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 Publication Number 13-11919