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Can a yeast infection turn into an std. STD vs. Yeast Infection | Symptoms & Causes

What is the difference between an STD and a yeast infection? Learn about the symptoms and causes that distinguish these two conditions.

What is an STD?

A sexually transmitted disease (STD) or sexually transmitted infection (STI) is an infection that passes through sexual contact. When a person is infected with a parasite, virus, or strain of bacteria that causes an STD, they can give it to another person during oral, vaginal, or anal sex. The infection can also pass during intimate contact like kissing or touching. An STI can pass from mother to baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.

Some STIs show no symptoms for weeks or months. Syphilis, for example, can lie dormant in the body for years without showing symptoms. Other STIs cause only mild symptoms. Therefore, it is possible to be infected with an STD, and be contagious, and not be aware. This is why sexual health testing is so important.

Some of the most common STDs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital herpes, hepatitis B and C, HIV, HPV, pubic lice, syphilis, and trichomoniasis. The most common STD in the United States is HPV, with 2 in 5 people ages 15 to 59 years having the infection.

What is a Yeast Infection?

Yeast is a fungus that grows naturally in small amounts on the skin, inside the digestive tract, and in the vaginal area. In most cases, this fungus is entirely harmless. However, a yeast infection (also known as candidiasis), can occur when the yeast grows and multiplies out of control.

Yeast grows best in warm, moist places. As such, yeast infections may develop in several of the same areas of the body where STDs can occur, such as between skin folds, the mouth (thrush), the corners of the mouth (angular cheilitis), the navel, the vagina (yeast vaginitis), the nail beds, and the penis.

Symptoms that STDs and Yeast Infections Have in Common

It’s no wonder that many people are unsure if they have a yeast infection or an STD—both have many similar symptoms. These include itchiness, irritation, redness, discharge, pain or burning with urination, and pain or discomfort during sex.

Differences in Symptoms Between STDs and Yeast Infections

Although STDs and yeast infections share several symptoms, some signs point to only one of these health conditions. Understanding which symptoms are indicators of infection can help you determine whether you should take a test, see a healthcare provider, or visit a pharmacy.

Sores or Blisters

One telltale difference between an STD and a yeast infection is that an STD may develop sores, warts, or blisters, while yeast infections of the mouth, vagina, or penis will not cause visible sores. Examples include genital herpes and syphilis.

Abnormal Discharge

Both yeast infections and various STDs can trigger abnormal discharge from the genitals, but the color, appearance, and odor of the discharge can differ. Yeast infections typically cause thick, white, clumpy discharge, while STD-related discharge may have a stronger or more foul odor.

Pain and Itching

Yeast infections often cause severe itching, burning, and irritation, especially in the vaginal area. STDs, on the other hand, may cause pain or discomfort during sex or urination, but do not typically cause the same level of intense itching.

Systemic Symptoms

Some STDs, like HIV and hepatitis, can cause flu-like symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and body aches. Yeast infections, however, are typically limited to the localized area of infection and do not cause these broader systemic symptoms.

STD vs. Yeast Infection: Comparing Causes

STDs are caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites that are transmitted through sexual contact. Yeast infections, on the other hand, are caused by an overgrowth of a fungus called Candida that naturally exists in the body.

Factors that can increase the risk of a yeast infection include antibiotic use, pregnancy, diabetes, poor hygiene, and certain medications. STDs are primarily spread through unprotected sexual activity with an infected partner.

Find Out if it’s a Yeast Infection or an STD with Everlywell

If you are experiencing symptoms that could be indicative of a yeast infection or an STD, it’s important to get tested. Everlywell offers at-home STD tests and yeast infection tests that can help you determine the cause of your symptoms and take the appropriate next steps.

STD vs. Yeast Infection | Symptoms & Causes

Medically reviewed on September 28, 2022 by Karen Jansen, MS, MD. To give you technically accurate, evidence-based information, content published on the Everlywell blog is reviewed by credentialed professionals with expertise in medical and bioscience fields.


Table of contents

  • What is an STD?
  • What is a yeast infection?
  • Symptoms that STDs and yeast infections have in common
  • 4 differences in symptoms between STDs and yeast infections
  • STD vs. yeast infection: Comparing causes
  • Find out if it’s a yeast infection or an STD with Everlywell
  • Related content

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and yeast infections have plenty in common. With a range of similar symptoms, it’s understandable why many people have difficulties telling them apart.

However, recognizing one or the other is essential, as that knowledge can inform your next steps. STDs and yeast infections can worsen if left untreated, so it’s worth learning to distinguish one from the other.

