Approximately three quarters of all women will suffer with the embarrassment and pain of a yeast infection at some point in their lives.
Of those sufferers, over half will have multiple infections.
Most of these women will pick up an over-the-counter topical medication available at any pharmacy and some will have more severe infections needing prescriptions from their doctors.
All of these treatments say that they cure the infection but if that is the case, why do so many women have symptoms again and again? Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of fungus within the vaginal area, usually Candida albicans.
This fungus is naturally present in small amounts but when a sudden rapid multiplication of bacteria occurs it becomes candidiasis or yeast infection.
Symptoms such as vaginal itching and burning, painful intercourse and discharge are extremely uncomfortable at best and downright painful at worst.
Mainstream yeast infection treatment will normally clear up the symptoms within a few days.
Unfortunately, none of the treatments on the market do anything about the underlying causes of candidiasis so many women will start experiencing symptoms again, sometimes in just a few days.
After several typical treatments, sufferers start to notice that the symptoms aren't alleviated as quickly as they once were.
This is caused by the bacteria and fungus becoming drug resistant.
So what causes women to get a yeast infection? Antibiotics are one very common trigger to overgrowth of Candida albicans, particularly if the antibiotics are used for extended periods.
Hormonal changes can trigger infections, particularly during pregnancy or if the woman is taking oral contraceptives.
Believe it or not, sex can be a trigger, as well.
Men can carry the fungus and give it back to you during intercourse but men are rarely treated because so few get any symptoms.
Other factors that can increase a woman's chances of repeated infections is being diabetic or having a compromised immune system.
There are some things that can help prevent getting yeast infections so often and most are pretty common sense.
Keep the area clean and dry as much as possible, including not sitting around the pool in a wet swimsuit for very long.
Your underwear should be loose and made of breathable fabric, like cotton.
Women who are highly prone to candidiasis should avoid scented and colored products in that area including soaps, sprays and douches.
Unscented and undyed toilet tissue is highly recommended, as well.