Understanding Vaginal Yeast Infection - the Basics

Vaginal yeast infections are very common. These yeast infections -- sometimes called candidiasis -- develop where a moist environment encourages fungal growth, such as the genitals.

What causes a vaginal yeast infection?

Candida albicans causes 80% to 90% of vaginal yeast infections. This fungal organism, or yeast, thrives in your mouth, gastrointestinal tract, mucous membranes (vagina, mouth, nose) and skin.

Normally, your body produces bacteria that keep candida in check. But when fungal growth exceeds the body's ability to control it, a vaginal yeast infection can occur. This can happen when you're weakened by illness or upset by stress.

The chance of a vaginal yeast infection is increased if you take antibiotics or use hormone contraceptives containing estrogen and possibly with the use of contraceptive diaphragms, IUDs, and sponges. Women who are pregnant, have diabetes, or have immunosuppression are at higher risk of vaginal yeast infections. They are not a sexually transmitted disease.