Yeast Infections are caused by a yeast overgrowth and is the same fungus that causes vaginal yeast infections, athlete's foot and oral thrush. Are yeast infections contagious? This has been debated quite frequently. The spreading of a yeast infection is very much possible when direct personal contact is made. If you've been diagnosed with a yeast infection and have been searching for the most effective treatment then read on to learn more...

The most frequently asked question on yeast infection is -is oral thrush contagious through kissing? And are yeast infections contagious through sex? The answer is yes! How long is a yeast infection contagious for? As long as the infection lasts! When the infection is not treated properly or a course of antibiotics is not followed through regularly thrush can stay for days, weeks and even months. In the case of vaginal yeast infections, when conventional medicine fails, it's often because the root cause of the infection hasn't been treated and so the anti-fungal antibiotics are simply ineffective.

How to speed up your recovery from yeast infections? By creating a less favourable environment for Candida Albicans to grow and spread.

The number one cause for yeast infection - is our daily diet! Reduce intake of sugary foods. As yeast feeds on sugar, the more sugar we eat during an infection- the longer it takes to cure it. So cut down on biscuits, cakes and other sweet foods. Introduce natural yogurt in your diet. Natural yogurt contains friendly bacteria which will speed up your recovery and keep thrush infections at bay.

Are you on any antibiotics or birth control pills? Speak with your doctor about taking you off any antibiotics that you may be on now, until the infection has subsided. Candida overgrowth can be also contributed to a recent course of antibiotics you have been or are currently on. Birth control pills can also contribute to the overgrowth in yeast.

Follow through with a good personal hygiene routine. For oral thrush, brush your teeth regularly and use an antiseptic mouthwash. Change your toothbrush every 3 months. For vaginal yeast infections - use unscented soap when washing, opt for cotton underwear instead of synthetic materials, and as yeast grows in moist and warm areas it is important to avoid wearing tight clothing.

Topical antifungal creams and ointments are a good method for treating yeast infection symptoms such as pain and itchiness and are very effective if this is your first thrush infection. You'll find them in any pharmacy. If however this is your second, third or more infection, then you need to identify and treat the root cause of the problem. The above 3 steps mentioned should help at keeping yeast infections at bay.

Find out more on  Chronic Yeast Infection Treatments HERE.