
| Vaginal yeast infections, also called Candidiasis, are not
usually related to sex. They are often included among the STDs because they are frequently
seen in females with other types of STD infections. This same infection is also seen in the mouths of people who have HIV/AIDS or other diseases that decrease their ability to resist infection. |
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Candidiasis is a common infection in females. 75% of all women are likely to have at least one yeast infection, and up to 45% will have two or more. CDC Fact Sheet
| How do I get this? | Females tend to be more susceptible to yeast infections when they are under stress from poor diet, lack of sleep, or sick. You are also more susceptible if you are diabetic, pregnant, on birth control pills or taking antibiotics, or douching too often. |
| What should I watch for? | Vaginal yeast infections may cause the following
symptoms:
What does it look
like? |
What happens if I don't get treated? |
Candidiasis is usually easily treated but if you
have other illnesses or a weakened immune system (such as those people with HIV/AIDS),
these infections can be difficult to treat and may recur even after treatment is done. In
these patients, candidiasis can be life-threatening if it passes into the blood and
spreads through your body. Male partners may carry the fungus in their urethra without any symptoms. This should be suspected if you get the infection following un-protected sex and do not have any other conditions that can cause this infection. |
How can I prevent it? |
Use a new latex condom (rubber) with a
water-based lubricant every time you have sex. Click here for more ways you can protect your self during sex! |