I e-mailed patients with this a while ago – thought you might find it useful!

In the past 2 weeks I have seen more vaginal yeast infections than usual, so thought I would share some facts with you to keep the hot weather days more comfortable.

Monilia or yeast (also called candida) affect more than 75% of women at some time or other. More women get yeast in warmer weather. Moisture trapped by synthetic clothing or wet bathing suits helps yeast grow. If you have had a yeast infection, wash panties in very hot water, as it may survive laundering in cold or warm water. Don't wear panties to bed - allow air to circulate around you.

And, I found these little tidbits from a study done in 1996 - having receptive oral sex (he to you) twice or more in the previous 2 weeks triples the risk of a yeast infection, since 1/3 of all adults carry yeast in the mouth. The study also found that use of spermicide increases the risk because it disrupts the normal vaginal environment, as does douching and taking antibiotics.

Typical symptoms of yeast are severe itching, redness, irritation, small cracks in the sensitive skin which causes pain, and a thick white odorless curdy discharge (not all symptoms are always present).

Yeast is not usually sexually transmitted, but males may develop a rash and itching on the penis, especially if not circumcised. Men can also use a yeast infection cream (an antifungal) on the affected area. Some antifungal creams are oil-based and can weaken condoms. Hope this makes your life a little healthier, remember your sun block and drink lots of water (whatever happened to Kool-Aid?).

If any of you have a special question or topic you would like me to address, let me know!

Lynne Fiore, NP