Dear wifey06,

A yeast infection (also called candidiasis) is an overgrowth of bacteria that causes vaginal irritation or vaginitis. All healthy women have a certain kind of yeast in their vaginas, but sometimes it grows too much. Symptoms of a yeast infection include a thick, white, odorless vaginal discharge and itching, irritation, and redness of the vulva and the opening of the vagina.

Yeast infections must be diagnosed and treated by a clinician. There are over-the-counter medications available for women who have had professional guidance about how to recognize and be sure of the symptoms. Otherwise, it is necessary to meet with a clinician because it is easy for a woman to think she has a yeast infection when she may really have a more dangerous infection or condition.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.