What is yeast infection, what does a yeast infection look like and what are some common yeast infection causes? Yeast infection can be more accurately described as an overgrowth of a fungus called Candida - commonly called 'yeast'. Every healthy person hosts a broad spectrum of micro-organisms in their system including bacteria and fungus. Normally, when everything is in balance, the presence of 'yeast' or Candida in your body is not a problem. The problem occurs, however, when your system somehow gets unbalanced and the body's yeast population takes over.

Scientists have identified several different types of Candida that can cause infections but about 80 percent are due to a variety called Candida albicans. This is a common women's health issue. This can happen due to a variety of factors such as taking antibiotics, eating too much yeast-intensive foods, or somehow creating an imbalance in your body chemistry. In addition, physical contact (typically sexual contact) with someone who has a yeast infection can spread the same 'yeast overgrowth' condition to you. Babies can also develop a yeast infection.

Specific causes of yeast infection are discussed below. Our bodies normally maintain a certain chemical or PH balance for good health. Our internal micro-organism population can be thrown off balance if our body chemistry undergoes a drastic change. This could occur either system-wide in you body or locally, for example within a woman's vaginal tissues. Whole body changes can be due to illness, taking certain medications, or dietary changes.

Typical factors in vaginal yeast infection include the use of anti-bacterial soaps and douches or even detergents applied indirectly through laundering your underwear. Even scented creams, perfumes or perfumed toilet paper can irritate some sensitive individuals and indirectly lead to an infection and should be considered when investigating yeast infection causes. Some studies have noted a possible link between the uses of spermacides containing nonoxynol-9 with vaginal yeast infection. The likely mechanism is that the spermacide kills off friendly bacteria in the vagina thus allowing a rapid growth of other micro-organisms including yeast. Many condoms and lubricants contain nonoxynol-9.

Can yeast infection be spread through sexual contact? Sure can. Once a yeast overgrowth gets started in one partner the same condition can jump ship through intimate contact. When treating yeast infection in the reproductive organs you should always consider treatment of both partners.

Each of the above yeast infection causes should be carefully considered when you or someone you know encounters a yeast problem. Read on how to get rid of yeast to know more about its medication and cures.