A vaginal yeast infection is the most common form of a yeast infection. Vaginal yeast infections are a very common occurrence for women. Vaginal yeast infections are caused by fungus, Candida albicans. Candida albicans is always present in the vagina, mouth, digestive tract and skin. An infection occurs when the amount of the fungus rises above the normal level.
Change in Vaginal Discharge
One of the hallmark symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection is a change in the vaginal discharge. Vaginal discharge is a regularly occurring process, but when a woman has a vaginal yeast infection, her discharge may become watery, white, thick or chunky (similar to cottage cheese).
Pain
Although you may not notice a difference immediately, some women experience pain during intercourse or pain during urination. This is a direct indicator that the urinary tract is infected and inflamed. It is important to restore balance in the good and bad bacteria to prevent any long term symptoms or further infection. Take extra care to wear clean, breathable fabrics and avoid tight clothing.
Inflammation
At the height of a yeast infection, you may experience redness or swelling of the vulva or vaginal labia. This can be exacerbated by clothing, so following the recommendation above can help to alleviate some discomfort. Many women experience itching or burning, which is one of the primary symptoms of a yeast infection. These symptoms are typically treated with a topical cream or a suppository containing anti-inflammatory medication that is inserted into the vagina.
