Vaginal yeast infections can trigger overwhelmingly uncomfortable, distracting symptoms. There’s the itchy vagina, smelly urine and red vaginal irritation. But once you’re familiar with the symptoms, you can seek the proper vaginal yeast infection treatment and feel better fast.
Here are the symptoms to watch for. Plus, how Dr. B can help you treat a yeast infection online through a virtual health assessment.
Vaginal yeast infections are fungal infections of the vaginal area. (They’re also called vulvovaginal candidiasis.) But yeast infections can occur on and around the penis, too.
Yeast infections are caused by the fungus Candida. Candida is a species of yeast regularly found in small amounts on the skin or in the mouth, intestines, throat or vagina. When Candida grows too much and upsets the vagina’s bacterial balance, a vaginal yeast infection happens.
This imbalance can be caused by:
You don’t necessarily need to have any of these factors—anyone can get a yeast infection at any time. Around 75% of people with vaginas will get at least one yeast infection in their lifetime. So knowing what the symptoms look like can help you get the right treatment when you need it.
In most cases, the symptoms of a yeast infection are relatively mild. But if left untreated, they can become more severe or lead to health issues like skin infections, fatigue or invasive candidiasis—a much more serious fungal infection.
The most common symptoms of yeast infection include:
Not everyone experiences the same yeast infection symptoms. Some people experience no symptoms at all. But you may notice:
Less common symptoms include sores or blisters often accompanied by rash or redness. In this case, consult your medical provider right away. These can be symptoms of common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like herpes.
Yeast infections can affect areas other than the vagina. The penis may develop redness, itching, areas of shiny skin, moist skin or a thick, white substance in skin folds. Yeast infections in the mouth (called thrush) can create raised, white lesions on the tongue or inner cheeks. Or a red and itchy rash may appear in any part of the skin—usually in skin folds.
Common yeast infection symptoms like itching, irritation and a thick vaginal discharge can look similar to symptoms of other vaginal conditions, making diagnosis difficult. These other conditions include:
These conditions require specific treatments. If you’re unsure of your condition, talk to a medical provider. They can help determine what’s going on and prescribe the proper treatment.
If you’re experiencing uncomfortable yeast infection symptoms, help is one hassle-free consultation away!
Start a health assessment for vaginal yeast infection treatment online—no phone or video call necessary. Dr. B will connect you with a licensed medical provider. They’ll review your assessment and, if appropriate, send a prescription for a suppository or pill for yeast infection to your chosen local pharmacy.
Dr. B’s online health services are only $15 for paying patients. We also offer a No-Cost Care program for those who financially qualify. So don’t suffer from itchy, painful symptoms. Get started today.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2013). Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (VVC).