and gardnerella are two other common infections. The effective treatment of these vaginal pathogens requires prescription medications.

Trichomoniasis is a small vaginal parasite that is treated with metronidazole. It can be transmitted sexually and there fore requires that both partners be treated. Gardnerella is a bacterial over growth that causes a bad discharge; this is treated with an oral or vaginal antibiotic. These culprits are diagnosed by doing a microscopic examination of vaginal fluids.