vaginal yeast infection

Definition

Also known as: candidiasis / candida vaginal infection / moniliasis / yeast infection , is caused by the fungus Candida albicans which is normally present in a healthy vagina, but its overgrowth, for various reasons (dietary imbalances; antibiotics; birth control pills; pregnancy; HIV infection; douching; damp underwear; drugs that slow the immune system), can cause what is commonly known as a yeast infection. Yeast is not considered a 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 and suppositories (clotrimazole (Gyne-Lotrimin), miconazole (Monostat)).