There are a number of yeast infection causes and symptoms. When you understand what to look for, you can develop a better idea of how to handle this troublesome condition. By increasing your knowledge about the underlying causes, you'll be in a better position to eliminate those causes, as well as relieve the pesky symptoms of yeast infections.

Yeast infection causes and symptoms do vary, however, if you suspect an infection, these are just some of the most common and noticeable symptoms to look out for:

* Fever if the infection is allowed to develop

* Redness and itchiness in the infected area

* Discomfort and possibly minor pain during intercourse

* A thicker, smelly discharge

* Prickling or burning sensations while urinating

Yeast Infection and the Candida Albicans Organism

The major culprit that is responsible for yeast infections is the Candida albicans fungus. This organism usually lives on adult humans and is usually hard to notice, as it creates little impact. When different environmental factors combine to provide optimal growth conditions, this organism can increase in numbers at a rapid rate. When that happens, the natural balance that exists in the body is altered, which is what causes the many signs and symptoms of yeast infection.

Yeast infection causes and symptoms go hand in hand. A good example is that the reduction of 'good' bacteria by antibiotics leaves a space that the Candida can fill. The cause (loss of good bacteria), directly relates to the outcome (a significant increase in Candida organisms). The good news is that addressing the imbalance of good bacteria to Candida can also directly influence the restoring of your health.

Treating the infection

There are a number of different options that you have when treating yeast infection causes and symptoms. The use of antifungal medications is one option for slowing the growth of Candida. Providing treatment for the condition will reduce the organism and restore the body's natural balance. Using topical creams, lotions and ointments can also help to provide relief from symptoms, such as itching, burning and stinging.

There are also a number of natural treatments that can help to eliminate unpleasant odours caused by the Candida albicans organism, as well as providing relief from symptoms and helping the body to fight the organism that is responsible for these problems. Introducing probiotics to restore the levels of 'good bacteria' following a course of antibiotics is another option for helping to treat the infection, and this can often go hand in hand with a range of additional dietary changes to prevent the recurrence of the infection.

By gaining an increased understanding of yeast infection causes and symptoms, you can work toward treating both of these aspects of the condition. The unpleasant symptoms of the problem can be reduced through the use of a combination of natural and orthodox medical practices, while the use of antifungal treatments can help to eliminate the organism that is at the heart of the problem.