Chronic yeast infections...did my boyfriend cheat on me?

Vaginal yeast infections (soor vaginale) are caused by Candida albicans. Candida normally lives in the large intestines as a saprophyte. Further, an infection with Candida can be either endogenous or exogenous. During the endogenous type, yeast originates from the rectum, which is called a recto-vaginal contamination. During the exogenous type, yeast is imported via sex, or is sexually transmitted. When yeasts reach the vagina (no matter which way), the condition is considered as contamination not, an infection. The vagina has protective mechanisms that prevent yeast infection. But in some circumstances those protective mechanisms fail,and the yeasts start to multiply. Contamination can then transform into infection. Such circumstances are: pregnancy, diabetes mellitus, using oral contraceptives, using antibiotics, using corticosteroids, immune system deficits etc. That’s why a vaginal yeast infection is not considered a typical sexually transmitted disease.


A vaginal yeast infection can be either acute or chronic (reoccurring):


Acute infections manifest with genital itching, painful urination and vaginal discharge with an acidic smell.


Chronic infections manifest with vaginal discharge and genital itching. Symptoms usually increase around the menstrual period or after sex. Sexual partners of the women with chronic vaginal infections usually experience an infection of the penis after sex.


Treatment of vaginal yeast infection uses local antimycotic drugs (clotrimasol for ex.) for acute infections. To prevent sexual re-infection the partner should be also treated with local antimycotic creams. Chronic infection is treated with both local and oral antimycotic drugs.


It seems that you are experiencing a chronic vaginal yeast infection. Even if your partner is cheating on you with another woman, vaginal yeast infections are not considered a typical sexually transmitted disease. You should consult your gynecologist about this vaginal infection.