What causes recurrent yeast infections? How can they be treated effectively? Discover the answers to these questions and learn about preventive measures to avoid future infections.

Understanding the Causes of Recurrent Yeast Infections

Vaginal yeast infections can be caused by the spread of bacteria during sexual activity. Several factors can also increase your risk of developing a yeast infection, including certain health conditions and medications. While yeast infections are not considered a sexually transmitted infection, they can develop after vaginal intercourse.

The presence of Candida fungus, a normal part of the microscopic bacteria ecosystem in your vagina, can lead to a yeast infection if it begins to grow uncontrollably. Intercourse can introduce bacteria from your partner’s finger or penis into your vagina’s ecosystem, disrupting the balance and potentially triggering a yeast infection.

Your risk for infection increases if you engage in penetrative sex with someone who has a penile yeast infection. About 15 percent of people with penises who engage in unprotected vaginal intercourse with someone who has a vaginal yeast infection go on to develop a penile yeast infection. It’s unclear whether partners who have a vagina experience the same level of risk.

The Role of Oral Sex in Yeast Infections

At least one study has shown that receiving vaginal oral sex increases your risk of vaginal yeast infections. This is because oral sex introduces bacteria and Candida from your partner’s mouth, tongue, and gums to your vulva, including your vagina, labia, and clitoris. Your risk for infection increases if your partner has oral thrush.

If your partner goes on to kiss or lick other parts of your body, these bacteria and fungi can spread elsewhere, including your mouth, nipples, and anus. While it’s possible to transmit a yeast infection through vaginal intercourse, you may be more likely to develop a yeast infection as a result of other factors.

Additional Factors That Increase Yeast Infection Risk

In addition to sexual activity, several other factors can increase your risk of developing a yeast infection, including:

• Irritation from wearing wet or sweaty clothing
• Using fragrant cleansers on or around your genitals
• Douching
• Taking birth control pills, antibiotics, or corticosteroids
• Having a weakened immune system
• Having high blood sugar or untreated diabetes
• Pregnancy
• Breastfeeding

Treating Yeast Infections

If you’re sure you have a yeast infection, you may be able to treat it with an over-the-counter cream such as miconazole (Monistat) or butoconazole (Gynazole). There are also home remedies you can try, though the clinical data on their effectiveness is mixed.

Wearing breathable cotton underwear can help ease discomfort while you wait for your symptoms to clear. Taking warm baths with Epsom salt may also help relieve itching. Once you’ve started treatment, your yeast infection should clear within three to seven days. Make sure you continue the full course of treatment to ensure the infection has completely cleared.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

If your symptoms persist or worsen, you should see your doctor or other healthcare provider. They can confirm whether your symptoms are the result of a yeast infection and prescribe a stronger oral treatment or antifungal suppository. You should also see your doctor if you experience bleeding, smelly discharge, or other unusual symptoms.

Preventing Future Yeast Infections

You can reduce your risk for vaginal yeast infections by using a condom or dental dam to minimize the spread of bacteria during sexual activity. This can also reduce your partner’s risk of developing an oral or genital yeast infection.

You may also minimize your risk by wearing breathable cotton undergarments, washing thoroughly after activities where you’re submerged in water, avoiding the use of perfumed soaps or other hygiene products on your genitals, and avoiding douching. Taking a daily probiotic supplement, cutting down on carbohydrate- and sugar-rich foods, and eating more Greek yogurt may also help keep yeast at bay.

Seeking Professional Guidance

If you experience recurrent yeast infections or have any concerns about your symptoms, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider. They can help determine the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan to keep your vaginal health in check.

What Causes It, and How Is It Treated?

Vaginal yeast infections can be caused by the spread of bacteria during sexual activity. Several factors can also increase your risk of developing a yeast infection, including certain health conditions and medications.

Is it possible?

Vaginal yeast infections aren’t considered a sexually transmitted infection, but they can develop after vaginal intercourse.

That said, the timing may also be a coincidence. Your yeast infection may have been triggered by a number of other factors.

No matter the cause, yeast infections usually aren’t serious. They can often be treated at home.

Read on to learn more about why this happens, other potential causes, treatment options, and more.

Candida fungus is a normal part of the microscopic bacteria ecosystem in your vagina. If this fungus begins to grow uncontrollably, it may lead to a yeast infection.

Intercourse introduces bacteria from your partner’s finger or penis into your vagina’s ecosystem of bacteria and Candida. Sex toys can also transmit it.

This disruption may be enough to trigger a vaginal yeast infection.

Your risk for infection increases if you engage in penetrative sex with someone who has a penile yeast infection.

