candidiasis

Definition

Or: candida vaginal infection / moniliasis / vaginal yeast infection / yeast infection , is caused by overgrowth of the fungus Candida albicans, whih is normally present in a healthy vagina, for various reasons (dietary imbalances; antibiotics; birth control pills; pregnancy; HIV infection; douching; damp underwear; drugs that slow the immune system). Yeast (infection) is not considered an STD, but men can develop the condition through contact with an infected woman or spontaneously. SYMPTOMS IN WOMEN: Intense itching; a thick, lumpy, foul-smelling, cheesy discharge; burning or redness around the vulva and vagina; a white coating of the vagina; and the smell of baking bread. TREATMENT: Various prescription and over-the-counter creams or suppositories (clotrimazole (Gyne-Lotrimin), miconazole (Monostat)).