Oral thrush and vaginal yeast infections are both caused by a naturally occurring fungus known as Candida albicans. The conditions referred to respectively as oral candidiasis and vaginal candidiasis, occur when a breakdown of the immune system provides the fungus an opportunity to thrive. The evidence of this remains split, with some studies suggesting a risk in women but not men, while others conclude that the risk, if any, is negligible. Candidiasis is simply the overgrowth of the C. The infection is considered opportunistic in that it only occurs when the usual controls are disrupted.

HPV and Oropharyngeal Cancer



Does Mouthwash Reduce Risk of Oral STDs?
Nearly 20 million new cases of sexually transmitted diseases affect people in the United States each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. With these highly preventable diseases often come symptoms that affect your entire body — including your mouth. Not all people who are infected will go on to have symptoms. If a person with a sexually transmitted infection STI develops symptoms, they are then considered to have a sexually transmitted disease STD. While not all STDs are curable, they are treatable. Your dentist is an important part of your healthcare team. Use this guide to learn how these infections can impact your mouth.


8 Common Oral Infections
You might be surprised to learn that the sexually transmitted human papilloma virus HPV is a leading cause of throat cancers, and it spreads from person to person via oral sex. You likely think of cervical cancer when you hear about the rising incidence of human papilloma virus HPV. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services.



Bacterial vaginosis is caused by a disruption in the balance of healthy bacteria in the vagina. Types of bacteria that normally exist in small amounts begin to multiply, causing foul smells, discharge, and irritations that can become a daily frustration. Scientific research has proven that sexual partners who practice oral sex have a greater risk of bacterial vaginosis BV. It is possible to get BV without having sex. However, both vaginal intercourse and oral sex can increase your risk of BV.