If you have a yeast infection, it’s possible that you contracted it from your partner.

On the flipside, if you’ve engaged in sexual activity since you discovered your yeast infection, it’s possible you passed the infection to your partner.

About 15 percent of people who have penises and engage in unprotected vaginal intercourse with someone who has a vaginal yeast infection go on to develop a penile yeast infection.

It’s unclear whether partners who have a vagina experience the same level of risk.

If you believe you have a yeast infection, tell any active or recent sexual partners so they can seek treatment.

You may also consider taking a break from sex until you and any active sexual partners are symptom-free. This will prevent you from transmitting the same infection back and forth.

At least one study has shown that receiving vaginal oral sex increases your risk of vaginal yeast infections.

That’s because oral sex introduces bacteria and Candida from your partner’s mouth, tongue, and gums to your vulva. This includes your vagina, labia, and clitoris.

Your risk for infection increases if your partner has oral thrush.

If your partner goes on kiss or lick other parts of your body, these bacteria and fungi can spread elsewhere. This includes your mouth, nipples, and anus.

Although it’s possible to transmit a yeast infection through vaginal intercourse, you may be more likely to develop a yeast infection as a result of:

• irritation from wearing wet or sweaty clothing
• using fragrant cleansers on or around your genitals
• douching
• taking birth control pills, antibiotics, or corticosteroids
• having a weakened immune system
• having high blood sugar or untreated diabetes
• pregnancy
• breastfeeding

If you’re sure you have a yeast infection, you may be able to treat it with an over-the-counter cream such as miconazole (Monistat) or butoconazole (Gynazole).

There are also home remedies you can try, though the clinical data on how effective they are is mixed.

Wearing breathable cotton underwear can help ease discomfort while you wait for your symptoms to clear. Taking warm baths with Epsom salt may also help relieve itching.

Once you’ve started treatment, your yeast infection should clear within three to seven days. Make sure you continue the full course of treatment to ensure the infection has completely cleared.

If your symptoms persist, see your doctor or other healthcare provider. They can confirm whether your symptoms are the result of a yeast infection and prescribe an oral treatment or stronger antifungal suppository.

If you don’t see improvement within a week of treatment, see your doctor or other healthcare provider. They can prescribe stronger medication to help clear the infection.

You should also see your doctor if:

• your symptoms worsen
• you get yeast infections more than four times per year
• you experience bleeding, smelly discharge, or other unusual symptoms

You can reduce your risk for vaginal yeast infections by using a condom or dental dam to minimize the spread of bacteria during sexual activity.

This can also reduce your partner’s risk of developing an oral or genital yeast infection.

You may also minimize your risk if you:

• Wear breathable cotton undergarments.
• Wash thoroughly after activities where you’re submerged in water.
• Avoid using perfumed soaps or other hygiene products on your genitals.
• Avoid douching.
• Take a daily probiotic supplement.
• Cut down on carbohydrate- and sugar-rich foods.
• Eat more Greek yogurt, as it contains bacteria that keeps yeast at bay.

What Causes It, and How Is It Treated?

Vaginal yeast infections can be caused by the spread of bacteria during sexual activity. Several factors can also increase your risk of developing a yeast infection, including certain health conditions and medications.

Is it possible?

Vaginal yeast infections aren’t considered a sexually transmitted infection, but they can develop after vaginal intercourse.

That said, the timing may also be a coincidence. Your yeast infection may have been triggered by a number of other factors.

No matter the cause, yeast infections usually aren’t serious. They can often be treated at home.

Read on to learn more about why this happens, other potential causes, treatment options, and more.

Candida fungus is a normal part of the microscopic bacteria ecosystem in your vagina. If this fungus begins to grow uncontrollably, it may lead to a yeast infection.

Intercourse introduces bacteria from your partner’s finger or penis into your vagina’s ecosystem of bacteria and Candida. Sex toys can also transmit it.

This disruption may be enough to trigger a vaginal yeast infection.

Your risk for infection increases if you engage in penetrative sex with someone who has a penile yeast infection.

If you have a yeast infection, it’s possible that you contracted it from your partner.

On the flipside, if you’ve engaged in sexual activity since you discovered your yeast infection, it’s possible you passed the infection to your partner.

About 15 percent of people who have penises and engage in unprotected vaginal intercourse with someone who has a vaginal yeast infection go on to develop a penile yeast infection.

It’s unclear whether partners who have a vagina experience the same level of risk.

If you believe you have a yeast infection, tell any active or recent sexual partners so they can seek treatment.

