Candida

Candida is a general term used to describe many gynecological inflammations or infections, including yeast infections caused by candida, and bacterial infections like trichomonis and gardnerella. Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of the candida albicans, a yeast-like fungus which occurs naturally in the vagina. When the vaginal environment becomes unbalanced from taking antibiotics, douching, wearing tight fitting clothes etc., an overgrowth can occur. Once a woman develops a yeast infection, she can transmit it to a sexual partner. Trichomonis is generally sexually transmitted, though this bacteria may survive in bodily fluids such as semen, vaginal secretions, and urine as well as outside the body for a few hours. Symptoms appear within 4-28 days, varying on the cause. Yeast symptoms include mild to severe itching to the extent of pain and burning. Pain with intercourse. Thick cottage cheese like discharge, but may be creamy. Skin around vagina and vulva may be red. With Trichomonis there is increased white to yellow discharge which is often frothy and has a bad odor. Sometimes there is irritation of the vulva and vagina. With Gardnerella there is an increase in whitish discharge and an odor described as fishy.