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Many girls find that yeast infections tend to show up right before they get their periods because of the hormonal changes that come with the menstrual cycle. Clothing (especially underwear) that is too tight or made of materials like nylon that trap heat and moisture might lead to yeast infections because yeast can thrive in this type of environment. And douching and using scented sanitary products can upset the healthy balance of bacteria in the vagina and make yeast infections more likely.

If you have a vaginal yeast infection, follow these guidelines: Follow the full treatment prescribed by your health care provider. Avoid sexual intercourse until the infection is gone. After urinating, wipe gently to avoid irritation. Avoid high-sugar diets. Use unscented soaps. Avoid using douches and other chemicals, such as bubble bath or hygiene spray, in the vaginal area unless recommended by your health care provider. Take a shower instead of a bath. Pat the genital area dry. Wear cotton underwear to allow ventilation and to keep the area drier. Lose weight if you are obese (20% over normal weight). If you are diabetic, maintain a normal blood sugar. Try eating yogurt. Some women find that daily yogurt prevents yeast overgrowth.

What you wear or don't wear can help you avoid a yeast infection. Yeast grows best in a warm, moist environment: think wet bathing suits, tight jeans, and stretchy exercise gear. Nylon underwear, pantyhose, and other synthetic materials that trap moisture also make yeast infections more likely.

The most common foods that can be a cause of yeast infections in America are beef and dairy. The livestock industry gives antibiotics to their cattle, this is supposed to kill bad bacteria and make the food supply safer. But they are also used to fatten up cows. A fat cow will sell more than a thin cow, won't it? These antibiotics are getting into the dairy product food chain. They are present in milk, cheese, and the meat itself. This is creating antibiotic resistance in humans and bad bacteria, not to mention the long-term health effects to our children, and it ultimately destroys the beneficial bacteria in our intestines allowing a yeast infection to grow in your body.

FDA requires that OTC products to treat yeast infections carry the following warning:"If you experience vaginal yeast infections frequently (they recur within a two-month period) or if you have vaginal yeast infections that do not clear up easily with proper treatment, you should see your doctor promptly to determine the cause and receive proper medical care."

Having a yeast condition can increase your susceptibility to contracting HIV, since vaginal irritation may allow easier passage of the virus into the bloodstream. For years women's health advocates worked to demonstrate that the common perception of HIV and AIDS was based on men's experiences, and it is now recognized that nearly-constant yeast overgrowth can be a marker of HIV infection in women. The immune system suppression from HIV can cause an imbalance in the vagina's chemistry, resulting in persistent yeast overgrowth.

Candidiasis usually occurs when there is a disruption of bacterial flora in the body, and in people who have compromised immune systems. There are different factors which can lead to Candida overgrowth such as a person's diet. However, research is finding that prolonged use of antibiotics can also play a major role in the development of Candidiasis.