You may also consider taking a break from sex until you and any active sexual partners are symptom-free. This will prevent you from transmitting the same infection back and forth.

At least one study has shown that receiving vaginal oral sex increases your risk of vaginal yeast infections.

That’s because oral sex introduces bacteria and Candida from your partner’s mouth, tongue, and gums to your vulva. This includes your vagina, labia, and clitoris.

Your risk for infection increases if your partner has oral thrush.

If your partner goes on kiss or lick other parts of your body, these bacteria and fungi can spread elsewhere. This includes your mouth, nipples, and anus.

Although it’s possible to transmit a yeast infection through vaginal intercourse, you may be more likely to develop a yeast infection as a result of:

• irritation from wearing wet or sweaty clothing
• using fragrant cleansers on or around your genitals
• douching
• taking birth control pills, antibiotics, or corticosteroids
• having a weakened immune system
• having high blood sugar or untreated diabetes
• pregnancy
• breastfeeding

If you’re sure you have a yeast infection, you may be able to treat it with an over-the-counter cream such as miconazole (Monistat) or butoconazole (Gynazole).

There are also home remedies you can try, though the clinical data on how effective they are is mixed.

Wearing breathable cotton underwear can help ease discomfort while you wait for your symptoms to clear. Taking warm baths with Epsom salt may also help relieve itching.

Once you’ve started treatment, your yeast infection should clear within three to seven days. Make sure you continue the full course of treatment to ensure the infection has completely cleared.

If your symptoms persist, see your doctor or other healthcare provider. They can confirm whether your symptoms are the result of a yeast infection and prescribe an oral treatment or stronger antifungal suppository.

If you don’t see improvement within a week of treatment, see your doctor or other healthcare provider. They can prescribe stronger medication to help clear the infection.

You should also see your doctor if:

• your symptoms worsen
• you get yeast infections more than four times per year
• you experience bleeding, smelly discharge, or other unusual symptoms

You can reduce your risk for vaginal yeast infections by using a condom or dental dam to minimize the spread of bacteria during sexual activity.

This can also reduce your partner’s risk of developing an oral or genital yeast infection.

You may also minimize your risk if you:

• Wear breathable cotton undergarments.
• Wash thoroughly after activities where you’re submerged in water.
• Avoid using perfumed soaps or other hygiene products on your genitals.
• Avoid douching.
• Take a daily probiotic supplement.
• Cut down on carbohydrate- and sugar-rich foods.
• Eat more Greek yogurt, as it contains bacteria that keeps yeast at bay.

Fungal infections

According to official international statistics on the prevalence of in the world, fungal infections have been ranked second among all skin diseases for many years in a row. They not only reduce the quality of life and cause discomfort, but also provoke allergic reactions, chronic inflammatory processes and many other pathologies.

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Due to the peculiarities of their microbiological nature, fungal diseases can be actively transmitted from the carrier to a healthy person, and in addition to the skin, affect the nail plates, hair, internal organs and cause their various pathogenic changes. Some fungi are prone to recurrence, have a fairly long incubation period and very similar external manifestations. At the same time, some types of mycoses are treated only with oral preparations, others with cutaneous forms, therefore it is absolutely impossible to self-medicate and contact specialists at the first symptoms.

When tests for fungal infections are ordered

By external signs, it is only possible to initially diagnose a fungal disease. Therefore, with redness of the skin, focal lesions of the smooth and hairline, as well as with itching in the foot or skin folds, changes in the shape and color of the nail plate, dermatologists prescribe laboratory tests. This allows you to correctly diagnose the nosological form, and, therefore, to select the most effective set of therapy, take the necessary measures to localize the infection and minimize possible side effects.

Types of fungal diseases

Microscopic pathogenic fungi in medical practice have a common name – mycosis (Greek mycosis). Today, more than 100 species of parasitic and pathogenic microfungi are classified, and we will single out the main infections that affect adults and children.

Dermatomycosis

Common fungal diseases that affect the skin, nails and hair. The source of infection can be a person or an animal. They manifest themselves with various symptoms, we will only indicate the most common diseases in our geographical area:

• rubromycosis is a disease caused by the anthropophilic fungus Trichophyton rubrum. Differs in a variety of clinical manifestations and localization of foci on any part of the body, can affect smooth skin, hair follicles and nails;
• Mycosis of the foot (epidermophytosis), also affecting the interdigital folds. Very similar to candidal lesion, and sometimes there is a polymycotic infection;
• favus – a rare form accompanied by severe baldness of the head. Can be transmitted through combs, underwear, and shaving and haircutting tools;
• Microsporia – trichomycosis caused by the microsporum fungus. On smooth skin it appears as red spots of a clear shape with a peripheral roller, and on the scalp – with small scaly foci;
• trichophytosis (synonymous with ringworm). Outwardly, it is manifested by pink-red focal lesions of the skin on any part of the body;
• epidermophytosis of skin folds . Accompanied by itching, redness and peeling.