To that end, we’re taking you through an STD vs. yeast infection comparison, touching on the symptoms and causes that can help you differentiate them.

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What is an STD?

A sexually transmitted disease (STD) or sexually transmitted infection (STI) is an infection that passes through sexual contact. When a person is infected with a parasite, virus, or strain of bacteria that causes an STD, they can give it to another person during oral, vaginal, or anal sex. The infection can also pass during intimate contact like kissing or touching. What happens if you have an STD while pregnant? An STI can pass from mother to baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.

Some STIs show no symptoms for weeks or months. Syphilis, for example, can lie dormant in the body for years without showing symptoms. [1] Other STIs cause only mild symptoms. Therefore, it is possible to be infected with an STD, and be contagious, and not be aware. This is why sexual health testing is so important.

It’s worth noting there are more than 30 types of STDs. Some of the most common are[12]:

  • Chlamydia
  • Gonorrhea
  • Genital Herpes
  • Hepatitis B and C
  • HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)
  • HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
  • Pubic lice
  • Syphilis
  • Trichomoniasis

What is the most common STD in the United States? The most common is HPV. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 2 in 5 people ages 15 to 59 years will have HPV.[2]

What is a yeast infection?

Yeast is a fungus that grows naturally in small amounts on the skin, inside the digestive tract, and in the vaginal area. In most cases, this fungus is entirely harmless. However, a yeast infection (also known as candidiasis), can occur when the yeast grows and multiplies out of control.

Yeast grows best in warm, moist places. As such, yeast infections may develop in several of the same areas of the body where STDs can occur, such as:

  • Between skin folds
  • The mouth (thrush)
  • The corners of the mouth (angular cheilitis)
  • The navel
  • The vagina (yeast vaginitis)
  • The nail beds
  • The penis

Yeast infections that occur in the same places as STDs—the mouth, vagina, and penis—are the infections most often confused with STIs.

Symptoms that STDs and yeast infections have in common

It’s no wonder that many people are unsure if they have a yeast infection or an STD—both have many similar symptoms. These include: [3,4]

  • Itchiness
  • Irritation
  • Redness
  • Discharge
  • Pain or burning with urination
  • Pain or discomfort during sex

If you notice one or more of these symptoms, you may have a yeast infection, an STD, or another medical problem. With that said, you can look at other hints to form a clearer picture.

4 differences in symptoms between STDs and yeast infections

Although STDs and yeast infections share several symptoms, some signs point to only one of these health conditions. Understanding which symptoms are indicators of infection can help you determine whether you should take a test, see a healthcare provider, or visit a pharmacy.

With that in mind, let’s look at some symptoms that differ between yeast infections and STDs.

1. Sores or blisters

One telltale difference between an STD and a yeast infection is an STD may develop sores, warts, or blisters. Yeast infections of the mouth, vagina, or penis will not cause visible sores. For example:

  • Genital Herpes – The most apparent sign of herpes is the outbreak of a cluster of small blisters, over tender, red skin, on or near the genitals, rectum, or inner thighs.
  • Syphilis – Syphilis usually begins as a single painless sore (called a chancre) on the genitals, anus, or—more uncommonly—the mouth.
  • HPV – HPV may cause warts to appear on the mouth, throat, genitals, or anus.[5]

2. Abnormal discharge

Both yeast infections and various STDs can trigger abnormal discharge from the genitals, but the color, appearance, and odor of the vaginal discharge can differ.

In the case of a vaginal yeast infection, vaginal discharge is usually thin and watery or thick, white, and odor-free.[6] One factor to pay attention to is texture—the discharge from a yeast infection is often referred to as “cottage cheese-like.”

As for STDs, the discharge may differ depending on the STD. For example, gonorrhea can cause the penis to emit a cloudy white or yellow discharge.[7] It can also lead to discharge from the rectum (which is not a symptom of a yeast infection). With trichomoniasis, the discharge is more likely to be foamy, gray-green or yellow in color, and fishy in odor.[8] The discharge that may accompany a Chlamydia infection may also have a strong, unpleasant odor.

3. Cuts, cracks, or tears

You’re likely dealing with a yeast infection if you notice small tears or cracks over red skin around your vagina or penis.[6] Because the skin on these parts of the body is soft and sensitive, the irritative nature of a yeast infection can cause paper-cut-like markings on the affected areas. Similarly, cracks or cuts at the corners of the mouth often indicate an oral yeast infection.

STDs aren’t known to cause tiny cuts or cracks on the skin’s surface. While the itchiness caused by many STDs can encourage scratching and lead to an irritated genital area, tearing and cracking are uncommon.

