What Are the Signs of a Yeast Infection?

Yeast infections aren't uncommon in women. According to the National Women's Health Information Center (NWHIC), about 75 percent of women get a yeast infection sometime during their lives, and around 50 percent of women have two or more. However, some of the signs of a yeast infection are very similar to other types of vaginosis or sexually-transmitted diseases. If you've never been diagnosed with a yeast infection, it's important to see a doctor.

Is It a Yeast Infection?

• The signs of a yeast infection can be very disconcerting to women who've never experienced one before. Signs and symptoms can be extremely mild and barely noticeable, but they can also be severe. You may have a yeast infection if you note burning and irritation of your vagina and vulva, painful urination, discomfort during sex, and a thick, white vaginal discharge similar in texture to cottage cheese.

What Causes Yeast Infections

• A fungus called Candida albicans is always present in the human body in small amounts, but it's more prevalent in dark, moist areas--such as the mouth and vagina. A yeast infection is the result of Candida albicans overgrowth. According to the NWHIC, some factors that put you at risk for a yeast infection include pregnancy or other hormonal changes, taking certain medications (such as antibiotics, birth control pills and steroids), or medical conditions that weaken the immune system such as unchecked diabetes or HIV/AIDS. Stress, illness and even poor eating habits can contribute to yeast infections, too.

When to See a Doctor

• If you don't know it's a yeast infection, it's best not to self-diagnose; the signs of a yeast infection are very similar to sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia or gonorrhea. It's particularly important to consult your doctor if you have signs of a yeast infection and are pregnant, have never been diagnosed with a yeast infection, or experience recurrent yeast infections. Yeast infections can be easily treated using over-the-counter medications, but according to the NWHIC, more than two-thirds of women who buy these products don't have yeast infections at all but another gynecological disorder. Using drugstore yeast infection medications on another condition can worsen symptoms.

Treating Yeast Infections

• Most yeast infections can be treated using over-the-counter vaginal creams, tablets and suppositories that contain miconazole, clotrimazole or tioconazole. Popular yeast infection medications include Monistate, Vagistat and Gyne-Lotrimin. Your doctor may also prescribe an oral medication called Diflucan.

Yeast Infection Prevention

• According to the Mayo Clinic, making certain lifestyle adjustments can decrease your chances of experiencing the discomfort of a yeast infection. Use a mild soap when bathing or showering, and make sure the soap residue is rinsed off the genital area well before drying off. Wear cotton underwear that allows your skin to "breathe," and choose pantyhose that have a cotton crotch. Avoid frequent douching and scented tampons and pads.