What is Candidiasis and is it an STD?
Candida or monilia, a yeast / fungus is always present in the body. Under certain circumstances an overgrowth may occur resulting in symptoms such as genital itching, burning and discharge. Woman usually complain of itching, burning and a "cottage cheese looking discharge". Men may complain of an itchy rash on the penis, usually the glans or head of the penis.
Although yeast infection can rarely be transmitted partner to partner during sexual intercourse, this is unusual. Sexual transmission is slightly more likely to occur amongst lesbian partners. Most candida female ginital yeast infections are caused by the persons own candida organism residing in the person's vagina. Symptoms of infection occur when a overgrowth of the person's own candida occurs.
How common are genital yeast infections?
Infections with Candida or yeast are quite common and in fact 3 out of 4 woman will have at least one yeast infection during their lifetime. Men are much less likely to experience infection with yeast / candida.
Certain conditions make one more likely to develop a candida yeast infection. This includes weakened immune systems, pregnancy, diabetes, use of antibiotics and use of steroids.
How is genital candida infection diagnosed?
Diagnosis is often made by the physician based upon the appearance of the genitalia and discharge. Sometimes an overgrowth of candida can be seen on a Pap Smear and at other times cultures may be taken to confirm the diagnosis.
How is genital yeast infection treated?
Most often genital yeast infections are treated with anti fungal medication either applied directly to the site or used intra vaginally. At times oral anti fungal medications are used. These treatment methods are successful 80-90 percent of the time. Many OTC (over the counter) medications are sold to treat genital yeast infection. However over use of these medications when they are not needed due to misdiagnosis can actually make the situation worse by creating resistance to the treatment modalities.
