Yeast Infection

What is a yeast infection?
Yeast is a fungus, called Candida albicans, tiny organisms that naturally live in small numbers on the skin around and inside the vagina. Yeast infections occur in a woman's vaginal area when there is an overgrowth of this fungus. Women can get yeast infections at any age, regardless of sexual activity or history.

How common are yeast infections?
Yeast infections are very common in women. Approximately, three quarters of all women will have at least one yeast infection in her lifetime.

What are the symptoms?
Symptoms for yeast infections include:

• vaginal irritation, such as itching, burning, and/or swelling of the vulva;
• abnormal vaginal discharge often thick white and with unpleasant odor; and
• pain and/or discomfort during intercourse.

What causes yeast infections?
When the natural fungus or yeast in the vagina multiply and overgrow, a yeast infection will develop. Menstruation, antibiotics, oral sex, birth control pills, pregnancy, diabetes, or steroids can trigger the overgrowth. Moisture and irritation of the vagina also cause the yeast to grow.

Can yeast infections be transmitted to another person?
Yeast infections can be passed onto your partner through sexual contact. Try to avoid intercourse during an infection, until after you have completed treatment and the symptoms have subsided. If you have sex during a yeast infection, make sure both you and your partner are treated. As men do not experience symptoms, make sure your male partners are treated. Without treating your partner, you can get re-infected the next time you have sex.

Can yeast infections cause problems with fertility or pregnancy?
Yeast infections do not cause problems with fertility. However, it can be transmitted during delivery as the baby passes through the birth canal. A yeast infection in a newborn is called thrush but is not serious and is easily treated.

What test and treatment is available for yeast infection?
To test for a yeast infection, a health professional will take a sample from your vagina and can see the presence of excess yeast using a microscope. The usual treatment for a yeast infection is an antifungal medicine found over-the-counter at a drug store. If the yeast infection does not go away with the antifungal medicine, see your doctor.