Dear kaerin,

It is probably best to avoid inserting anything into the vagina — including a penis, finger, or tampon — when a woman has a yeast infection, because this may cause the infection to further irritate the vagina. Swimming is not a problem, but a girl should be sure to thoroughly dry her vulva after getting out of the water.

Yeast infections (also called candidiasis) are an overgrowth of bacteria that cause vaginal irritation or vaginitis. All healthy women have yeast in their vaginas, but sometimes this yeast grows too much.

A woman who thinks she has a yeast infection should visit a clinician for an accurate diagnosis. There are vaginal infections besides yeast that share similar symptoms of itchiness, painfulness, and discharge. Treatments may include either prescription or over-the-counter medication.

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.