Vaginal Yeast Infection Symptoms & Causes

A vaginal yeast infection, known as thrush or vaginal candidiasis,  is caused by a fungus called Candida. Candida is a part of your vaginal microflora, along with bacteria. When the balance between yeast and bacteria is disturbed, yeast overgrows causing unpleasant symptoms.

5 most common signs of a vaginal yeast infection:

• Your vagina and vulva become red, itchy and swollen

• You may feel pain during sexual intercourse

• You may get a burning sensation while urinating

• Vaginal discharge, although not always present, is either transparent and watery or thick and white, like cottage cheese and it smells like yeast

• In severe cases, you will notice cracked, sometimes bleeding skin around your vulva and vagina

• Men with genital yeast infection may experience an itchy rash on the penis

The symptoms of vaginal yeast infection are similar to those of many other genital infections, so you should see your doctor if you notice any of these symptoms.

A bacterial infection of the vagina is also itchy and painful, but the discharge is usually dark yellow, green, or brown. It’s got an unpleasant, fishy smell, particularly after having sex. Bacterial vaginosis is usually treated with prescription antibiotics.

Read More:

• Bacterial Vaginosis vs. Yeast Infection

• Trichomoniasis vs. Yeast Infection

• Chlamydia vs. Yeast Infection

• Gonorrhea vs. Yeast Infection

Symptoms of yeast infection in men:

• Itchy and sore skin on the head of the penis

• Scattered bumps with white pus-looking heads

• White discharge

• Burning sensation after sexual intercourse

Read more:

• How to cure a male yeast infection?

What causes vaginal yeast infections?

• Drinking alcohol

• Lack of sleep

• Chronic stress

• Pregnancy

• Taking antibiotics, estrogen-based birth control pills or steroid medications

• Consuming caffeine (energy drinks, chocolate, coffee)

• Hormonal imbalance near your period

• Injury to the vulva or vaginal tissue

• Using condoms that contain nonoxynol-9

• Wearing tight clothes made of synthetic fabrics, which prevent the air from circulating freely around your vagina

• Frequent sexual intercourses (more than 7 times a week)

• Using scented soaps, bubble baths, and feminine hygiene
  products

• Using scented detergents or dryer sheets to wash your underwear

• Sexual transmission (however, some research suggests that Candida is not sexually transmitted)

• Consuming a lot of sugary foods (it applies to women with impaired glucose tolerance)

• Wearing sweaty underwear or a wet swimsuit creates a perfect, humid breeding ground for Candida

• Harsh chemicals in the swimming pool can change the pH in your vagina and make it more prone to a yeast infection