Yeast Infection or STD

DR HASLINDA BINTI MOHD DAUD, CONSULTANT OBSTETRICIAN AND GYNAECOLOGIST

IS IT A YEAST INFECTION OR STD?

A vaginal yeast infection (also known as Candidiasis) is a fungal infection due to Candida (a type of yeast). It induces a unique thick, curdy, cheese-like white discharge which can itch and burn.

A yeast infection is not usually transmitted from person to person. Therefore, it is not considered to be a sexually transmitted diseases (STD).

It is relatively easy to differentiate a yeast infection from a STD such as vaginal herpes. In herpes, the patient will have painful genital sores. However, other STDs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea and trichomoniasis may also present with abnormal vaginal discharge with itching and burning – similar to a yeast infection.

Therefore, it is important to note the different characteristics between STDs and a yeast infection as the treatments differ. Undiagnosed and untreated chlamydia and gonorrhea can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease and subsequently, cause infertility. The differences are as follows:

1. Trichomoniasis
   Thin clear, white, yellowish or greenish discharge with a fishy smell. There is discomfort when peeing.

2. Chlamydia
   Induces a white, yellow, or green discharge.

3. Gonorrhea
   Induces a white or green discharge.