4. Pain

Although yeast infections can be itchy and uncomfortable, they don’t tend to cause pain beyond the affected area. Having intercourse or peeing during a yeast infection may trigger a local “burning” sensation, but in general, a yeast infection does not cause pain elsewhere.

On the other hand, some STDs cause pain and tenderness in other areas of the body. Examples include:

  • Genital Herpes – The onset of genital herpes infection may include flu-like symptoms such as headaches and muscle aches.
  • Chlamydia – When chlamydia spreads, it can cause pain in the lower abdomen or testicles.[9]
  • Syphilis – Secondary-stage syphilis can lead to headaches and muscle pain, while syphilis that spreads to the eyes (ocular syphilis) can cause eye pain.[10]

5. Fever

When you start to experience multiple symptoms, it can be challenging to determine the root cause. However, one clue that can help you rule out a yeast infection is a fever.

Most yeast infections are considered “uncomplicated.” Because these infections are mild to moderate, they rarely come with a fever. The only exception is an “invasive” yeast infection. This severe form of yeast infection can lead to a fever; if you experience some of the telltale signs of a yeast infection along with a fever, consider contacting your medical provider right away.

A fever is much more likely to point to an STD. Fever is a well-known symptom of severe cases of:

  • Chlamydia
  • Gonorrhea
  • HIV
  • Secondary stage syphilis

Ultimately, if you experience a sustained fever, consult a healthcare provider—regardless of any other symptoms you may have.

STD vs. yeast infection: comparing causes

Another way to determine if you have a yeast infection or an STD is to consider the cause. While it is often impossible to trace an infection back to its beginning, you may be able to make an educated guess at the cause of your symptoms by thinking about your activity over the past few weeks or months.

Potential causes of STDs

The most common cause of STDs is unprotected sex. While condoms are not 100% effective, they can reduce the risk of spreading and catching STDs through sexual contact.

However, STDs don’t always pass from person to person during sex. Some STIs, such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV, are also bloodborne, meaning they can spread by entering the bloodstream. As such, sharing syringes, body piercing equipment, or tattooing devices can occasionally lead to a sexually transmitted disease.

Potential causes of yeast infections

Some of the possible causes of yeast infections include:

  • Recent antibiotic use – Yeast infections occur commonly in people who have taken antibiotics. As the antibiotic kills the offending bacteria, yeast may overgrow.
  • Uncontrolled diabetes – Increases in blood sugar level are associated with an increased risk of yeast infection.
  • Changes in hormones – If you’re pregnant or taking hormonal contraceptives (birth control), you may be more likely to experience a vaginal yeast infection.
  • Not allowing the body to dry off – Because yeast thrives in warm, moist environments, wearing wet swimsuits or sitting in a hot tub for long periods can increase your chances of developing a yeast infection.
  • A weakened immune system – Your immune system keeps fungi like yeast in check. When your immune system is altered due to chemotherapy, steroid medications, or a different infection, yeast infections become more likely.

Find out if it’s a yeast infection or an STD with Everlywell

Even when you know all the differences between yeast infections and STDs, it’s not always easy to determine what’s causing your symptoms—especially if those symptoms are causing you any stress.

For the peace of mind that comes with certainty, consider taking a confidential at-home STD test. When you take an Everlywell test, you can find out if it’s one of six common STDs or not within days of testing—no trip to the clinic required. We mail you a discreetly packaged sexual health test, and you send your sample back to our lab. You can also check for individual STIs with tests such as the trich test, Syphilis Test, and Hepatitis C Test.

Shop STD Tests Today!

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References

  1. Syphilis. Mayo Clinic. URL. Published September 25, 2021. Accessed September 28, 2022.
  2. HPV and Men – Fact Sheet. CDC. URL. Accessed September 30, 2022.
  3. Yeast infections. MedlinePlus. URL. Accessed September 28, 2022.
  4. Sexually transmitted diseases | STD | venereal disease. MedlinePlus. URL. Accessed September 28, 2022.
  5. Common STD symptoms. Mayo Clinic. URL. Published May 5, 2022. Accessed September 28, 2022.
  6. Yeast infection (vaginal). Mayo Clinic. URL. Published March 17, 2021. Accessed September 28, 2022.
  7. Gonorrhea | the clap. MedlinePlus. URL. Accessed September 28, 2022.
  8. Trichomoniasis | trich | STD. MedlinePlus. URL. Accessed September 28, 2022.
  9. Chlamydia infections | chlamydia | chlamydia symptoms. MedlinePlus. URL. Accessed September 28, 2022.
  10. STD facts – syphilis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. URL. Published February 10, 2022. Accessed September 28, 2022.
  11. Yeast infection on face or lips: Symptoms, causes, diagnosis & treatment. Cleveland Clinic. URL. Accessed September 28, 2022.
  12. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). World Health Organization. URL. Accessed October 10, 2022.

