If you are a woman then chances are you have had a yeast infection, as they are not uncommon. The telltale signs of a yeast infection are all too clear. Symptoms of a yeast infection are typically a thick, discharge, white in color and resembling cottage cheese, itching of the surrounding area and of the vagina itself, soreness primarily due to the itching around the vaginal area, burning with urination, pain with sexual intercourse involving the vaginal area, and generalized vaginal irritation and pain.

A yeast infection is due to an imbalance of the pH in your vagina or a hormonal imbalance. It happens due to unregulated positive bacteria thereby failing to monitor the yeast fungus. This fungus is known as Candida albicans. Without this very important regulatory system the yeast multiply and change the environment of the vagina causing an imbalance.

Women with diabetes are more apt to suffer from yeast infections due to the elevated blood sugar levels. Their risk factor is multiplied because the yeast feed on the sugars, glycogen and glucose. During this feeding frenzy, they multiply and the result is an irritating yeast infection. For women with diabetes a yeast infection is a red flag to alert them of their possible uncontrolled diabetic condition.

Treatment for a yeast infection is simple and easy. There is an over-the-counter treatment that comes in the form of a cream that is applied vaginally with an applicator. There is also a systemic medication that is taken orally in the form of a pill.

Although a bit messy, the vaginal treatment is preferred by most women. It is fast acting, needs no prescription from your doctor, can be purchased at any pharmacy, as well as most local stores, and has very little, if any, interaction to other medications that you might be taking. The oral medication involves no mess at all. However, you must have a prescription, can only get through a pharmacy, has the potential for drug interaction, and therefore is a less common treatment of choice by women.

If you feel that you are suffering the symptoms of those of a yeast infection, see your physician at the onset of those symptoms. Do not wait and let it get out of control, as it is annoying and will not go away on its own. If you are a women with diabetes your doctor will want to keep a close eye on your blood sugar levels, after first getting them back under control if they are abnormally high or fluctuating, while starting you on some form of treatment for your yeast infection.

Prevention is the answer in any case of a problem. If you are prone to yeast infections avoid using certain sexual preventative measures, such as diaphragms, oral contraceptive medication, or spermicides. Because bacteria thrive on dampness, dry yourself thoroughly after bathing, wear cotton underwear, wipe yourself from front to back, avoid douching or tight clothing, do not wear damp clothing ever and check your blood sugar levels regularly and keep them maintained at a normal level.

We cannot prevent every yeast infection, but by taking the steps above, they will diminish significantly.