DEFINITION:
Yeast infections, also called candidiasis, or monilia, are caused by an overgrowth of a fungus called Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, or Candida glabrata. Candida can be found in small amounts in the normal vagina but under some conditions it gets out of balance with the other vaginal flora and produces symptoms.

ETIOLOGY:
Although not usually considered a sexually transmitted disease, a yeast infection can be sexually transmitted, including woman to woman transmission.

Some common causes of candida overgrowth are: antibiotics, oral contraceptives, diabetes, pregnancy, stress, and use of deodorant tampons and pads.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:
In the female: Vaginal discharge that is thick, white, and curd-like; vaginal area itching and irritation with occasional redness and swelling; burning on urination; possibly, pain with intercourse.

In the male: Itching and/or irritation of the penis; cheesy material under foreskin of penis.

DIAGNOSIS:
Evaluation may include vaginal examination to check for candida and rule out trichomoniasis, bacterial vaginosis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea.

TREATMENT:
Treatment of this condition is either by an oral medication and/or by insertion of suppositories or cream into the vagina. Follow the instructions for use of the type prescribed for you. Your symptoms will usually improve within a few days, but to be effective the entire course of treatment prescribed must be completed (continuing it during the menstrual period if necessary). There may be some leaking of the medication from the vagina. Should this occur, use minipads for protection since tampons prevent coating of the entire vaginal walls which is necessary for proper effect. (Tampons may be used only during menstrual flow).

Since the infection can be passed to your partner by sexual contact, if you have intimate contact during the course of the infection or treatment, your partner should be protected by use of a condom or dam. Please note that some vaginal suppositories and creams may cause latex products (diaphragm, cervical cap, condom, dental dams) to weaken and break. These methods should not be relied on to prevent pregnancy or STD transmission during the treatment period and for 72 hours following the last application of medication.

PREVENTION:
Sometimes yeast infections can be prevented by following these recommendations:

• wear cotton underwear.
• avoid tight clothing and pantyhose.
• avoid wearing underwear when you sleep.
• practice good general hygiene.
• dry the genital area thoroughly after bathing, showering, or swimming.
• avoid feminine hygiene sprays, deodorant soaps, deodorant tampons/pads, colored or perfumed toilet paper, tear-off fabric softeners in the dryer, etc., any of which may cause allergies and irritation.
• avoid routine douching, which has an adverse effect on the vaginal pH balance.
• manage the stress in your life by using routine exercise, relaxation techniques, etc.
• maintain a well-balanced diet: avoid overconsumption of alcohol, coffee, sugar, and refined carbohydrates that can change the pH of the vagina.
• use condoms.

FOLLOWUP:
Come back for repeat examination if there is still discharge or irritation present one week after the end of the full course of treatment prescribed. This infection can be persistent and is not always cleared up by one course of treatment. Retreatment is often necessary. Flare-ups are especially common after antibiotic treatment. Please note: microscopic examination of vaginal discharge is not possible if any vaginal creams have been used within 48 hours of appointment.

SCHS:
CN
10/02

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Smith College Health Services // Northampton, Massachusetts 01063 // (413) 585-2800