Vaginal yeast infections (soor vaginale)
are caused by Candida albicans. Candida
normally lives in the large intestines as
a saprophyte. Further, an infection with
Candida can be either endogenous or
exogenous. During the endogenous type,
yeast originates from the rectum, which is
called a recto-vaginal contamination.
During the exogenous type, yeast is
imported via sex, or is sexually
transmitted. When yeasts reach the vagina
(no matter which way), the condition is
considered as contamination not, an
infection. The vagina has protective
mechanisms that prevent yeast infection.
But in some circumstances those protective
mechanisms fail,and the yeasts start to
multiply. Contamination can then transform
into infection. Such circumstances are:
pregnancy, diabetes mellitus, using oral
contraceptives, using antibiotics, using
corticosteroids, immune system deficits
etc. That’s why a vaginal yeast
infection is not considered a typical
sexually transmitted disease.
A vaginal yeast infection can be either
acute or chronic (reoccurring):
Acute infections manifest with genital
itching, painful urination and vaginal
discharge with an acidic smell.
Chronic infections manifest with vaginal
discharge and genital itching. Symptoms
usually increase around the menstrual
period or after sex. Sexual partners of
the women with chronic vaginal infections
usually experience an infection of the
penis after sex.
Treatment of vaginal yeast infection uses
local antimycotic drugs (clotrimasol for
ex.) for acute infections. To prevent
sexual re-infection the partner should be
also treated with local antimycotic
creams. Chronic infection is treated with
both local and oral antimycotic drugs.
It seems that you are experiencing a
chronic vaginal yeast infection. Even if
your partner is cheating on you with
another woman, vaginal yeast infections
are not considered a typical sexually
transmitted disease. You SHOULD consult
your gynecologist about this vaginal
infection.
DISCLAIMER:
"Ask a Doctor" Questions are answered by family doctors who practice medicine for the general public. For more information about eHealthForum.com medical experts, please visit our About Us page. You may also visit our Sexual Health - Women Forum, for moderated patient to patient support and information.
The material presented in the eHealth Forum Discussion Forums and Ask A Doctor is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified licensed medical professional. eHealth Forum and eHealth Forum's Ask A Doctor advises all users with health problems and concerns to consult their personal doctors. Furthermore, if you have any questions or concerns about your condition, you must consult your qualified licenseced medical professional before starting any treatment.
The materials in the eHealth Forum Discussion Forums and Ask A Doctor cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. To the fullest extent possible, eHealth Forum and eHealth Forum's Ask A Doctor expressly excludes all liability in respect of the information and opinions contained in the Discussion Forums and Ask A Doctor, this Web site, or any sites linked to this Web site.
