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  • DSHS HIV/STD Program

    Post Office Box 149347, MC 1873
    Austin, Texas 78714

    Phone: 737-255-4300

    Email the HIV/STD Program

    Email data requests to HIV/STD Program - This email can be used to request data and statistics on HIV, TB, and STDs in Texas. It cannot be used to get treatment or infection history for individuals, or to request information on programs and services. Please do not include any personal, identifying health information in your email such as HIV status, Date of Birth, Social Security Number, etc.

    For treatment/testing history, please contact your local Health Department.

    For information on HIV testing and services available to Persons Living with HIV and AIDS, please contact your local HIV services organization.

Yeast (Thrush) Fact Sheet

Yeast
OTHER NAMES Candida; yeast infection; thrush.
Candida of the vagina is called a yeast infection.
Candida of the mouth is called thrush.
ORGANISM Candida albicans
TRANSMISSION Can be sexually transmitted, but not usually. You don't have to be sexually active to have some forms of vaginal infection. For example, yeast is normally present in the vagina. When it overgrows, it can cause a yeast infection.
TYPICAL SYMPTOMS Typical symptoms include vaginal itching/burning and vaginal discharge.
DIAGNOSIS Inexpensive, simple clinical tests on vaginal discharge are available.
TREATMENT Yeast/thrush can be treated with prescription and non-prescription pills and vaginal creams or suppositories.
PREVENTION

Avoid douching - Douching can disrupt the natural balance of organisms in the vagina.

Remove wet bathing suits immediately. Use cotton underwear. Keep vaginal area clean, wipe from front to back after a bowel movement.
DANGER There are no serious complications with yeast infections unless the person is immunocompromised (i.e. has AIDS).
COMMENTS

Male sexual partners usually do not need treatment unless a woman has recurring infections.

This infection frequently occurs during pregnancy.

Because symptoms of yeast infections may be similar to other infections, women should obtain a diagnosis from a health care professional before treating themselves with OTC remedies.

DSHS Electronic Publication Number E13-11919

Last updated March 17, 2015