Yeast Infections

What exactly is a vaginal yeast infection?

Strictly speaking, a vaginal yeast infection is NOT an STD. Women rarely get a yeast infection from having sex. But because a yeast infection also can increase the chances of passing on HIV to a sex partner if a woman is HIV+, we thought you would want to know about it.

A vaginal yeast infection is a fungal infection that occurs in a woman’s vagina. Yeast is a normally occurring fungi living in the vagina that exists in small numbers. A yeast infection happens when certain conditions cause the yeast fungi (also known as Candida) to multiply. Yeast infections are sometimes called Candidiasis. Yeast infections are extremely common — it has been estimated that approximately 75% of all women will experience at least one symptomatic yeast infection during their lifetime.

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What are the signs and symptoms of a yeast infection?

The most frequent symptoms of yeast infection in women are itching, burning, and irritation of the vagina. Painful or discomfort when urinating or when having vaginal sex is also common. Often there is a vaginal discharge, but not always. The discharge is usually thick, looking a bit like cottage cheese, but it may also look creamy. The skin around the vagina and vulva can be red, inflamed, and itchy. Women may have not experience all the symptoms, and symptoms can be mild or severe.
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How do women get yeast infections and how are they diagnosed?

Yeast fungi live in warm, moist parts of almost everyone’s body and usually cause no problems at all. Infection happens when something changes in the body where the yeast is located. For example, taking antibiotics can change the normal bacteria in the vagina. Because antibiotics do not kill yeast, yeast can over-grow when antibiotics are used. Also, people with diabetes are at higher risk of yeast infection when higher levels of sugar are present in bodily fluids.

There are several other things that can change the environment in the vagina and trigger a yeast fungal infection, including:

• Stress
• Lack of sleep
• Sickness
• Poor diet or extreme intake of sugary foods
• Pregnancy
• Having your period
• Taking birth control pills
• Taking antibiotics
• Taking steroid medicines
• Diseases such as poorly controlled diabetes and HIV infection

Sexual activity may transfer yeast fungi and lead to infection, but this is rare. Other factors that may increase the incidence of a yeast fungal infection include using douches, perfumed feminine hygiene products (like sprays), and topical antibiotic creams.

Because the symptoms of a yeast infection are easily confused with Bacterial Vaginosis and Trichomoniasis, a woman with vaginal symptoms should see her health care provider for an accurate diagnosis. Usually health care providers use laboratory tests of vaginal fluids to confirm a diagnosis of a yeast infection.

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What are the complications of an untreated or recurring yeast infection?

People with yeast fungal infection can have a local allergic reaction that leads to more inflammation and irritation. Sexual intercourse can be painful, and bacterial infections can occur in damaged tissue. Newborns may be infected during birth, and yeast infection may flare up during pregnancy.

Women who have chronic or recurring yeast fungal infections may need to be treated with vaginal creams for extended periods of time. Recently, effective oral medications have become available. Women should work with their health care provider to determine possible underlying causes of their chronic yeast infections. HIV-infected women may have severe yeast infections that are often unresponsive to treatment.

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What is the treatment for yeast?

Yeast fungal infections are treated by antifungal creams or suppositories. Sometimes antifungal oral medications (pills) must be taken to cure a yeast infection, which may also be living in the mouth, rectum or bowel.

There are over-the-counter anti-fungal treatments for yeast infections, but it is important to talk with your health care provider first. Taking anti-fungal medications for a yeast infection when you don’t actually have one, will increase the chances that if you get a yeast infection down the road it will be more resistant to the medication and harder to get rid of. Also, be sure to follow the instructions carefully. Some over-the-counter antifungal creams and inserts can weaken the material in condoms and diaphragms.

Talking with your health care provider before starting over-the-counter antifungal treatment for a suspected yeast infection is particularly important if:

• You are pregnant
• You have never before been diagnosed with a yeast infection
• You have had repeat yeast infections

To reduce your risk of getting a repeat yeast infection (also known as recurrent yeast infection), here are some strategies to try:

• Avoid vaginal douches
• Avoid scented feminine hygiene products like sprays, pads, and tampons
• Avoid scented bubble bath
• Change tampons and pads often during your period
• Avoid tight underwear or clothes made of synthetic fibers
• Wear cotton underwear and pantyhose with a cotton crotch
• Change out of wet swimsuits and exercise clothes as soon as possible
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