Itching and irritation in the vagina and vulva. A burning sensation, especially during intercourse or while urinating. Redness and swelling of the vulva. Vaginal pain and soreness.
Fortunately, most yeast infections are not serious. Left untreated, yeast infections will usually go away on their own, but the severe itching can be hard to tolerate for some.
There is often little or no vaginal discharge; if present, discharge is typically white and clumpy (curd-like) or thin and watery. Symptoms of a yeast infection are similar to a number of other conditions. A physical examination and laboratory testing are needed to determine the cause of symptoms.
Complications of untreated yeast infections
If left untreated, vaginal candidiasis will most likely get worse, causing itching, redness, and inflammation in the area surrounding your vagina. This may lead to a skin infection if the inflamed area becomes cracked, or if continual scratching creates open or raw areas.
Diagnosing a Yeast Infection: Signs to Look for
Thick, white discharge (the texture of cottage cheese) Burning feeling especially when peeing or having sex. Vaginal pain, redness and swelling.
With yeast infections, discharge is usually thick, white, and odorless. You may also have a white coating in and around your vagina. With bacterial vaginosis, you may have vaginal discharge that's grayish, foamy, and smells fishy. (But it's also common for BV to have no symptoms.)
Most yeast infections lead to itching, burning, and/or redness in or around the vagina. Vaginal itching usually gets worse the longer you have the infection. Sex may be uncomfortable or painful. In extreme cases, you can get fissures or sores on your vagina or vulva.
Symptoms of a Yeast Infection
A burning sensation in the vaginal area. Redness, soreness, or irritation in and around the vagina. Vaginal discharge ranging from thin and watery to thick and curd-like.
The fungus candida albicans is responsible for most vaginal yeast infections. Your vagina naturally contains a balanced mix of yeast, including candida, and bacteria. Certain bacteria (lactobacillus) act to prevent an overgrowth of yeast.
Mild yeast infections may clear up in as few as three days. Sometimes, they don't even require treatment. However, moderate to severe infections may take one to two weeks to clear.
You could have a thin white or gray vaginal discharge. There may be an odor, such as a strong fish-like odor, especially after sex. Yeast infections produce a thick, white discharge from the vagina that can look like cottage cheese. The discharge can be watery and often has no smell.
You can treat most vaginal yeast infections with an over-the-counter vaginal cream or suppository. Most large drugstores and supermarkets sell them. Many yeast infection treatments come in 1-day, 3-day, and 7-day strengths.
What causes vaginal itching? Infections might be the cause. You may have bacterial vaginosis, a yeast infection, or an STI. Menopause-related hormonal changes, diabetes, or skin conditions are other possible causes.
Mild yeast infections may clear up in as few as three days. Sometimes, they don't even require treatment. But moderate to severe infections may take one to two weeks to clear.
A lack of regular hygiene practices, such as daily showers and brushing your teeth, or a constantly damp environment can also lead to chronic yeast infections. You're also at risk of recurring yeast infections if you have a weakened immune system. The following can weaken your immune system: age.
Yeast infection symptoms can range from mild to moderate, and include: Itching and irritation in the vagina and vulva. A burning sensation, especially during intercourse or while urinating.
The best treatment to get rid of most yeast infections comes down to medicated creams or a pill. Studies show that these creams and the oral pill, fluconazole, both work more than 90% of the time. Uncomplicated yeast infections usually respond to treatment within a couple of days.
Signs and Symptoms of Yeast Infections
Burning sensation, especially while urinating or during sexual intercourse. Itching and irritation in the vagina and vulva. Redness and swelling of the vulva. Thick, white or grayish vaginal discharge that resembles cottage cheese.
1. Incubation. The incubation stage includes the time from exposure to an infectious agent until the onset of symptoms. Viral or bacterial particles replicate during the incubation stage.