Yeast Infection: Causes, Treatments, and What You Need to Know

When you hear yeast infection, a fungal overgrowth, usually caused by Candida species, that affects moist areas of the body. Also known as candidiasis, it’s one of the most common infections women face—but men and children get it too. It’s not dirty hygiene. It’s not a sexually transmitted disease. It’s just your body’s natural balance getting knocked off track.

Candida, a type of fungus that lives harmlessly in the mouth, gut, and vaginal tract in small amounts is always there. But when antibiotics wipe out good bacteria, hormones shift during pregnancy or your period, or you wear damp clothes for hours, Candida multiplies fast. That’s when itching, burning, and thick white discharge show up. Thrush, a yeast infection in the mouth or throat is common in babies, older adults, or people on steroids or inhalers. It looks like white patches and can make swallowing painful.

Most yeast infections are easy to fix with over-the-counter antifungal creams, suppositories, or a single pill like fluconazole. But if you’re getting them every few months, something deeper is going on. Diabetes, a weakened immune system, or even tight synthetic underwear can keep the cycle going. You don’t need to live with recurring discomfort. Figuring out your triggers—whether it’s sugar intake, stress, or your laundry detergent—can stop the repeats.

There’s a lot of misinformation out there. Coconut oil, yogurt inserts, garlic cloves—some people swear by them, but science doesn’t back most of these up. What does work? FDA-approved antifungals, proper drying after showers, and cotton underwear. And if your symptoms don’t improve in a few days, it might not be yeast at all. Bacterial vaginosis or an STI can look similar. Getting it right matters.

What you’ll find below are real, practical guides on how yeast infections happen, how to treat them safely, and how to keep them from coming back. From pregnancy-safe options to what to do when OTC meds fail, these posts cut through the noise and give you what actually works.