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When it comes to yeast, the body is very familiar with this common fungus. It is present in the bowels, digestive tract, mouth, skin, and vagina on an everyday basis. Our bodies effectively fight off this fungus until there is a reason for the immune system to turn its attention to other parts of the body, or that same immune system is compromised by the use of antibiotics.

The use of antibiotics in Western society is the most common reason for yeast infections. Antibiotics often do such a great job at fighting off bacteria that the good bacteria in the body, the bacteria that fights off the fungus associated with a yeast infection, is killed along with the bad bacteria. When this happens, the fungus overgrows and a yeast infection occurs.

While yeast infections are most commonly associated with the vagina and women, men have just as much a chance of contracting a yeast infection as women do. Sexual contact is the most common pathway for the transmission of yeast infections. Yeast infections can be transferred to the genital area of the man through unprotected vaginal intercourse, or the oral cavity through unprotected oral intercourse.

When the fungal infection is contracted through vaginal intercourse, the treatment for men is the same as the treatment for women. A cycle of anti-fungal cream in common cases and an oral anti-fungal prescription medication in more severe cases.

Oral yeast infections, are also known as thrush. Thrush can be characterized by the thick white covering of mucus over the tongue and sides of the mouth, often spreading to the lips. Thrush is treated with oral anti-fungal prescription medications.

While yeast is very common in the body, most infections are caused by a yeast overgrowth in the bowel. Some of the most common factors associated with an overgrowth of yeast in the body include:

* High levels of stress

* Extreme fatigue

* Poor dietary choices

* Use of antibiotics

* Use of oral contraceptives (women)

* Diabetes

The body is naturally able to fight off fungal infections as the result of yeast overgrowth when the body is in top shape. In order to better human health and prevent the occurrence of yeast infections:

* Maintain a healthy diet with plenty of rest. When the body is not rested, the immune system can falter and an increase in yeast growth may occur.

* Practice safe sex. Sexually transmitted yeast is common and can occur both orally and genitally.

* Wear light fitting clothing in the summer. Tight fitting clothing does not allow the skin and genital areas to breathe. Air exchange can prevent the overgrowth of fungus.

* Never wear clothing that causes sweating. Yeast loves moisture, so preventing sweat from accumulating and resting on the skin, especially the genital areas will reduce the chance of a yeast infection.

Yeast infections are a part of human health that nearly every person will have to deal with at least once in a lifetime. These conditions are highly treatable and preventable with a look into what causes this fungal infection and the risk factors for increased chances of yeast infections.