Vaginal yeast infections create a distinctive set of symptoms that women often recognize once they’ve experienced them. After treating countless yeast infections throughout my career, I can help you identify the key signs and understand when treatment is needed.
The hallmark symptom is intense itching in and around the vagina and vulva. This itching is typically much more severe than what you’d experience with other vaginal conditions. Women often describe it as unbearable, especially at night, and it doesn’t improve with typical soothing measures.
Vaginal discharge changes significantly during a yeast infection. The classic description is thick, white, “cottage cheese-like” discharge that doesn’t have a strong odor. However, not all women experience this exact type of discharge—some have increased discharge that’s still white but thinner in consistency.
Burning sensations occur in several ways:
- Burning during urination (often mistaken for a UTI)
- Burning or stinging in the vaginal area
- Pain during sexual intercourse
Vulvar symptoms include redness, swelling, and irritation of the external genital area. The vulva may appear inflamed and feel tender to touch.
Additional symptoms some women experience:
- Raw, cracked skin around the vulva from scratching
- Soreness in the vaginal area
- Rash on the vulva
- Pain or discomfort when inserting tampons
Important distinctions: Unlike bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections typically don’t cause a strong, fishy odor. The discharge usually has a mild, yeasty smell or no significant odor at all.
Symptoms that suggest you should seek medical evaluation:
- First-time symptoms (to confirm it’s actually a yeast infection)
- Recurrent infections (more than 4 per year)
- Symptoms that don’t improve with over-the-counter treatments
- Fever or pelvic pain accompanying vaginal symptoms
- Unusual discharge color (greenish or gray)
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, ChatRx can help confirm whether you likely have a yeast infection and recommend appropriate treatment options.
