Yeast infections (candida)
2006 July 13
Yeast infections are an overgrowth of _Candida_ yeast in the vagina. Most women will experience at least one yeast infection in their lifetimes. Yeast is *not* a “sexually transmitted infection”:/infections/.
“Make an appointment”:/about/appointments/ at any of our clinics in Greater Victoria to get tested for yeast infection, or to find out more.
* “What causes a yeast infection?”:#spread
* “Preventing yeast infections”:#prevent
* “Yeast infection symptoms”:#symptoms
* “Complications of yeast infections”:#risks
* “Yeast infection tests and diagnosis”:#tests
* “Yeast infection treatment”:#treatment
For further reading, see our “links and other resources”:/resources/external/.
h3(#spread). What causes a yeast infection?
There is normally a small amount of yeast in the vagina but occasionally an imbalance results in an overgrowth of yeast.
* Often there is no clear reason for a yeast infection.
* Yeast is not considered “sexually transmitted” because it is not usually transmitted during sex. You can get a yeast infection without ever being sexually active.
* Taking antibiotics and birth control pills, or being pregnant may cause an overgrowth of yeast.
* Rarely, if a yeast infection doesn’t clear up with treatment, your sexual partner may need to be treated to stop the infection from being passed back and forth.
h3(#prevent). Preventing yeast infections
* avoid douching
* practise good hygiene; daily showers using “gentle” soap products
* wear fresh, breathable undergarments
h3(#symptoms). Yeast infection symptoms
* some people test positive for a yeast infection but have no symptoms
* sometimes there is a white thick discharge (cottage cheese-like)
* often the vagina feels itchy and irritated
* there may be redness or tiny cracks in the vaginal folds
h3(#risks). Complications of yeast infections
* There are no serious complications related to a yeast infection
* Occasionally it can reoccur or become chronic requiring more indepth treatment
h3(#tests). Yeast infection tests and diagnosis
* a swab can be taken from the vagina and sent to the lab to be tested for microscopic evidence of yeast overgrowth
* sometimes it can be diagnosed based on a pelvic exam and symptoms
h3(#treatment). Yeast infection treatment
No treatment is necessary for those with no symptoms, even with a positive lab test, as the overgrowth often corrects itself.
* medication can be purchased at “our sexual health clinics”:/about/locations/ or over the counter at any drug store; ask the pharmacist if you need help
* there are several different brands of “anti-yeast” medication available but most involve inserting cream or suppositories into the vagina. They come in 1, 3 and 7-day treatments
* for chronic or reccurring yeast infections, prescription medication is available