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Sexual Health Centre
Infections and Safer Sex |
Yeast Infection
What is it?
Several different fungi
may cause yeast infections but the most common one is Candida albicans.
Because of this, a yeast infection is often called Candidiasis. It is normal
to have small amounts of yeast in the vagina; a yeast infection occurs when
the yeast 'overgrows,' taking over the vagina. Yeast infections are not
sexually transmitted. Whether a woman has sex with men or women does not
affect her likelihood of having a yeast infection. Yeast infections may
be associated with:
What are the
symptoms?
Symptoms include:
- a curdy-white vaginal discharge
- vaginal itching
- burning
- redness
- swelling around the genitals
- painful intercourse
How is it
diagnosed?
A swab of the vagina
will show yeast when examined in the laboratory.
Are there
any complications?
A vaginal area that is raw and
red from yeast is more susceptible to other infections.
How is it
treated?
Lactobacilli capsules into the
vagina at bedtime can make the vagina less likely to grow yeast. Yeast
infections are usually treated with suppositories or
creams that can be inserted in the vagina at bedtime. These can be used
even during your menstrual period. You can buy these treatments over-the-counter
without a prescription if you have had a yeast infection before and recognize
the symptoms. Symptoms of other infections can resemble yeast infections,
so it is important to see a doctor if it is your first infection or if
you
are at all unsure. Your doctor can also prescribe pills for a yeast infection.
Should my
partner be checked or treated?
Only if he or she has symptoms.
How can I
protect myself from yeast infections?
Keep the vaginal area clean.
Wear cotton underwear and loose fitting clothes. Tampons may also increase
the risk of a yeast infection. Avoid using irritating sprays, douches,
perfumed soaps, bath oils and salts in the genital area.
Women who have repeated yeast
infections may experience fewer infections if they eat yogurt containing
the bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus regularly. Lactobacilli are
the
type of bacteria normally found in a healthy vagina. Lactobacilli capsules
can be purchased in the health food section of the grocery store.
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