Vaginal Yeast Infections

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Vaginal yeast infections (candidiasis) cause a thick white coating in your vulva and vagina. It happens when candida, a fungus that is normally found in the body, grows too much in these areas. It also can happen in your mouth and throat, and is called thrush. Symptoms include a thick, white discharge, pain during sex, pain when you pass urine, and vaginal burning and soreness. Treatment is usually with creams or suppositories, which you can buy in the drug store or get from your doctor. If this treatment doesn't work, there are pills, like fluconazole (Diflucan) or ketoconazole (Nizoral) that will treat the infection. Vaginal yeast infections are common and easily treated in most women, but happen more often and are harder to treat in women with HIV.

Tips to prevent vaginal yeast infections:

• Don't use douches, perfumed vaginal sprays, or other scented products that irritate the vagina.
• Wear cotton underpants and pantyhose with a cotton crotch to help keep the genital area ventilated.

Additional Information on Vaginal Yeast Infections:

Publications

1.   Frequently Asked Questions - Vaginal Yeast Infections - This on-line fact sheet contains information on vaginal yeast infections, the symptoms, causes, how it is diagnosed, treatment, and prevention methods.

   http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/yeastinfect.htm

2.   Genital Candidiasis (Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (VVC), Vaginal Yeast Infections) - This publication contains information on yeast infections, symptoms, how it is treated, the advantages and disadvantages of different treatments, and possible health complications from not getting treatment.

   http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/candidiasis_gen_g.htm

3. Systemic Candidiasis (Copyright © Project Inform) - This publication explains what a systemic candidiasis infection is in HIV/AIDS patients, what causes it, how it is diagnosed, what treatments are available, and what other complications may arise.

   http://www.projectinform.org/info/candida_s/index.shtml

4. Treatment Issues for Women (Copyright © ACRIA) - This booklet was written for women living with HIV to help them understand how to prevent and treat the conditions that affect them.

   http://www.acria.org/treatment/treatment_edu_women.html

5. Vaginal Candidiasis (Copyright © Project Inform) - This publication gives information on vaginal yeast infections in HIV/AIDS patients. It explains the cause, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention .

   http://www.projectinform.org/info/candida_v/index.shtml

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Content last updated January 25, 2008.