Yeast is actually the common name for the fungus Candida Albicans. These are tiny organisms that normally grow on the skin around and inside the vagina. The acidic environment of the vagina keeps them from growing. If the acidic levels of the vagina fall, the yeast grow profusely and this leads to a vaginal infection.The acidic balance of the vagina changes due to a variety of reasons such as menstruation, pregnancy, diabetes, frequent use of antibiotics, birth control pills, steroids, unhygienic conditions, frequent exposure to semen, chemicals used in soaps and tampons, and wearing tight clothing that restricts the skin from breathing.

Some people believe that candida infection causes, or at least contributes to, fibromyalgia. Dr. William Crook, MD, originally proposed the concept of candidiasis as a contributing factor to a number of difficult-to-diagnose disorders. There is still some controversy about Dr. Crooks work, but more people are beginning to agree that candida may have a role in fibromyalgia and other illnesses.

Candida Albicans is a destructive yeast infection that begins in the digestive system and little by little spreads to other parts of the body. Candida is present in all of us not long after birth. Typically, this yeast remain in a healthful balance with the other bacteria and yeasts within the intestinal tract. Under certain conditions, such as excessive stress, lowered immunity or the long-term use of steroids, the candida yeast can multiply, thus disrupting the gastrointestinal "terrain". Candida overgrowth may also be a consequence of antibiotic treatment, as antibiotics not only kill pathogens but also a large number of those bacteria that are part of a healthy gastrointestinal flora. With the depletion of the beneficial protective flora in the intestinal tract and a weakened immune response, this opportunistic yeast can then spread and multiply beyond the intestinal tract affecting every organ in the body.

The chemicals in vaginal douches may irritate your vagina and change the normal balance of good bacteria. Douching also can spread an infection from your vagina or cervix up into the uterus, increasing your risk of getting pelvic inflammatory disease (also called PID). PID is a painful infection of the fallopian tubes that can cause you to be unable to get pregnant. Douching is not necessary to keep your body clean. Odors usually come from outside the vagina. Keeping this area clean with gentle soap and water can prevent odors.

The extensive use of broad spectrum antibiotics destroys much of the good bacteria in our gut that would otherwise keep candida in its place. Many women are aware that taking antibiotics for a bladder infection virtually guarantees an onset of a vaginal yeast infection.

OTC products are of limited use in treating vaginal yeast infections. They tend to be made up of four active ingredients that stop the spread of yeast infection. These drugs are part of the anti-fungal family, which works actively to stop and break down the cell wall of the Candida and bacteria. OTC treatments have been approved by the FDA to effectively stop forms of yeast infection, however, it is useful to be aware that antibiotics may disrupt the balance of healthy bacteria present in the vagina and intestine, which may lead to diarrhea, vaginitis and constipation.

An untreated yeast infection will allow for the symptomatic pains of this infection to continue and possibly worsen in their severity. However, it is important to note that many untreated yeast infections progress normally and the body wonderfully clears up the condition on its own. This is generally accomplished during the menstrual cycle. When menstruating the flow of blood raises the pH level within the vagina. This action minimizes the activity of the yeast cells because of their inability to grow in that pH environment.

Sarah Rhodes suffered from chronic yeast infections for many years before finally discovering a natural, permanent cure that works. Read about Sarah and the secret that permanently cured her yeast infections at: yeastinfectionsnomore.com