Vaginal Yeast Infection

What is Vaginal Yeast Infection?

A vaginal yeast infection is an infection caused by yeast (a type of fungus). Vaginal yeast infection is sometimes referred to as yeast vaginitis, Candidal vaginitis, or Candidal vulvovaginitis.


The scientific name for the yeast that causes vaginitis is Candida. Over 90% of vaginal yeast infections are caused by the species known as Candida albicans. Other Candida species make up the remainder of yeast infections.

Candida species can be present in healthy women in the vagina without causing any symptoms. In fact, it is estimated that 20% to 50% of women have Candida already present in the vagina.

For an infection to occur, the normal balance of yeast and bacteria is disturbed, allowing overgrowth of the yeast.

While yeast can be spread by sexual contact, vaginal yeast infection is not considered to be a sexually-transmitted disease because it can also occur in women who are not sexually active, due to the fact that yeast can be present in the vagina of healthy women.

Vaginal yeast infections are very common, affecting up to 75% of women at some point in life.

Causes Of Vaginal Yeast Infection

Since yeast can be normally present in the vagina, an infection typically occurs when there is disruption of the normal balance of protective bacteria in the vagina. This disruption can happen when a woman takes certain medications (including antibiotics).

Changes in hormone levels and illnesses can also affect the balance of bacteria in the vagina and lead to yeast infection. Conditions that result in a suppression of the immune response, such as cancer, chemotherapy, steroid medications, and diabetes, increase the risk of developing yeast infections. Sometimes, no direct cause of the yeast infection can be identified.

Signs And Symptoms Of Vaginal Yeast Infection

Symptoms can include a vaginal discharge that is typically thick and whitish-gray in color. The discharge has been described as having a cottage-cheese-like consistency.

Other symptoms include an intense itching of the genital area, irritation and burning, pain during sexual intercourse, and pain or burning during urination.

Diagnosis Of Vaginal Yeast Infection

Even though the signs and symptoms of yeast infection may point to the cause, vaginal itching and discharge can be caused by other conditions including bacterial vaginosis and Trichomonas infections.

To most accurately make the diagnosis, a sample of the discharge is tested in the laboratory, either by culture or by direct examination under a microscope, to identify the yeast organisms and to help rule out other causes such as bacterial vaginosis or sexually-transmitted pathogens.

Can a Man Be Infected

Most experts do not consider yeast infection to be a sexually-transmitted disease, but cases of irritation and itching of the penis in men have been reported after sexual contact with a woman with a yeast infection, so it is possible for an infected woman to spread the infection to her male sex partner. Treatment of male sexual partners is not considered necessary unless the man develops symptoms.

Symptoms of Yeast Infection In Men

Symptoms in men may include itching, burning, and pain at the tip of the penis. Discomfort during urination can also occur. The area may appear reddened or irritated. Symptoms may resemble those of other diseases, including some sexually-transmitted infections (STDs).

Treatment Of Yeast Infection In Men

Treatment for men, like for women, is based upon antifungal medications. These may be applied as topical creams or taken by mouth in pill or tablet form.

Prevention

Because yeast can be present normally in the vagina of healthy women, not all yeast infections can be prevented.

However, it is possible to take preventive measures that may reduce your risk of getting a yeast infection.

These include always cleaning the genital area from front to back and changing out of wet bathing suits or damp clothes as soon as possible.

Wearing loose-fitting cotton underwear can help reduce moisture and prevent yeast infections. Since chemical irritants can influence the balance of bacteria in the vagina, avoiding products with potential irritants like douches or scented tampons can also help.

Regular baths or showers are an adequate way to cleanse the vagina, and douching is not recommended and may actually increase your risk of yeast infection.

Some evidence shows that consumption of foods with probiotics (healthy bacteria that are normally found in the body) like probiotic-containing yogurt may help prevent yeast infections.

• Most vaginal yeast infections are caused by the organism Candida albicans.
• Yeast infections are very common and affect up to 75% of women at some point in their lifetime.
• Itching is the main symptom of vaginal yeast infection, but burning, discharge, and pain with urination or intercourse can also occur.
• Treatment involves topical or oral antifungal medications.
• It is possible for a woman to transmit a yeast infection to a male sex partner, even though yeast infection is not considered to be a true sexually-transmitted disease because it can occur in women who are not sexually active.
• Treatment of yeast infection in men, like in women, involves antifungal medications.
• Keeping the vaginal area dry and avoiding irritating chemicals can help prevent yeast infections in women. Consuming foods with probiotics may also help.