Yeast infection can it spread

A yeast infection can happen if your skin gets damaged. An infection can also happen if you have a weak immune system. Taking antibiotics can also cause an overgrowth of yeast. What are the risk factors for yeast infection?

Anyone can get a yeast infection. Those at higher risk for it include: Infants People who wear dentures People taking antibiotics People getting cancer treatment People with other health conditions, such as HIV or diabetes What are the symptoms of a yeast infection? You can then buy antifungal medicine for yeast infections at a store, without a prescription.

Antifungal medicines come in the form of creams, tablets, ointments, or suppositories that you insert into your vagina. You can apply treatment in one dose or daily for up to seven days, depending on the brand you choose. Your doctor or nurse can also give you a single dose of antifungal medicine taken by mouth, such as fluconazole floo-CON-uh-zohl. If you get more than four vaginal yeast infections a year, or if your yeast infection doesn't go away after using over-the-counter treatment, you may need to take regular doses of antifungal medicine for up to six months.

Yes, but always talk with your doctor or nurse before treating yourself for a vaginal yeast infection. This is because:. During pregnancy, it's safe to treat a yeast infection with vaginal creams or suppositories that contain miconazole or clotrimazole. Do not take the oral fluconazole tablet to treat a yeast infection during pregnancy. It may cause birth defects. Yeast infections can happen on your nipples or in your breast commonly called "thrush" from breastfeeding.

Yeast thrive on milk and moisture. A yeast infection you get while breastfeeding is different from a vaginal yeast infection. However, it is caused by an overgrowth of the same fungus. If you have any of these signs or symptoms or think your baby might have thrush in his or her mouth, call your doctor.

Learn more about thrush in our Breastfeeding section. Yeast infections are not STIs. But it is possible to pass yeast infections to your partner during vaginal, oral, or anal sex.

Studies suggest that eating eight ounces of yogurt with "live cultures" daily or taking Lactobacillus acidophilus capsules can help prevent infection. But, more research still needs to be done to say for sure if yogurt with Lactobacillus or other probiotics can prevent or treat vaginal yeast infections.

If you think you have a yeast infection, see your doctor or nurse to make sure before taking any over-the-counter medicine. This is called recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis RVVC. RVVC is more common in women with diabetes or weak immune systems, such as with HIV, but it can also happen in otherwise healthy women.

Doctors most often treat RVVC with antifungal medicine for up to six months. Researchers also are studying the effects of a vaccine to help prevent RVVC. For more information on vaginal yeast infections, call the OWH Helpline at or contact the following organizations:. Department of Health and Human Services. ET closed on federal holidays. Breadcrumb Home A-Z health topics Vaginal yeast infections. Vaginal yeast infections.

Uncircumcised men are more susceptible to developing a yeast infection. A yeast infection is not a sexually transmitted infection STI. However, some prevention methods, such as condoms, can help reduce the risk of spreading a yeast infection to a partner. A person should generally avoid sexual activity until all the symptoms clear up. Yeast infections usually clear relatively rapidly once a person begins treatment. Many over-the-counter OTC treatment options require up to 7 days to clear up the infection.

The fungus Candida causes yeast infections. This fungus lives in and on various parts of the human body, including the skin, the mouth, and the vagina. In the vagina, the Lactobacillus bacteria typically keeps Candida numbers in check. If there is a shortage or imbalance of Lactobacillus compared to Candida , a yeast infection may occur.

Most yeast infections are easy to treat. However, if a person experiences multiple, recurring yeast infections, they should speak to a doctor as Candida may not be the underlying cause or OTC remedies may be ineffective.

When left untreated, the symptoms will typically get worse. However, some mild yeast infections may get better without treatment.

Many yeast infections can be treated at home with over-the-counter OTC antifungal creams and suppositories. Increasing resistance to antifungal…. Only your doctor can diagnose a yeast infection. But, if you're not able to see a doctor, a vaginal pH test may be able to give you some insight. We review pros and cons, materials, and what customers have to say about the two Molecule mattress options. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Is a Yeast Infection Contagious?

Can you get it from having sex? Can you get it from bath water? Can you get it from kissing? Can you get it from breastfeeding?