I've had a yeast infection on and off for a year. I've been to the doctor and taken a prescription, but it never really goes away. Can having sex pass it back and forth? My boyfriend has never been treated, but he has no signs of it. What do I need to do?
- Stef*

Yeast infections aren't considered STDs because lots of people get them without having sex. But yeast infections can be associated with sexual activity.

Guys can be infected with the candida fungus (the fungus that causes yeast infections), although they may or may not show any symptoms. But treating a partner isn't enough when it comes to stopping the infection in you. Your best bet is to go back to the doctor and let him or her know your medication isn't working. You may need a different type of treatment.

Although it's not common, a yeast infection can occasionally be a sign of another problem, like diabetes or an immune system deficiency. And sometimes what seems like a yeast infection could actually be something else. These are all things a doctor will be able to determine once he or she knows that initial treatment didn't really help.

Reviewed by: Larissa Hirsch, MD
Date reviewed: October 2010

* Names have been changed to protect user privacy.