If you're tired of the itching, discharge, and other unpleasant yeast infection symptoms, maybe it's time you learned the facts about effective yeast infection treatments... the standard ones, the alternative ones, and a prescription drug called Diflucan.

What Is a Yeast Infection?

Before we discuss the benefits of Diflucan and its ability to eliminate a vaginal yeast infection, it's important to understand what a yeast infection is. A fungus called Candida is the main culprit responsible for triggering a vaginal yeast infection in women.

Although it's both normal and beneficial to have some of this yeast in our bodies, when Candida multiplies or spreads throughout the body it can result in a number of illnesses and conditions, including a yeast infection.

What Causes a Yeast Infection?

Many women are misinformed about what can actually cause or aggravate a yeast infection. Learning to recognize what triggers a yeast infection in your body is often the best defense. By avoiding certain actions and situations, you can greatly decrease your chances of contracting a vaginal yeast infection.

The following are some of the most common causes of a yeast infection.

* Antibiotics - Taking prescription medications such as antibiotics for an extended period of time can cause a yeast infection. Sure antibiotics are helpful in treating many illnesses but the downside is that they also kill what are known as the good bacteria in our bodies. When the amount of good bacteria becomes limited, the yeast begins to multiply and the end result can be an annoying yeast infection.

* Birth Control Pills - Many women of child bearing age take birth control pills. Although contraceptives are very convenient in preventing pregnancy, the estrogen in these medications may cause a vaginal yeast infection in some women. If you're constantly battling a recurring yeast infection, try talking with your doctor about the different types of oral contraceptives available. Many brands of birth control pills today contain reduced amounts of estrogen which can eliminate or reduce the number of active yeast infections. If changing your medication doesn't help, why not consider a different type of birth control.

* Diet - An unhealthy diet can often trigger or aggravate an existing yeast infection. By eating well balanced meals and limiting your consumption of junk foods, you can improve your overall health and lessen the chance of an infection. Sugar should especially be avoided. In order for Candida to flourish in your system, it needs nourishment. Sugar and wheat products are known to cause an overgrowth of Candida in many women. Women who have diabetes are more susceptible to a vaginal yeast infection because of the amount of elevated blood glucose in the body.

* Sexual Transmission - Unfortunately Candida can be transferred between partners during sexual contact. Yes, even men can have a yeast infection, although it's not as common as in women. The yeast infection can be difficult to eliminate unless both partners are treated at the same time. To make matters worse, men frequently do not experience any of the common yeast infection symptoms, thus making it harder to diagnose. If either you or your partner suspects a possible yeast infection, following safe sex practices is recommended until the condition can be diagnosed and treated.

* Allergic Reactions - Today there are a number of feminine hygiene products on the market from perfumes, to douches, to feminine deodorant sprays. While these products may help you feel fresh and clean, the chemicals they contain can cause an adverse reaction. In fact, many doctors will try to discourage women from douching because it can greatly reduce the amount of good bacteria necessary to fight Candida. Once the good bacteria are reduced, yeast infection symptoms may soon follow.

* Abnormal Immune System - Lastly, people with a weakened or compromised immune system are more likely to experience a recurring yeast infection. If you have other health problems or are under a great deal of stress, you will need to treat those problems in order to overcome any yeast infection symptoms. Patients with HIV can have an extremely difficult time beating a yeast infection. For them, it's best to first consult with a physician about the best method of treatment.

Three Ways to Treat a Yeast Infection

1. Traditional Yeast Infection Treatment

Although there are many over-the-counter remedies available that claim to cure yeast infections, it is best to seek a doctor's opinion if this is your first encounter with the condition. A qualified physician will want to first diagnose the condition and then examine you for any underlying causes that may not be obvious. Traditional treatments for a vaginal yeast infection include: oral medications, suppositories, and creams.

2. Alternative Methods for Yeast Infection Treatment

Many women may wish to use natural or alternative methods for yeast infection treatment. While some of these methods may provide relief, they can also be helpful in preventing additional occurrences after the first yeast infection has been successfully treated.

Some of the more common home remedies used for yeast infection treatment include: acidophilus tablets, cranberry juice, and homemade douches made with vinegar, garlic, plain yogurt, or potassium sorbate.

3. Rx Treatment for Yeast Infections: Diflucan

If you've tried the above treatments and are still troubled by stubborn yeast infection symptoms, it may be time to try Diflucan.

Diflucan is a prescription product that provides fast and effective relief for most yeast infections. Diflucan is available in a convenient tablet form and most patients usually only require a single dose. And many women prefer it to messy creams and suppositories.

Although Diflucan can be taken safely by most patients, you should inform your physician of any other prescriptions you are currently taking. In addition, Diflucan is not recommended for patients who suffer from serious health problems such as HIV, liver disease, or renal impairment. Women who are pregnant or breast feeding should also not take Diflucan.