Dear Doctor,
Is yeast infection a sexually transmitted disease?
Charity

THE commonest yeast infection is candidiasis. It is a common fungal infection caused by overgrowth of candida — naturally occurring yeast.
Though it can be spread through sexual intercourse, candida is not considered a sexually transmitted infection.

In fact, it is a very common infection among women and has tendencies of reoccurrence. Pregnancy, mismanaged diabetes and a weakened immune system are some of the common causes.

Yeast infections should be treated immediately, and if you are sexually active and your partner is having symptoms, he or she should also seek treatment and practise good hygiene.