Candidiasis, commonly known as yeast, can infect a woman's vagina. It is not necessarily sexually transmitted. The symptoms include itching, burning of the vaginal opening, pain with sex, and pain during urination. To treat it, if it is your first infection, see your doctor. There are creams and ovules at the drugstore that treat it very easily. To prevent future infections, clean the vaginal area from front to back, avoid bubble baths, avoid deodorant tampons and pads, use white toilet paper and urinate before and after having sex. Taking birth control pills or antibiotics can sometimes cause frequent yeast infections.

For more information contact Public Health Clinic Services at 519-355-1071 or online at CKhealth@chatham-kent.ca