Keratomycosis

Mycoses predominantly of the stratum corneum. Among them, the most famous are piedra, erythrasma and bran lichen.
Superficial mycoses are often ignored by many ordinary people, because if multi-colored lichen can be primarily identified by yellowish-brown spots covered with pityriasis scales, then erythrasma is often perceived as age-related darkening of the skin. This is due to the fact that the disease progresses slowly and is localized on the inner surface of the thighs, in the inguinal folds and under the mammary glands in women. The dim darkening of the skin affected by erythrasma is covered with small scaly scales, and although the disease almost does not cause itching, it sharply reduces the protective properties of the skin and spoils the appearance of the infected.

Candidiasis

Diseases caused by yeast-like fungi of the genus Candidosis, which includes more than 150 varieties. They are considered the most dangerous and most common, as they are found throughout the world and can be transmitted from people, birds and pets. In this case, in addition to skin manifestations of candidiasis can:

• affect mucous membranes;
• penetrate deeply into tissues and organs;
• cause septic diseases and allergic changes in the body.

Candidiasis can manifest as a localized and widespread rash on the hands and feet, lesions of the nail folds and scalp, in the form of stomatitis, cheilitis and gingivitis. With internal infection, they cause vulvovaginitis, urethritis, pleuropneumonia, endocrites, meningitis and other diseases.

Visceral and systemic mycoses

Fungal lesions of internal organs caused by infection with taxonomic microfungi and accompanied by severe lesions of the skin, visceral (internal) organs, subcutaneous tissue, nervous system, and even the musculoskeletal system. This group includes more than two dozen fungi, among which there are pathogenic and conditionally pathogenic. The most common are actinomycosis, aspergillosis, histoplasmosis, coccidiodiasis, sporotrichosis, chromomycosis and others.
As a rule, deep mycoses are transmitted indirectly and are difficult to diagnose. Some pathogens demonstrate amazing survivability and resistance to drug therapy, high pathogenicity and significant contagiousness, and can lead to disability and death. Most systemic mycoses act as opportunistic infections in patients with hepatitis and AIDS.

Methods for diagnosing fungal infections

Microbiological methods

Microscopy is the most accessible and simple diagnostic method. The study is aimed at confirming infection with superficial mycosis, for which biological material is taken from the patient, which is potentially considered infected: scraping of a pathologically altered nail or skin, eyelash, hair. It refers to qualitative analyzes and allows only to establish or refute the fact of infection. The study takes several days: the resulting material is processed (stained) in a certain way and transferred to microscopic examination to identify elements of the fungus (spores, hyphae).
Microscopy allows you to quickly confirm mycosis, but the type of pathogen and its quantitative concentration is established only for yeast-like and mold species. Therefore, it is often supplemented by cultural research (bakposev). The results of microbiological studies must be interpreted by the attending specialist.

ELISA

Enzyme immunoassay is a modern and highly reliable method for identifying fungi in a patient’s venous blood. It is a qualitative and quantitative method and can be used as a primary diagnosis and act as a confirmatory analysis of superficial and visceral mycoses.

The method is based on the detection and identification of an immunoglobulin protein to a specific pathogen. Antibodies and antigens provide reliable information about infection with aspargillosis, candidiasis, cryptococcus and dimorphic microfungi. The result of the test is interpreted as “positive” (there is infection) or “negative” (no fungal infection). In some cases, the study may give a questionable result, as a rule, this happens if the patient has recently taken antibacterial drugs.

The study takes from 1 to 5 days. If it is required to reveal the dynamics of the disease, ELISA is carried out at intervals of 14 days.

PCR

High-precision research method based on polymerase chain reaction and taking no more than 3 days. It can be used to register any fungal pathogens, but has one drawback – directed research. This means that the laboratory must obtain information on the specific microfungal species whose spores and hyphae are to be identified.
Blood, sputum, prostate secretion or urine can be provided for analysis, but in the last three options it is necessary to ensure the maximum purity of the biological material. The most effective and expedient in the complex diagnosis of systemic and visceral forms of fungal diseases. The study gives qualitative and quantitative results that are interpreted only by the attending physician.

