Viewer Question:

How do we get yeast vaginitis? Is it infectious?

Doctor's Answer:

Yeast infections are a common and frustrating problem for many women. Yeast infections are not infectious, meaning they are not "sexually transmitted". Yeast infections are not really "infections" per se. In actuality, yeast organisms exist naturally in all women. They love moisture and love the vaginal canal. We currently believe they may serve a biological function, keeping the "bad bugs" from causing more serious infections in the vaginal canal. That is probably why they often come back after treatment.

Yeast vaginitis is not a serious condition. It does not have to be treated unless a woman has symptoms that bother her.

Thank you for your question.