Yeast-Infection Study Uncovers Surprises

Sooner or later, two out of three women get a vaginal yeast infection (or candidiasis), a condition marked by itching, burning and discharge.

Now, researchers have uncovered a little-known risk factor and have found that some commonly blamed practices might not play a role. In a study of nearly 700 women published recently in the journal Epidemiology, receptive oral sex was found to triple the risk of vaginal yeast infections. Because some adults carry yeast in their oral cavity, the act may provide an easy transmission route.

Use of certain contraceptives within the previous two weeks also increased risk, with spermicide tripling it and the pill doubling it.

But some factors traditionally associated with yeast infections had little or no effect, such as recent use of antibiotics, type of underwear worn, use of feminine hygiene sprays, vaginal intercourse, masturbation and number of partners.

* Sources: Betsy Foxman, associate professor of epidemiology at the University of Michigan School of Public Health; Ann M. Geiger, researcher at Kaiser Permanente, Southern California.