Candida is a yeast cell frequently found in a woman’s vagina. The overgrowth of these yeast cells causes vaginal inflammation called vaginitis.
The overgrowth can be caused by:
- medications, such as antibiotics
- pregnancy
- birth control pills
- diabetes
- vaginal douching
- tight or synthetic underwear
- fatigue and stress
- use of perfumed soaps
- burning inside the vagina or irritation of the skin outside the vagina
- burning sensation during urination
- pain during sex
- abundant creamy, thick, vaginal discharge
- vaginal odour
Sometimes there are no symptoms.
Yeast infections are not sexually transmitted, and cannot be spread from person to person.
Swab samples are taken from a woman’s vagina.
Public Health offers numerous sexual health services at our Elm Place office in Sudbury and through our district offices in Chapleau, Espanola, Sudbury East and on Manitoulin Island. For more information phone 705.522.9200 or call us toll free at 1.866.522.9200.
Vaginal yeast infections may be treated with oral or vaginal antifungal medications.
Many yeast infections clear up on their own. Talk to your health care provider about the best treatment option for you.
