About Yeast Infections

Yeast infections are so common that most women get at least one during their lives. The infection is caused by a fungus called candida albicans. Yeast can be passed along during sex, including woman to woman transmission, but a yeast infection is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

It's normal to have yeast living in the vagina. An infection occurs when the yeast grows excessively. Birth control pills, antibiotics, pregnancy, diabetes, HIV infection and other vaginal infections can all cause yeast to overgrow. Eating too much sugar or dairy products, or drinking too much alcohol can also make yeast grow excessively.

Men can get yeast infections, too. They usually have a yeast infection at the glans of the penis. A man is more likely to get a yeast infection if he has not been circumcised.

Symptoms

Yeast infections can be uncomfortable. Women may notice itching, redness, and swelling in the vaginal area as well as a change in discharge, a change in the vaginal smell, or a burning sensation during sex. Some women can have a yeast infection without symptoms.

Most men have no symptoms. But if they do, they may have irritation and redness on their genitals.

Diagnosing Yeast Infections

Your clinician will do an exam, talk with you, and look at a sample of discharge using a microscope.

Treating Yeast Infections

Yeast infections can be treated with over-the-counter medications, which you can buy at any pharmacy. The medication may be a cream that you insert into the vagina with an applicator, or a suppository that you insert into the vagina, where it dissolves. You can also get prescription medication from your clinician. Although it is not necessary for partner(s) to be treated if you are diagnosed with a yeast infection, treatment of partner(s) may be recommended if they have symptoms.  Some yeast medications may cause latex products such as condoms, dental dams, diaphragms and cervical caps to weaken or break.  

While treating a yeast infection, you may also want to try:

• Eating yogurt with active cultures.
• Taking acidophilus pills (which you can buy in health food stores)
• Keeping the genital area clean and dry.
• Avoiding the use of feminine sprays, deodorant products, and douches.
• Using a mild soap (such as Dove) or just water to clean the genital area. 

Complications

Pain during sex can be a complication of yeast infections. Yeast infections can put one at higher risk for HIV infection because of irritation caused by yeast and possible breaks in the skin.

Return visits

You do not need a follow-up visit unless symptoms come back. If you have many infections, you might need more tests and stronger treatments.

How to Prevent Yeast Infections

You can reduce risk for developing yeast infections in the future by taking some preventive measures:

• Wear 100 percent cotton underwear.
• Don't wear tight pants or pantyhose.
• Don't wear underwear when you sleep.
• Keep the genital area clean with regular bathing, using a mild soap.
• Dry the genital area well after showers, baths, and swimming
• Don't use feminine sprays or deodorant soaps
• Avoid douching.
• Manage the stress in your life by exercising regularly and practicing relaxation techniques.
• Eat a well-balanced diet that doesn't contain a lot of sugar or refined carbohydrates. Do not drink a lot of alcohol or coffee.
• Use condoms.

How to Protect Against STIs and HIV/AIDS

The only way to guard against getting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is not to have sex or to ave sex only with partners who you know are free of infection. If you do have sex, you should use a latex barrier, such as a male condom, a female condom, or a dental dam, every time. Condoms provide protection against STIs, including HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Tapestry Health clinicians recommend using such barriers even in combination with other methods of birth control. Latex condoms are preferred to lambskin condoms for the prevention of STIs. 

If you have questions about yeast infections or STIs, talk to your clinician.