What causes yeast infections and what are the symptoms?
Yeast infections are caused by the extra growth of certain yeast organisms that normally live in the vagina. This extra growth can be caused by many factors including, taking antibiotics or birth control pills, damp underwear, tight pants, poor diet, or use of certain vaginal products. Often, it happens for no clear reason. Yeast is not usually transmitted during sex with an infected person. In women, the vagina will become very itchy and sore. Sometimes a cottage cheese-like discharge will appear. The vagina may become red and dry, which could make sexual intercourse painful. In men, there are generally no symptoms, but a rash may appear on the penis.
