Hi BeingGirl Experts,

I have been experiencing some discomfort in the vaginal area, like itching and burning sensations. I think it might be a yeast infection, but I have not had sex for five months. Is there any chance it could be some kind of infection? Is there any relationship between sex and a yeast infection? Could you help me out a little bit with this here?

Thanks in advance,

LGL

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Dear LGL,

Girls, teens and women get yeast infections.

Yeast infections happen for many reasons. Some medications (antibiotics is one type) are a common reason for yeast infections. Illness, diabetes, stress, hormonal changes, birth control pills, and pregnancy are other reasons. You can get a yeast infection at any age, and you don't have to have sexual contact to have one. A yeast infection is not a sexually-transmitted infection (STI).

If this is the first time you have experienced these symptoms you need to check with your doctor/health care provider. When you have a yeast infection your healthcare provider can prescribe a one-dose pill to cure the infection. If you get another yeast infection, you will recognize the symptoms and be able to buy an over-the-counter medication to treat the infection.

Hope this is helpful,

Your BeingGirl Experts