What is a Yeast Infection?

  • “What is a Yeast Infection?” (PDF)

Candidal Vaginitis or Vaginal Candidiasis A yeast infection is the second most common cause of vaginal discharge for women in the United States.

What causes a yeast infection?

Most of the time this infection is caused by a tiny fungus called “Candida albicans,” “Candida,” or yeast. It is normal to have a small amount of Candida in your vagina. Most people also have Candida in their mouth and lower intestinal tract. This fungus usually causes no symptoms.

A healthy vagina has a balance between healthy bacteria and unhealthy organisms. An infection occurs when something happens to allow the Candida fungus to outnumber the healthy bacteria in your vagina. When a woman has too much Candida in her vagina, then we say she has a yeast infection. A yeast infection is not considered a sexually transmitted disease (STD) because you don’t have to have sex to get it.

Your vagina’s healthy balance may be upset by any of the following:

  • Birth control pills
  • Antibiotics
  • Pregnancy
  • Diabetes
  • Deodorant tampons or perfumed douches
  • Wearing tight clothes or synthetics such as nylon, spandex or Lycra. These fabrics may create too much warmth and moisture from sweating. Yeast grows best in warm, moist places. Wear loose cotton clothing instead.
  • HIV infection

What are the signs and symptoms?

  • Vaginal itching with or without irritation
  • A thick, white fluid (discharge) that looks like cottage cheese and has very little odor
  • Redness, swelling, and soreness of the vaginal opening and around the opening
  • Burning when urinating
  • Pain during intercourse

How will I know if I have a yeast infection?

To know for sure, you should visit a health care provider. He or she will give you a pelvic exam and take a sample of your discharge. A microscope will be used to look at your discharge in the office, or it will be sent to a lab for testing. There are other types of vaginal infections with symptoms similar to a yeast infection, but they will not respond to medicine for a yeast infection. This is why it is important to visit a health care provider so you can be sure what infection you have.

Is there a cure?

Yes. Usually, your health care provider will ask you to insert an antifungal cream or a suppository inside your vagina at night for three to seven nights. Many of these creams are available without a prescription. Your provider can recommend the best treatment. If you would rather take a pill by mouth, you may ask your health care provider for a pill called fluconazole (floo kon’ na zole).

What about my partner(s)?

Usually, your sex partner(s) does not need to be examined. However, if your infection keeps coming back, or if your partner has symptoms, your health care provider will also want to examine your partner(s).

When can I have sex again?

It is best to wait to have any kind of sex – oral, vaginal or anal – until you have taken all of your medicine and all of your symptoms have gone away.

Can I get this infection again?

Yes. It’s not uncommon to have a second yeast infection, although it’s rare to have repeated infections.

How can I prevent yeast infections?

It is very important to keep a normal, healthy balance of bacteria in your vagina. You can help by:

  • Keeping your genital area clean and dry;
  • Wearing cotton underwear and loose fitting pants (these keep you dry by allowing air to flow through them), and
  • Avoiding douches or other feminine hygiene products.

To learn more

If you have more questions about yeast infections, or you want to know how to find a clinic near you, call your local health department or family planning program. You can also find a testing center near you at http://gettested. cdc.gov/.

Yeast infections (fungus) in women

Every woman will experience a yeast infection at some point in her life. A yeast infection is an irritating infection of the vagina and vulva that causes itching, discharge, and irritation. This is a type of vaginitis caused by an overgrowth of a yeast known as Candida albicans and is often easily treated at home, but can sometimes be severe enough to require a visit to a doctor.

On average, three out of four women experience a yeast infection. Some women have several throughout their lives. Although this disease is not considered a sexually transmitted disease, the fungus can be spread through oral contact with the female genitalia. It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of a yeast infection and when you should see your OB/GYN.

Signs and symptoms of yeast infections

Signs and symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection can range from mild to more severe. These include the following:

  • burning sensation, especially when urinating or during intercourse;
  • itching and irritation in the vagina and vulva;
  • redness and swelling of the vulva;
  • thick, white or greyish vaginal discharge resembling cottage cheese;
  • vaginal rash;
  • pain and soreness in the vagina;
  • watery vaginal discharge.

Yeast infection risk factors

There are certain risk factors that can lead to the development of a yeast infection. These include the following:

  • taking antibiotics;
  • lack of sleep;
  • hormonal imbalance during the menstrual cycle;
  • taking hormone therapy or oral contraceptives;
  • stress;
  • malnutrition, especially when eating too many sugary foods;
  • pregnancy;
  • diabetes;
  • weakened immune system;
  • wearing clothes that are too tight.

