Candida albicans, and other forms of yeast, grow in the vagina, rectum, and mouth. In a healthy vagina, the presence of some yeast may not be a problem. When a woman's system is out of balance, yeast-like organisms can grow profusely and cause a thick, white discharge. A yeast infection is not necessarily an STI; however, treating a woman and her sexual partner may help prevent recurrent yeast infections.
Yeast infections are the second most common type of vaginal infection women experience (bacterial vaginosis is the most common). Over 70% of women develop at least one yeast infection during their life and over 40% of women have had more than one infection.
Factors that may disturb the vagina's balance include:
Antibiotic treatments
Oral contraceptives
Hot weather or non-ventilating clothing, which increase moisture and warmth, fostering fungal growth
Repeated intercourse over a short period of time
Stress
Suppressed immune system (including HIV)
High carbohydrate intake, especially refined sugars and alcohol
Pregnancy
Diabetes
Other causes can be irritants such as soaps, powders, new detergents and other products.
Both STD's and an overabundance of the yeast, candida, can cause itching. There is now a test sold in the feminine aisle of Wal-Mart and other stores that tells you if you just have a yeast infection or something more. If it is a yeast infection, you can buy cream right off the same shelf where you bought the test.
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