Serological method

Classical studies, in which IgG-prepitins, enolase antigens, proteinases and mannoproteins are more often detected. The study is variable and may be based on the agglutination reaction, titration and RSK. They allow you to get information only about the fact of carrying a mycotic infection or testify to a previously transferred fungal disease.
The analysis may be based on the study of blood serum. With extensive serodiagnosis, the detection of a microfungus can also be carried out in other physiological fluids of the patient.

The results are interpreted by the treating specialist. At the same time, the serological method is often used as a control study for subsequent correction of therapy and determining the effectiveness of treatment.

Risk groups and prevention of fungal infections

Fungal pathogens in a minimal amount are found on the skin of any person. But the uncontrolled use of medicines, especially hormones and antibiotics, can provoke their active growth and subsequent lesions. It should also be noted that deep mycotic infections can enter the body through open wounds. Compliance with the sanitary rules for the treatment of any injuries associated with a violation of the skin minimizes the risks of disease with systemic and visceral microfungi.

High humidity and a constant positive temperature are an ideal environment for the life and reproduction of microscopic fungi. Accordingly, the risk group a priori includes employees and visitors to swimming pools, fitness clubs, bath complexes, spas, as well as employees of laundries and catering establishments.
People with a weakened immune system, a depressed nervous system, a tendency to allergies, a critical underweight and metabolic disorders are also prone to fungal infections. Therefore, the most effective prevention is to strengthen the immune system, impeccable observance of the rules of personal hygiene and systematic examinations by a therapist and a dermatologist.

Cost of services in JSC “NWDM”

The well-coordinated work of all employees and structural divisions of the center, in combination with the rational organization of laboratory and functional studies, allows us to form favorable competitive prices for all types of services. At the same time, the Northwestern Center for Evidence-Based Medicine has state-of-the-art equipment and uses a unique biological material coding system, which makes it possible to accurately identify pathogens of fungal diseases and conduct all studies promptly and strictly confidentially.

Where to get tested for fungal diseases

JSC “SZTSDM” is a modern enterprise with a developed structure of branches and terminals. Anyone can visit our laboratory at a convenient time for donating blood, sputum, scraping from smooth skin and hairline or a fragment of the nail plate to detect fungal infections.

Repeated fungal infections: how to deal with them?

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Anyone who has at least once encountered fungal lesions of the foot and skin knows that their treatment is quite long, and the likelihood of re-infection is high. We talked with a practicing dermatologist at the Class Clinic Kaliningrad Medical Center Polina Alexandrovna Stepanova about how to protect ourselves from the return of a fungal infection.

Explain why fungal infections of the skin recur?

The main reasons in almost all such cases are repeated contact with the source of infection, as well as defects in hygiene habits. Many serious studies have been carried out and intrafamilial transmission of the same strains of a particular fungus, for example, Trichophyton rubrum (Trichophyton red – the causative agent of fungal infections of the skin), has been revealed by the method of molecular analysis. Accordingly, the main danger of re-infection can be considered intra-family contacts with the pathogen (fungal spores).

During and after a fungal infection, anti-epidemic measures are needed. In the case of foot fungus, it is important to properly treat shoes, apply individual care products for the skin of the feet and nail plates. And, of course, observe the norms and rules of personal hygiene: daily washing of the feet with warm water and soap, wipe the feet dry after washing.

What conditions predispose to the appearance of repeated fungal infections of the skin of the feet?

Often, relapses occur in patients with excessive sweating of the feet. The fungus loves high humidity. In such cases, measures must be taken to control sweating. I recommend that such patients wear shoes made from natural materials and cotton socks. Socks should be washed and ironed daily so that the heat kills the fungus spores.

To treat shoes, you can use not only chemicals (sprays, chlorhexidine solution, etc. ), but also special devices, for example, the Timson ultraviolet device for antifungal treatment of shoes. This device destroys fungus and spores and is very convenient to use.

Are there typical mistakes that lead to primary and secondary infection with foot fungus?

Yes, most often it is the use of someone else’s shoes. When a person comes to visit and puts on someone else’s slippers, slates, etc., this is also a risk of getting infected. It is necessary to have your own change of shoes, it is even better to carry it with you.

Often, people with frequent recurrences of fungal infections of the feet resort to radical methods – they simply throw away their shoes. How justified is this, is it worth it?

No, it’s overkill. Fungal diseases of the feet are successfully treated, so I do not recommend throwing away shoes, especially since they can be really expensive. I always recommend chemical or hardware treatment of shoes.

It is also important that shoes are processed not only by the patient suffering from a fungal disease, but, for example, by people who play sports, visit pools and saunas, in a word, are at risk.