Yeast is commonly present in human skin and in areas where there is moisture such as the mouth and vagina. About 20%-50% of healthy women carry yeast in their vaginal area. A yeast infection is a fungus referred to as Candida, and its a type of fungus most commonly responsible for vaginitis or Candida albicans.
Here are some causes to why some women develop yeast infections more often than other women.
•    Yeast infections develop when new yeast is introduced into the vaginal area, or when there is an increase in the quantity of yeast already present relative to the quantity of normal bacteria in the vagina. This causes irritation of the lining of the vagina (vaginitis) and can result from using antibiotics. Treating urinary tract, respiratory, or other types of infection, and immunosuppressive drugs, causes the yeast to multiply, invade tissues and as a result cause irritation in the vagina.
•    Vaginal yeast infections can also occur as a result of injury to the inner vagina such as chemotherapy. Women with suppressed immune system are more susceptible to yeast infections and develop yeast infections more frequently than other women with normal immunity.
•    Other factors that cause yeast infections include diabetes mellitus, pregnancy and taking oral contraceptives. Using douches, perfume vaginal hygiene sprays also may increase a women’s risk for developing vaginal yeast infection.
It is important to note that yeast infections are not considered to be a sexually transmitted infection (STI), since Candida may be present in the normal vagina, and that it can occur to women who aren’t sexually active.
It may be difficult to diagnose vaginal yeast infection since symptoms are nonspecific; however, most women experience itching in the vaginal and/or in the vulva area. Other symptoms such as burning, soreness, pain during intercourse, and vaginal discharge are common symptoms that should get immediate treatment.
Since yeast infections are so common, finding a yeast infection treatment is not difficult. Some women choose to use cream application treatments whenever candida presents itself. Others prefer more long-term solutions like Diflucan, a one-pill treatment that can prevent further yeast infections from occurring.