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Cross Street Medical Clinic offers all relevant screening tests and treatments for Candidiasis. Speak to our doctors today about what you may need. Female doctors are available by appointment. We ensure patient privacy and confidentiality for all discussions, tests and treatments.
What is Candidiasis
Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by yeasts (that belong to the genus Candida). Candida yeasts may be found in the intestinal tract, on mucus membranes and skin.
More than 20 species of Candida can cause infection in humans – Candida albicans is the most common species. Candidiasis develops when there is an overgrowth of candida yeasts, often triggered by other medical conditions.
Candidiasis is not considered a sexually transmitted disease .
How do we contract Candidiasis
1)Â Candidiasis in the mouth or throat
This is called thrush and common among children less than one month old, the elderly, and those with weak immune systems.
Candidiasis is more common in people with weak immune system. Risk factors include:
• HIV/AIDS
• Cancer (particularly leukemia and lymphoma)
• Chemotherapy
• After organ transplantation
• Diabetes
• Prolonged use of high dose corticosteroids
Other common conditions that increase risk of oral candidiasis include:
• Use of dentures
• Following antibiotic use
• Prolonged use of inhaled steroids e.g., asthma or sinusitis
• Smoking
• Medications and/or medical conditions that cause dry mouth
2)Â Candidiasis in the vagina
Candidiasis in the vagina is called vaginal yeast infection, vulvovaginal candidiasis or candida vaginitis. Although common, conditions that increase risk of vulvovaginal candidiasis include:
• Pregnancy
• Taking hormonal contraceptives (e.g., birth control pills)
• Following antibiotic use
• Weak immune system (see above)
3)Â Invasive candidiasis
Individuals at risk for invasive candidiasis include:
• Low birth weight babies
• People recovering from surgery
• People admitted to an intensive care units (ICU)
• Those with an otherwise weak/compromised immune systems (see above)
How can we tell that we may have Candidiasis
Symptoms of candidiasis vary, depending on the site of infection.
1)Â Candidiasis in the mouth or throat
• White patches on the inner cheeks, tongue and roof of the mouth and throat
• Redness and soreness in the mouth or throat
• Pain while eating and swallowing
• Loss of taste
• Cracking and redness at the corners of the mouth
2)Â Candidiasis in the vagina
• Vaginal itching or soreness/burning
• Pain during sex
• Pain or discomfort when urinating
• A white “cottage cheese-like” discharge from the vagina
Candidiasis of the penis is less common and typically present with an itchy rash.
3)Â Invasive candidiasis
Very rarely, yeast infections become invasive, spreading to other parts of the body. Fever is the most common symptom of invasive candidiasis, with other symptoms related to specific part of the body infected (e.g., blood, heart, brain, eyes, and bones).
Testing for Candidiasis
esting can be done in several ways:
• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT/NAT)
• Gram stain and/or culture from a vaginal or an oral swab
Cross Street Medical offers all relevant candidiasis screening tests. Speak to our doctors about what you may need. Female doctors are available by appointment.
What is the treatment for Candidiasis
Candidiasis is treated with antifungal medication.Depending on the location of the infection, medication may be given as a vaginal pessary, oral medication, creams or oral suspensions.
Cross Street Medical offers all relevant treatments for candidiasis. Speak to our doctors about what you may need. Female doctors are available by appointment.