An infection with the fungus Candida in the vaginal area, also called a vaginal yeast infection, stems from an overgrowth of the fungus Candida albicans, a naturally occurring fungus in the body. It is important to have a yeast infection verified by a doctor before treating it at home if you've never had a Candida infection before, since many other vaginal diseases can have similar symptoms. For individuals who have had vaginal Candida infections previously, the symptoms may be recognizable enough to allow them to treat themselves with over the counter medications. Candida can also cause oral thrush, an infection in the mouth. When oral thrush infects a breastfeeding infant, it may also be passed on to the nipples of the nursing mother. Symptoms may vary slightly from person to person, but there are some common symptoms that most people with a vaginal yeast infection or thrush experience.
Vaginal Discharge
Vaginal discharge stemming from Candida may be watery and white or it may be lumpy with the consistency of cottage cheese. This discharge is typically odorless, but it may have a slight scent. When it does, it tends to smell like yeast or bread.
Painful Urination
A yeast infection may cause pain during urination as the acidic urine burning the sensitive inflamed tissue of the vulva, the outer part of the vagina. It is distinguishable from a urinary tract infection(UTI) in that with a UTI, the burning sensation occurs inside the urinary tube when the woman starts to urinate while with a yeast infection it doesn't occur until the urine exits the urinary tube and hits the outer vulva.
Vaginal Itching
Vaginal itching is a common symptom of a Candida infection. Scratching the area may leave the vulva open to secondary infections and is generally not recommended. Some medications that treat the yeast infection internally also contain a cream that can be used on the outer vulva in order to ease the itching immediately while waiting for the full cure to take effect.
Red and Swollen Vulva
The folds of skin outside the vagina, known as the vulva, can become red and swollen from a vaginal yeast infection. Swelling and redness can become worse if the infected person scratches or rubs the vaginal area to try and relieve symptoms of itching or discomfort.
Pain During Intercourse
A Candida infection can make sexual intercourse painful since the red, swollen sensitive areas may react to the friction of sex. While Candida is not considered a sexually transmitted disease, it can sometimes be passed along to a male partner during sex in the form of balanitis. Balanitis is an infection of the head of the penis with Candida albicans and can be painful for the male partner who contracts it.
White Patches in the Mouth
When Candida albicans infects the mouth, it causes white patches on the oral tissue. This occurs most often on the tongue and inside of the cheek, but these patches can also be found on the gums, palate, tonsils or back of throat. These patches may appear creamy or look like cottage cheese. They are sometimes painful and might bleed a little if scraped. Oral thrush may also cause a loss of taste, a cottony feeling in the mouth or cracks at the sides of the lips.
Itchy or Painful Nipples
Itchy or painful nipples can be a symptom of a Candida infection which has spread from a breastfeeding baby to a nursing mother. The nipples may take on a red and shiny appearance, also. The pain may occur during nursing or between feedings and may include deep stabbing pain that spreads from the nipple to deep inside the breast tissue.
