Dear Reader,

Yes, this is something worth your attention. For one, as far as your girlfriend's health and well-being are affected, a yeast infection, while a relatively benign problem, can be uncomfortable. Yeast, most commonly of the candida albicans species, reside naturally in warm, moist areas, like the vagina. When conditions allow, for example, when the body's natural pH balance is upset, yeast can begin to grow profusely, thus causing a yeast infection.

It is possible to transfer yeast to a sexual partner. Until the yeast are gone, they can take up residence in your urethra and/or mouth and throat (in a healthy adult, oral yeast is very rare). You could then, in turn, pass the yeast back to your girlfriend. An oral yeast infection is called thrush. It typically causes creamy colored sore patches in the mouth. You may also have a sore throat. Genitally, a male yeast infection may cause itching, dry skin, and burning when you pee.

Yeast infections usually clear up with topical antifungal treatment. You may think that using condoms or dams for sex can prevent sharing a yeast infection with your partner. However, it's best to delay sex until after treatment has been completed. For one thing, antifungal medications have been known to destroy latex condoms, and, likely, polyurethane ones as well. Sex also makes the inflammation worse. Of course, you may feel too sore from your infection to have sex anyway.

If you think you have a yeast infection, call x4-2284 to make an appointment with a provider in Primary Care Medical Services. If you are not a Columbia student, make an appointment with your primary health care provider.

Alice

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