Yeast is normal and ever present in our mouth, large intestine, vagina, and on the skin. Bacteria and yeast live in unison in our bodies and check on each other's growth. Anything that causes an imbalance on the bacteria/yeast normal flora of the vagina can cause a yeast or bacterial infection. A yeast "infection" is actually an over-growth of yeast in the vagina. This is why most women get yeast "infection" after taking antibiotics because the antibiotics have killed the bacteria. Many women who take the Pill have chronic "yeast infections" because the Pill alters the natural balance of vaginal organisms. A Yeast infection cannot harm you but may be extremely uncomfortable.

A yeast infection usually causes intense vaginal/vulvar itching. The vagina can become red and dry. The vaginal discharge is usually heavy, thick, white-curded consistency like cottage cheese. The odor is not foul, but rather smells like bread yeast.

Remedies for Yeast overgrowth or yeast infections:

• There are drugs available from your practitioner including vaginal creams, anti-fungal medications. These medications can work to relieve your symptoms and decrease the yeast. Be informed that sometimes the medications can spur on other vaginal irritations because it depletes the vagina of too much yeast.
• The most widely known self-help remedy for yeast conditions is plain yogurt inserted into the vagina. There are many ways to put yogurt into the vagina. Using a speculum to separate the walls of the vagina to the place spoonfuls of yogurt into the vagina works. If you have a plastic insertion device you have used for other medications or spermicidal cream use it to put yogurt in your vagina.
• Douching with yogurt diluted in water can be very beneficial for treating yeast infections.