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Yeast Infection

Reproductive Tract Infections

Causes of Yeast Infection: Yeast normally grows in harmless amounts in the vagina, rectum, digestive tract and mouth. When your system is out of balance, these organisms may grow profusely, causing burning, itching and discomfort. In the vaginal tract, candidiasis, or yeast infection, may cause a thick, white discharge which may look like cottage cheese and smell like bread, although no discharge may be apparent. It can also be transmitted and retransmitted from your sexual partner, as the yeast may live under the foreskin in uncircumcised males. Yeast infection is commonly recurrent.

Common causes include:

Biohazard In babies, yeast may grow in the mouth and cause white spots on the inside of the cheeks called thrush. If breastfeeding, the thrush may then infect the breasts of the nursing mother causing pain and/or bleeding. Thrush may also be a problem in those with compromised immune systems, such as the elderly or persons with AIDS.


Treatments for Yeast Infection: Yeast infection is treatable with over-the-counter medication, such as Monistat, or a one-dose medication by prescription (Diflucan), as described below. The STD trichomoniasis can easily be mistaken for a yeast infection, so you should check with your doctor if this is the first time you have symptoms.

Common treatments for yeast infection:

Prevention of Yeast Infection:


Photo Sources: Public Health Agency of Canada, Division of STD Prevention, STD Self Directed Learning Module, Slide Gallery, "Other STIs and Genital Conditions," www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/slm-maa/slides/index-eng.php. Hardin MD/University of Iowa and CDC, www.lib.uiowa.edu/Hardin/md/cdc/6053.html.