It can feel like itching or maybe even burning. Or you may have swelling so extreme, it leads to sores. Whether your symptoms are mild or severe, a yeast infection can be uncomfortable.
Also known as vaginal candidiasis, yeast infections are caused by a fungus. It generally causes your vagina and vulva (the tissues at the opening of the vagina) to itch. You may also have a discharge.
Yeast infections are common. Three of every four women get one in their lifetime. And many women have more than one.
Knowing how to spot the signs and symptoms of a yeast infection can help you get the most effective treatment.
• Common Symptoms
If you have a vaginal yeast infection, you’ll most likely have extreme itching in and around your vagina; this is the most common symptom. Aside from itching, you might also have:
- A burning feeling, especially when you urinate or during sex
- Swelling and redness around your vulva
- Pain and soreness in your vagina
- A vaginal rash
You might also have a vaginal discharge. It could be:
- Watery
- Thick, white, and odorless, resembling cottage cheese
• Signs of a Complicated Infection
Sometimes the symptoms of a yeast infection can be more serious and require extra care. You might need a longer course of treatment or a plan to keep the infection from coming back.
You can get a more complicated infection if:
- You’re pregnant
- You have uncontrolled diabetes
- Your immune system is weakened by medications you’re taking or a health condition like HIV
- Your infection might also be more complicated if it’s caused by a different type of fungus than what commonly causes yeast infections.
Signs of a complicated infection include:
- Symptoms (such as redness, swelling, and itching) so severe that it causes tears or sores
- A recurrence of yeast infection four or more times in a year
• When to See a Doctor
Sometimes the symptoms of a yeast infection can be more serious and require extra care. You might need a longer course of treatment or a plan to keep the infection from coming back.
You can get a more complicated infection if:
- You’re pregnant
- You have uncontrolled diabetes
- Your immune system is weakened by medications you’re taking or a health condition like HIV
- Your infection might also be more complicated if it’s caused by a different type of fungus than what commonly causes yeast infections.
Signs of a complicated infection include:
- Symptoms (such as redness, swelling, and itching) so severe that it causes tears or sores
- A recurrence of yeast infection four or more times in a year