You can identify a yeast infection by recognizing common symptoms such as vaginal itching, irritation, and a thick, white, odorless discharge resembling cottage cheese. Additional signs include redness, swelling, burning during urination or intercourse, and pain in the vaginal area.
Common Symptoms
- Itching and irritation in the vagina and vulva are among the most frequent indicators.
- Thick, white discharge that looks like cottage cheese and is typically odorless.
- Redness and swelling of the vulva, which may be more difficult to detect on darker skin tones.
- Burning sensation during urination or sexual activity due to inflammation.
- Pain and soreness in the vaginal area, sometimes accompanied by small cracks or fissures in the skin.
When to Seek Medical Advice
It’s important to consult a healthcare provider if it’s your first time experiencing these symptoms, if over-the-counter treatments don’t resolve the issue, or if you have recurrent infections (four or more per year). Other conditions like bacterial vaginosis or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can mimic yeast infection symptoms, so proper diagnosis through a clinical exam and discharge testing is essential. Pregnant individuals, those with uncontrolled diabetes, or weakened immune systems should also seek medical guidance before self-treating [
