Yeast (candida fungus) is a naturally occurring organism found on the human body. It is usually found in small concentrations, but when the number of yeast organisms increases, you have a yeast infection.

Although both men and women can get yeast infections, the most common type by far is a vaginal yeast infection. Usually the vagina is acidic enough to keep yeast from growing, but if the acidity decreases, a yeast infection can occur.

The symptoms of yeast infections are itching, swelling and a burning sensation accompanied with a thick vaginal discharge. There may be pain during sexual intercourse or when urinating.

These symptoms are similar to some sexually transmitted diseases (STD’s) so it is always wise to consult with your doctor to make sure you have a yeast infection.

To prevent yeast infections, avoid clothing that traps heat and moisture in the crotch area. Wear cotton underwear, not synthetic, and don’t wear tight leotards or jeans everyday.

Keep the genital area clean and dry, but avoid the use of douches or feminine hygiene sprays. They may cause an acid / alkaline imbalance.

Yeast can live in underwear, so be sure to wash your panties well in hot water.

A yeast infection can be passed on to your sexual partner, who then can pass it back to you. Be sure to use a condom until the yeast infection clears up. Avoid condoms with spermicidal lubricants, however. Spermicides may actually cause yeast infections by reducing the acidity of the vagina.

Relief

Anything that increases the acidity of the vagina is going to be useful in treating a yeast infection. Yogurt is the number one cure. Not only does it readjust the acidity, it contains plenty of useful bacteria to combat the yeast.

You can apply yogurt (plain, unsweetened, unflavored) on a tampon and then insert the tampon for at least an hour. Do this twice a day and continue the treatment until the day after the yeast infection clears up. It's also good to eat lots of yogurt to restore the beneficial bacteria in your body.

Another very good treatment is Tea Tree Oil. It can be used in the same way as yogurt – applied to a tampon and inserted in the vagina.

Apple cider vinegar mixed with water can be used as a soothing douche. Use one tablespoon of vinegar in two cups of water. The vinegar restores the acidity of the vagina. A clove of garlic may be added to the mixture as an effective antibacterial agent.

To relieve the itching of yeast infections, aloe vera juice can be applied to the vulva. Aloe vera doesn’t kill the yeast, so you have to use it in conjunction with one of the other treatments.