Just like any other fungus that thrives in warm and moist conditions, what we call a yeast infection is really known by the medical community as Candida Albicans but few women know why yeast infections happen, let alone male yeast infections.

Your mouth or vagina are the perfect home for this fungus looking for a home and you definitely will know something is wrong as soon as you see this happen:

In the mouth, it is common to see lesions which may appear as milky white spots and if this is in conjunction with the list below then you can be assured that you have a yeast infection.

• a smelly and not too pleasant vaginal  discharge with the appearance of cottage cheese (and there certainly will not be any strawberries around for you to dip either)

Other symptoms caused by Candida Albicans are:

•  worsening of PMS symptoms
•  increasing fatigue or inflammation and weakening muscles
• itching and soreness as well as complications involving the urinary tract
• bleeding and difficulty with sexual activity
• if male, it can lead to impotence

So why do yeast infections occur?

1. If the site of the infection is one which is warm and most, then there is a possibility for an infection to grow. Although yeast infections can occur in the intestines, they are more commonly found in the mouth and vagina.
   
2. If your immune system is already struggling especially after having the flu or even a child, there may exist all the factors for a yeast infection to occur.  Sadly, if the infection is oral and a new mother is nursing, it can be transmitted to the new infant.
3. If after sex hygiene is insufficient,  you may be more susceptible to a yeast infection.
4. If you are exposed to a partner who already has a yeast infection, it will  make you more susceptible to developing a similar infection also.
5. If you are diabetic, this may make you more prone to infections.
6. If you take steroids, antibiotics and/or birth control pills, all may facilitate overwhelming bacterial infection that will manifest as a yeast infection.

You may be interested in seeing what vaginal yeast infections look like.

That’s why it is doubly important to find the best cure for yeast infections as soon as possible and to avoid side-effects that over the counter and prescription drugs could cause.  A natural approach to yeast infection cures is preferable.