Vaginal Yeast Infection
(Yeast Vaginitis)

Medical Revising Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

• What is yeast?
• What is vaginitis?
• What is vulvitis (inflammation of the vulva)?
• What causes vaginal yeast infections?
• What are the symptoms of vaginal yeast infection and vulvitis?
• How are vaginal yeast infection and vulvitis diagnosed?
• What is the treatment for vaginal yeast infection and vulvitis?
• If yeast is commonly present in normal women, who should be treated?
• Vaginal Yeast Infection At A Glance
• Related yeast infection articles:
  Yeast infections - on WebMD
• Patient Discussions: Yeast Infection - Effective Treatments

What is yeast?

Yeast is a fungus scientifically referred to as Candida. The specific type of fungus most commonly responsible for vaginitis is Candida albicans. Yeast is commonly present on normal human skin and in areas of moisture, such as the mouth and vagina. In fact, it is estimated that between 20%-50% of healthy women normally carry yeast in the vaginal area.

What is vaginitis?

Vaginitis is inflammation of the vagina. Vaginitis is very common and is reported by as many as 75% of women at some point in their lives. Vaginitis can be caused by a number of infections, including bacteria (such as Gardnerella and gonorrhea), protozoans (such as trichomonas), and yeast (Candida). Vaginal yeast infection, which is the most common form of vaginitis, is often referred to as vaginal Candidiasis.

Next: What is vulvitis (inflammation of the vulva)? »

Printer-Friendly Format

|

Email to a Friend

From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com

Pap Smear - The Pap smear, or Pap test is a screening test for cervical cancer. Source:MedicineNet Vaginal Douche (Douching) - Learn why doctors do not recommend vaginal douching. Douching increases the risk for vaginal infections, ectopic pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease, and other conditions. Source:Government Diabetes - Information on Diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus) including types, causes, symptoms of diabetes, medications, and treatment. Produced by the doctors of MedicineNet.com Source:MedicineNet Read 51 more Yeast Vaginitis related articles ... Health Tip: Positive Pap Results