Yeast infection, vagina
What are the symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection?
The most common symptom of a yeast infection is a discharge from your vagina.
This is usually thick and white (a bit like cottage cheese). But some women get a discharge that is watery.
1
Source:
Anderson MR, Klink K, Cohrssen A.
Evaluation of vaginal complaints.
Journal of the American Medical Association. 2004; 291: 1368-1379.
Anderson MR, Klink K, Cohrssen A.
Evaluation of vaginal complaints.
Journal of the American Medical Association. 2004; 291: 1368-1379.
Your symptoms might be mild and not bother you. Or you may find your symptoms cause you a lot of discomfort and keep coming
back.
The area outside your vagina may also feel sore and itchy. The skin might be red and cause you discomfort. You may find it
hurts or burns when you pass urine or have sex.
A lot of women feel they can diagnose and treat yeast infections themselves, especially if they've had one before. But research
has shown that 1 in 2 women who diagnose themselves as having a yeast infection do not actually have one.
2
Source:
Ferris DG, Nyirjesy P, Sobel JD, et al.
Over the counter antifungal drug misuse associated with patient-diagnosed vulvovaginal candidiasis.
Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2002; 99: 419-425.
Ferris DG, Nyirjesy P, Sobel JD, et al.
Over the counter antifungal drug misuse associated with patient-diagnosed vulvovaginal candidiasis.
Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2002; 99: 419-425.
If you have symptoms for the first time, or if you are unsure whether your symptoms are caused by a yeast infection, it's
best to visit your doctor. He or she will be able to find out if you have a yeast infection.
Other infections can cause similar symptoms to a yeast infection. But you need different treatments for these other infections.
So it's important for the doctor to find out what is causing your symptoms.
Your doctor will want to examine your vagina. He or she can also order a test to find out what is causing your vaginal infection.
Your doctor or nurse may take a swab of discharge from your vagina to be sent to the laboratory.
If your symptoms keep coming back, it's important to go back to the doctor to check that the symptoms are caused by a yeast
infection. Some women get symptoms returning for other reasons, such as an
allergy. So it's important you get the right diagnosis.
3
allergy
If you have an allergy to something, your body overreacts when you're around it. The thing you are allergic to is called an allergen. Most allergens are harmless to most people. But if you're allergic to something, your body's system for fighting infection (your immune system) is too sensitive to that allergen. It triggers changes that we call allergic reactions. For example, pollen is an allergen for many people. If you're allergic to pollen, you'll sneeze and have runny eyes when pollen is in the air.
If you have an allergy to something, your body overreacts when you're around it. The thing you are allergic to is called an allergen. Most allergens are harmless to most people. But if you're allergic to something, your body's system for fighting infection (your immune system) is too sensitive to that allergen. It triggers changes that we call allergic reactions. For example, pollen is an allergen for many people. If you're allergic to pollen, you'll sneeze and have runny eyes when pollen is in the air.
Source:
Sobel JD.
Vulvovaginal candidiasis.
In: Holmes KK, Mardh P-A, Sparling PF, et al (editors). Sexually transmitted diseases. 3rd edition. McGraw-Hill, New York, USA; 1999.
Sobel JD.
Vulvovaginal candidiasis.
In: Holmes KK, Mardh P-A, Sparling PF, et al (editors). Sexually transmitted diseases. 3rd edition. McGraw-Hill, New York, USA; 1999.
Sources for the information on this page:
- Anderson MR, Klink K, Cohrssen A.Evaluation of vaginal complaints.Journal of the American Medical Association. 2004; 291: 1368-1379.
- Ferris DG, Nyirjesy P, Sobel JD, et al.Over the counter antifungal drug misuse associated with patient-diagnosed vulvovaginal candidiasis.Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2002; 99: 419-425.
- Sobel JD.Vulvovaginal candidiasis.In: Holmes KK, Mardh P-A, Sparling PF, et al (editors). Sexually transmitted diseases. 3rd edition. McGraw-Hill, New York, USA; 1999.
This information was last updated on Jan 09, 2009
This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2009. All rights reserved.
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2009. All rights reserved.
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Source: ConsumerReportsHealth.org Copyright © 2005-2008 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc.
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