A yeast infection can be caused by a number of reasons, but the most common cause is the fungus Candida albicans. The vagina has a natural balance of this substance, as well as other bacteria. However, in some cases there may be an overgrowth of Candida, leading to the development of a yeast infection. As a result, you may experience a combination of classic symptoms such as burning, itching, and soreness. Even women who are not sexually active can develop this infection.

Sometimes other types of Candida can also cause a yeast infection, but most drugs, especially over-the-counter ones, are for Candida albicans. If you develop a yeast infection caused by another type of Candida, treatment may be more difficult. If more aggressive treatment is needed, you may need to make an appointment with an OB/GYN.

Diagnosis of yeast infections

When you visit your OB/GYN, the doctor will run a test to determine if you have a yeast infection:

  • Review of medical history, including any past vaginal infections or sexually transmitted diseases.
  • Visual examination of the pelvis, external and internal parts of the vagina.
  • Biosampling, a sample of vaginal secretions, to determine what type of fungus is causing the infection.

Yeast infection treatment

Treatment for a simple yeast infection is usually straightforward for most women and may include the following options:

  • Prescription antifungal cream, ointment, suppositories, or tablets that last one, three, or seven days.
  • Single dose oral preparations
  • An over-the-counter antifungal cream or suppository that lasts three to seven days.

For more complex yeast infections, a doctor may suggest the following treatment options:

  • Prescription antifungal cream, ointment, suppositories, or tablets that last up to 14 days.
  • Multi-dose oral preparations.
  • Maintenance plan for recurrent yeast infections. (This type of treatment usually lasts longer than 14 days and may require oral medication once a week for six months or vaginal suppositories once a week.)

Visit your obstetrician-gynecologist. A yeast infection can be uncomfortable and affect your emotional state, but the problem is treatable. Check with your doctor so you can take action in time to avoid infection in the future.

What is a yeast infection?

Most healthy women have yeast in their vagina. But sometimes the yeast grows too strong and leads to infection. Yeast infections can be very annoying and unpleasant.

What causes yeast infections?

Vaginal yeast infection, also sometimes called vulvovaginal candidiasis, occurs when the healthy yeast that normally lives in the vagina gets out of control. This often results in itching and other annoying symptoms. The medical name for a yeast infection is “ candidiasis ” because they are usually caused by a type of yeast called candida.

When the immune system is reduced, the normal yeast that lives in the vagina can grow too large and lead to infection. Causes that may cause changes in your vaginal environment:

  • normal changes in hormone levels (as during the menstrual cycle)
  • antibiotics, cortisone and other drugs
  • pregnancy
  • diabetes mellitus
  • weak immune system
  • natural reaction to another person’s genital chemistry

Yeast infections can also occur on the penises and scrotum, but not as often. They can cause redness and irritation on your penis or scrotum.

Yeast infections are not STDs (these are infections that are passed from one person to another during vaginal, anal and oral sex). They are not contagious and cannot be passed on to another person during sex. But sexual contact sometimes leads to yeast infections—your body chemistry can react to the other person’s natural genital yeast and the bacteria that causes the yeast to grow.

People can also get a yeast infection in their mouth, throat, or tongue—this is called thrush.

What are the symptoms of a yeast infection?

Yeast infections often cause a curdled, white, lumpy vaginal discharge that usually does not smell (or smells only slightly different than usual).

Most yeast infections result in itching, burning and/or redness in or around the vagina. Vaginal itching usually gets worse the longer you have the infection. Sex may be uncomfortable or painful. In extreme cases, you may get cracks or sores on your vagina or vulva. If you have severe irritation, you may experience pain when urinating.

How to treat yeast infections?

Yeast infections can usually be easily treated in a few days with an antifungal medication. You can purchase medicated creams or suppositories for yeast infections.

Be sure to follow instructions and take all medicines, even if your symptoms go away before you are done. You can also treat yeast infections with one tablet (diflucan or fluconazole). Need a prescription from a doctor to get a yeast infection pill.

Do not have vaginal or oral sex until you have completed treatment and the infection has gone. Friction from sex may cause more irritation or make treatment more difficult. Some medications you use inside your vagina contain oil, which can cause condoms to break.

Even though yeast infections can be very itchy, try not to scratch the itch. This can aggravate irritation or scratch the skin, through which germs can spread and lead to more infections. There are over-the-counter creams that can be used on the vulva to soothe irritation. Your doctor can also give you tips to relieve burning and itching.

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