What are the symptoms of a vaginal discharge?
The most common symptoms of a vaginal discharge are:
* Vaginal itching.
* Irritated genital skin.
* White vaginal discharge that is usually curdlike and odorless.
* Pain or burning in the genital area with urination or sexual intercourse.
Symptoms of a vaginal discharge are more likely to occur during the week before a menstrual period.
How is a vaginal yeast infection diagnosed?
Vaginal itching and a white vaginal discharge that is odorless and looks like cottage cheese usually indicates a vaginal yeast infection. If your vaginal symptoms are not typical of a yeast infection, your health professional may recommend a vaginal exam and may culture the discharge to see whether another type of organism is present.
Can a vaginal yeast infection be treated at home?
Nonprescription vaginal medications are available. If you have had a previous vaginal yeast infection and are certain your present symptoms are the same as during the previous infection, you can try these medications.
Vaginal yeast infections often occur in pregnancy. Pregnant women should not use nonprescription medications without discussing their symptoms with their health professional.
Can vaginal yeast infections recur?
Yes. A yeast infection is considered to be recurrent if you have four or more infections within 1 year. The infections must be severe enough to cause symptoms and cannot be caused by taking antibiotics. A culture should be done to confirm the presence of yeast, and you should be tested for underlying conditions, such as diabetes.
Could vaginal symptoms be related to something else?
Vaginal yeast infections are the second most common type of vaginal infection after bacterial vaginosis, which may have similar symptoms. Trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted disease (STD), is the third most common type of vaginal infection. Other sexually transmitted diseases may cause vaginal symptoms similar to a yeast infection and vaginal discharge.
