Expert: Kristen Brannock, MPH - 1/31/2009

Question
Hi,

I have a question regarding yeast infections and HIV.  I have had 3 yeast infections in 6 months.  I was tested for HIV after I got the first yeast infection which was 6 months ago and was negative.  I was tested for HIV 2.5 months after my last sexual relationship.  And then again at 3 months which was negative.  I have been with a new partner for 6 months.  I heard that recurrent vaginal yesat infections are a early sign in women that they have HIV, but this usually occurs late in infection.  I went in for another HIV test and I find out in ten days.  I am extremely worried that I have HIV, as I keep having these infections.  I am completely healthy otherwise, no other health problems.  My yeast infections always occur before or after my period.  I am so scared that I have HIV.

Please let me know what you think?

Answer
You have repeatedly tested negative so you really should not worry. Yes, recurrent yeast infections can happen when infected with HIV but they can also happen for tons of other reasons, such as the following:

- not wearing cotton underwear
- not changing from workout clothes as soon as workout is finished
- not changing from swimsuit as soon as swimming is finished
- using soap that contains perfume or dyes

Also, women can get other vaginal infections that aren't yeast infections. As long as the doctor has tested and is sure it is yeast, that's fine- but if you are diagnosing at home, you may have something else, such as bacterial vaginosis. Yeast infection medicine won't clear that up so it would seem like the infection keeps coming back.

I actually had this problem when I was in college and it freaked me out too. It was a huge inconvenience but I finally found out that my infections were linked with the kind of condom I was using and the kind of lubricant. Once I started using unlubricated condoms with astroglide, things got better. I had to try different lubricants to find the right one. Astroglide has less chemicals in it that the others.

Try some of the above but dont waste anymore time worrying about HIV.