Can Candida Be Spread to Another Person?

Candida, commonly known as a yeast infection, causes itching and burning when it grows out of control on some surfaces of the body, including the genitals, mouth and nipples.

Organism

• The organism behind the infection is Candida albicans, a fungus that normally lives in the body at low levels but can cause problems when it overgrows.

Sexual Contact

• Candida infections often occur in the vaginal tract of women, leading to a white lumpy discharge and burning or itching. It can be passed via sexual contact to a male or female partner. In males, it is often asymptomatic and can be passed back to the woman after she has been treated.

Birth

• Pregnant women are highly prone to yeast infections because of their hormone fluctuations. During passage through the birth canal, babies can acquire the infection from their mom.

Baby to Mother

• If a baby catches a candida infection from his mother during birth or if he develops a natural overgrowth on his own, this is usually in the form of oral thrush, a candida infection of his mouth. Oral thrush can be passed to a breastfeeding mother's nipples, leading to itching and burning in the breast.

Treatment

• Candida can be treated with over-the-counter topical medications, suppositories for the vaginal area or oral medication. If another individual is likely to have candida that could be passed back to the symptomatic person, they should be treated even if they themselves are asymptomatic.