Question:

When women infected with HIV experience frequent yeast infections, do they eventually stop happening? I keep reading they can be an early sign of HIV. About 7 years ago I was getting yeast infections at least once a month. We determined my partner was indeed infected with a yeast infection and kept giving it back to me. He took Flagyl and everything seemed fine after that. Since our break up (about 5 years ago) I've had maybe 3 or 4 total, usually right after my period.

I guess my real question is if they were HIV related, would I still be getting them frequently? Also know that I am not attempting to diagnose myself with any of this. I took a test last week and should have the results tomorrow. I'm just looking for answers to questions I have.
Thank you.

Answer provided by:

Lisa Capaldini, M.D.
Internal Medicine

Can HIV be a cause of frequent yeast infections: Yes. Should HIV be ruled out with an HIV test in women with frequent yeast infections: Yes. Do most women with recurrent yeast infections have HIV: NO!!!!!

So, it's good you've gotten HIV tested and more likely than not, your HIV test will be negative. Then the question is why are you getting recurrent yeast infections. In many causes, a specific cause or problem is not uncovered. Occasionally diabetes (high blood sugar) can manifest as recurrent yeast infections, and women who take antibiotics frequently often have yeast infections. But in most cases recurrent yeast problems are a poorly understood annoyance.

Some researchers think that the underlying problem in some women may be the "ecology" of their vagina: that is, certain environmental factors in the vagina (pH,or acidity; dryness; the presence or absence of normal vaginal bacteria) may determine whether women are predisposed to vaginal yeast infections or not. Whoever figures this out will not only possibly win the Nobel Prize, but also the gratitude of generations of women!

In the interim, there are some strategies that often do the trick--eating lots of yogurt with lactobacillus in it, taking oral anti-yeast medicines for several weeks, avoiding using tampons, etc. Ideally, you should be evaluated by a clinician who is experienced in treating gynecological infections: Usually my patients and I can find something that works.

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation and donations from users like you.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright © 1980, 2011. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content.