There is no doubt to yeast infection sufferers that having one can certainly ruin one's day! Not only is there that burning itch and soreness that you must suffer through, but it is often accompanied by unpleasant discharge and an odor that you fear almost anyone can smell from a mile away. Don't mistake yeast infections as just being a woman's problem, either; almost anyone of any age can suffer from a yeast infection.

So just how does a yeast infection come about in the first place? yeast infections are really a fungal overgrowth that happens on the skin or mucous membranes of the body. The fungus is always present, along with other microorganisms, such as bacteria. Changes to our bodily environment can cause an imbalance of the fungus and other microorganisms, which results in a yeast infection. Some things which may cause this imbalance to happen are the use of antibiotics and steroids, hormonal and chemical changes (natural or unnatural, such as contraceptives), diabetes and other illnesses that cause us to have a lowered immunity.

How you can go about treating your yeast infection is up to you. After visiting a physician and having your yeast infection diagnosed as such, you will most likely discuss the following three treatment options: antifungal creams and ointments, vaginal tablets (for vaginal yeast infections only, of course) and oral medications. The antifungal creams are very popular - you are probably familiar with such brands as Monistat and Canesten. Vaginal tablets are a preferred choice for women, since they prove to be less messy and troublesome as antifungal creams. Oral pills (Diflucan) are also a common choice.

For those who are more interested in natural remedies, there are several products available to you - some that you can pick up from your grocery store! The most highly recommended natural treatment for yeast infection is to consume anything that has probiotics in it. Though probiotics come in a pill form, you can also pick up a natural yogurt that has "active cultures" in it. This is useful for oral yeast infections too; many sufferers will hold the yogurt in their mouth for a good 30 to 60 seconds and continue the process until the yogurt is all gone.

The next item you can pick up from your grocery store is garlic. Garlic, a natural antibiotic, can be either taken orally or, for those with a vaginal yeast infection, a clove can be inserted into the vagina every few hours.

Boric acid is a popular natural remedy, and it has proven to be as effective of many medical products that your doctor may prescribe to you.

Above are only some of the many treatment options available to you to cure your yeast infection. Be sure to consult your doctor before starting any treatment regime.