Common symptoms of a yeast infection include itching and burning of the vagina and vulva and a white discharge that can resemble cottage cheese. Yeast infections are very common, as about 75% of women get at least one infection at some point in their lives and about half of women have two or more yeast infections.
What Other Common Symptoms Could I Experience?
Additional symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection include:
- Redness or swelling of the vagina and vulva
- Pain during urination
- Pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse
- General soreness in the vaginal area
- Watery vaginal discharge
What Are the Signs of a Complicated Yeast Infection?
Most yeast infections are only moderately uncomfortable. These are also easy to treat. You can even handle them with over-the-counter medications. However, you may experience a complicated yeast infection that is more uncomfortable and difficult to treat.
You may have a complicated yeast infection if
- You are pregnant
- You have a weakened immune system
- You have uncontrolled diabetes
- You get four or more yeast infections every year
- Your yeast infection is the result of a fungus other than Candida albicans
- You experience severe symptoms that lead to sores or vaginal tears
What Should I Do If I Have Symptoms of a Yeast Infection?
If you have a common yeast infection and you’ve experienced this issue before, you can generally treat it with an over-the-counter suppository or antifungal cream. If this is your first yeast infection, you have symptoms of a complicated yeast infection, or you’re not sure about the diagnosis, you should visit your local medical provider. You should also see your medical provider if over-the-counter treatments do not work.