Yeast infections vs. STDs in Men and Women

Even men can get yeast infections from women.

STDs, also termed sexually transmitted diseases, are infections that are mainly transmitted to others during direct sexual contact (genital, anal, and/or oral); a few types may be contracted by nonsexual means like needle sticks (for example hepatitis B and AIDS).

A yeast infection is the invasion and multiplication of a fungus (yeast) in or on the body. Yeast infections are not usually transmitted from person to person and are not considered to be STDs. There are three types of yeast infections:  Vaginal candidiasis, Thrush (oral and esophagus), and Invasive. This article will emphasize the vaginal (genital) type vs STDs.

In women, a vaginal yeast infection may mimic STDs while in men, a yeast infection of the urethra and/or foreskin may feel like an STD.

Symptoms of a yeast infection (itching, irritation, and a thick discharge) that may be similar to the symptoms of STDs, such as:

1. Trichomoniasis
2. Herpes
3. Genital warts
4. Gonorrhea
5. Chlamydia

• Most yeast infections occur when yeast, (Candida albicans, mainly) that are normally present in the body, develop conditions that allow the yeast to proliferate and produce symptoms.
• STDs are mainly transmitted person to person through sexual contact and occasionally by contaminated items like needles.
   

The cause of yeast infections in men and women is most commonly Candida albicans. Women are more likely to get yeast infections (vaginal yeast infections) and develop symptoms.

In contrast, there are multiple causes of STDs:

1. Trichomoniasis: nematode Trichomonas vaginalis
2. Herpes: Herpes virus
3. Genital warts
4. Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
5. Gonorrhea: Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria 
6. Chlamydia: Chlamydia species of intracellular bacteria
7. HIV/AIDS virus
8. Syphilis: Treponema pallidum bacteria
9. Hepatitis viruses
10. Chancroid: Haemophilus ducreyi bacteria
11. Pubic lice: lice insect

Some diseases are listed as being STDs while other listings suggest they are incidentally transmitted by sexual contacts; for example, scabies, bacterial vaginosis, Molluscum contagiosum, and others. 

Tests to diagnose yeast infections include microscopic visualization of the yeast and/or culture of the fungi. However, blood tests or culture swabs for STDs are often done to prove or diagnose if an individual has an STD.

• The treatment for yeast infections is usually over-the-counter (OTC) creams, ointments, or suppositories containing antifungal medication like miconazole or fluconazole in women and mainly creams for men.
• Treatment for STDs varies depending on the cause of the STD (for example antivirals for some and antibiotics for other STDs).

Because most yeast infections are not transmitted from person to person, there is little evidence that a condom can protect against yeast infections. However, condoms have a good chance to prevent some STDs (estimated to be about 85-98% effective).

• Mild yeast infections may clear in about 3 days.
• More severe infections may take 1-2 weeks.
• Almost all yeast infections can be cured. In contrast, STDs' time of infection and cure potential vary widely; some, depending on the cause, may last a lifetime and never be cured.

There are home kits to test for yeast infection (for example, Monistat Vaginal Health Test). Also, there are separate STD test kits for men and women that claim to be able to detect seven common STDs (for example EverlyWell STD for men). 

• Free clinics in your area that can test or diagnose yeast vs STD infections may be located by contacting your local Community Health Center or simply by going to the internet and searching for free clinics in your area.
• Almost all pay clinics and urgent care centers can test you for yeast infections and STDs.