Vaginal yeast infections are caused by a fungus. Fungus is normally found on a person's skin, in their mouth or other moist areas. Bacteria on the body usually keep the fungus growth under control. Sometimes growth of the fungus increases and causes an infection. A vaginal yeast infection is nota sexually transmitted disease (STD) so there is no reason to treat the sex partner(s).

What causes a vaginal yeast infection?

Often it is not known what causes a vaginal yeast infection. Taking antibiotics can sometimes kill the bacteria that keeps the fungus under control. A change in hormone levels like menopause, pregnancy or taking birth control pills can sometimes cause fungus to overgrow. People can have yeast infections that won’t go away. This can sometimes be a sign of disease, such as with diabetes (especially if their blood sugar is high) or HIV.

What are common symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection?

Vaginal yeast infections can cause a discharge that is often thick and white (like cottage cheese), itching, and redness on the outside of the vagina and pain/burning with urination.

How can a vaginal yeast infection be prevented?

• Your care provider will ask you questions about your medical and sexual history and do a pelvic exam. Tests will be done on the fluid from the vagina. If you have a yeast infection your care provider may start you on medicine.
  
  
• Vaginal yeast infections are cured with medicine. Take all of the medicine as written on the bottle, even if your symptoms go away.
  
  
• If you are pregnant, ask your nurse or doctor for more information.
  
  
• Keep your clothes dry, wear cotton underwear. Change out of wet bathing suits or sweaty clothing as soon as possible.
  
  
• Avoid douching, deodorant or hygiene sprays, over cleaning of the genitals, wearing tight clothing and bubble baths.
  
  
• Follow the instructions from your care provider if follow up visits are needed.