Candida infections, also referred to as yeast infections, stem from an overgrowth of the Candida albicans fungus. This fungus exists naturally in small amounts on the skin and in the vagina, mouth and digestive tract, according to MedlinePlus, a service of the National Institutes of Health. Candida infections most often occur in the vagina, but can also infect the penis. Natural treatments, over-the-counter treatments and prescription treatments successfully cure these types of infections, and symptoms are easy to recognize.
Vaginal Discharge
Glands inside the vagina and cervix produce fluids that are, in part, a self-cleaning mechanism. This fluid leaves the vagina to rid the body of old vaginal lining cells, making some fluid discharge normal. Any change in normal fluid consistency may indicate the presence of an infection of Candida albicans. Abnormal discharge sometimes resembles cottage cheese and may range from slightly watery to thick and chunky, according to MedlinePlus. FamilyDoctor.org, a website produced by the American Academy of Family Physicians, notes that this discharge often lacks an odor.
Painful Intercourse
Painful intercourse may present as a sign of infection of Candida albicans, according to MedlinePlus. Vaginal conditions like a yeast infection may result in irritation of the vulva or vulvular tissue, which leads to pain while having intercourse and also making the tissue tender to the touch. This irritation also accounts for the pain and swelling of the vulva and painful urination common to yeast infections. Treatment of the Candidas albicans infection should relieve irritation of the vulva.
Odor
While discharge associated with an infection of Candidas albicans does not emit an odor, the infections do exude a smell. Michigan State University indicates that an infection transmits a yeasty scent. This aroma becomes a useful way to diagnosis a Candidas albicans infection. As yeast levels return to normal in the vagina, the odor fades. The website points out the that yeast utilized for brewing beer and baking comes from an entirely different species called Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
