Genital candidiasis is an inflammation or infection of the vagina, the glans penis (the rounded head of the penis) or the foreskin (prepuce). It is often described as a yeast infection because the fungus that causes it is a type of yeast. Genital candidiasis is very common in women – during a lifetime, almost 75 percent of all women will experience at least one yeast infection and up to 45 percent will experience two or more, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Yeast infection is believed to be much less common in men, although it can be carried by men or transmitted to men through sexual intercourse.

In both men and women, small numbers of Candida, a single-celled fungus, are always present. Normally, the acidic environment of the genitalia prevents the yeast from growing. When the environment becomes disturbed and the acid level is too low, too many organisms can grow, resulting in a yeast infection.

Candida albicans (C. albicans), which also grows normally in the mouth (thrush) and digestive tract, can spread to other parts of the body, including the skin, mucous membranes, esophagus and other areas. It can cause life threatening systemic infections, such as sepsis, especially in individuals with a weakened immune system. This population includes individuals with diabetes, HIV and pregnant women.

Approximately 5 percent of women with vaginal yeast infections develop a condition called recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC). RVVC is classified as more than three symptomatic vaginal yeast infections over the course of one year. Patients who experience RVVC should notify their obstetrician-gynecologist (ObGyn, a physician who specializes in treating disorders of the female reproductive system) who will attempt to identify the underlying cause of the condition.

Patients with a diagnosed yeast infection who use latex condoms or a diaphragm for birth control should discuss treatment with the physician. Some common medications used to treat yeast infections can weaken latex, and potentially compromise the birth control method and protection from sexually transmitted diseases.