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Female Yeast Infection Symptoms

Symptoms of a yeast infection vary from one woman to another. Some may be so mild that they go undetected, while other women experience extreme discomfort. They also can mimic symptoms of other types gynecological disorders and sexually-transmitted infections that require a doctor's treatment. Before you attempt to treat symptoms of a yeast infection yourself, make sure this is the source of your discomfort.

  1. What Are Yeast Infections?

    • Yeast infections are extremely common in females, and according to the Mayo Clinic, three out of four women will get at least one at some point in life. The fungus responsible for yeast infections is called Candida albicans, which is present on the body in minute amounts. The fungus thrives in dark, damp parts of the body, such as the mouth, vagina and intestinal tract. When external changes cause an overgrowth of Candida albicans, the end result can be a vaginal yeast infection. Some of the factors that can cause yeast overgrowth include certain oral medications, such as antibiotics, steroids and birth control pills; uncontrolled diabetes; hormonal changes associated with pregnancy and menopause and a depressed immune system.

    Common Symptoms

    • The most common symptoms associated with female yeast infections include burning, itching and pain in and around the vagina. There may be burning while urinating and sensitivity of the vulvar region when touched. Many women notice a thick, white vaginal discharge that resembles cottage cheese and has a bread-like or "yeasty" odor.

    See Your Doctor

    • Other types of vaginitis include symptoms similar to those noted in a yeast infection--as do some sexually-transmitted diseases, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea. If this is the first time you've experienced symptoms of a yeast infection, or if you aren't sure you have one, see a doctor before you attempt to self-treat. There are many over-the-counter treatments that resolve yeast infections, but if you have another type of infection, your symptoms may get worse and the underlying cause could be more difficult to treat.

    Treating Female Yeast Infections

    • When it comes to treating yeast infections, women have a number of options. A doctor may prescribe an oral medication called Diflucan that will resolve a yeast infection without use of a topical antifungal treatment. However, there are medications that can be found at most pharmacies, drugstores and grocery stores that come in one-, three- and seven-day treatment regimens. Some of the brand names include Monistat, Vagistat or Gyne-Lotrimen, which are sold in cream, suppository or tablet forms. These are typically inserted into the vagina at night and can be messy the following day. Many women choose to wear pantyliners while treating a yeast infection.

    Other Ways to Relieve Symptoms

    • Most topical antifungal medications provide expedient relief for irritating yeast infection symptoms, such as itching and burning. However, the Mayo Clinic points out that many over-the-counter topical treatments are sold with a soothing cream that can be applied to the external area of the labia to reduce inflammation. Alternately, if a yeast infection is particularly severe, applying a cool, damp washcloth to the genital area can provide a measure of temporary relief until topical treatments take effect.

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