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1907 Carpenter Ave.
Des Moines, IA 50314
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515-286-2033
866-209-1300
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YEAST INFECTION
This is also known as Monilia or Candidiasis. It is caused by a fungus called Candida albicans. This fungus is normally found in people’s mouths, intestines and vaginas.

How You Catch It:
  • The fungus can be passed back and forth when people have sexual intercourse, oral sex or anal sex. It can also start growing for other reasons. For instance, some people get yeast symptoms when they are pregnant, or have diabetes.
When Symptoms Show:
  • Any time.
Signs of Infection:
  • A woman will have a discharge from her vagina that is white and looks like cottage cheese. Her vagina may itch or burn. A man can have a rash on his penis, and it may itch or burn. Babies can get a yeast infection in the mouth and throat.
Tests:
  • Liquid from the woman’s vagina or the man’s penis can be checked under a microscope, or other tests can be done.
Treatment:
  • There is medicine in the form of a cream or suppository for the woman to use in her vagina. A man can use the cream on his penis. It is available without a prescription. Be sure that you do have yeast before treating yourself.
Other:
  • A woman should wear cotton underpants, or nylons with a cotton crotch, if she keeps getting yeast infections, she should have a doctor check for diabetes.
For more information:
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