Women's Health Q&A by Dr. Stöppler

Answer:

Yeast infections of the vagina are caused by a fungus scientifically referred to as Candida. This fungus is commonly present on normal human skin and in areas of moisture, such as the mouth and vagina. The symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection develop when new yeast is introduced into the vaginal area or when there is an increase in the quantity of yeast already present in the vagina relative to the quantity of normal bacteria, for example, when the normal, protective bacteria are eliminated by antibiotics or by drugs that suppress the immune system.

Since Candida may be present in the normal vagina and yeast infections can occur in celibate women, it is not considered to be a typical sexually transmitted infection (STD). Treatment of male sex partners who do not develop symptoms of an infection is not considered necessary by most experts since sexual activity is not a significant cause of infection. However, it is possible for men to develop symptoms after sexual intercourse with an infected partner. Candida balanitis (infection of the penis with Candida) can lead to symptoms such as white patches on the penis along with burning and itching. This infection can also spread to the thighs, gluteal folds, buttocks, and scrotum. Treatment is recommended when a man develops any of these symptoms.

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