What Does a Yeast Infection Look Like?

When something’s up down there, your first thought might be “a yeast infection” — but we’ll be the first to tell you that not every itch is a yeast infection! 

Diagnosing a yeast infection correctly starts with being able to identify symptoms and ends with getting comprehensive testing to confirm that the discomfort is being caused by an overgrowth of Candida and not something else. 

In fact, being misdiagnosed actually happens more often than being correctly diagnosed. A study of 220 symptomatic patients showed that a startling 77% of yeast infection diagnoses were incorrect

It’s important to learn the signs and symptoms of a yeast infection, including what it looks like, in order to better advocate for yourself at the doctor’s office. 

Wondering where to start? We’re here to help. 

From what a yeast infection looks like to how it feels, we break down everything you need to know about the physical manifestations of a yeast infection below.  

What is a yeast infection?  

A yeast infection, also known as vulvovaginal candidiasis, is caused by an overgrowth of a  fungi called Candida in the vaginal microbiome. Most yeast infections (up to 90%) are caused by a species of Candida called Candida albicans.

But there are other strains that can overgrow in the same way. These include Candida glabrata (C. glabrata), which is responsible for around 5% of cases, plus C. tropicalis, C. parapsilosis, and C. krusei, among others. 

What does a yeast infection look like? 

When it comes to physical signs, the symptoms of a yeast infection can be vague enough that they can overlap with other vaginal conditions including share similar physical symptoms to bacterial vaginosis, cytolytic vaginosis, genital herpes, and certain vulvar conditions including vulvar lichen sclerosus, vulvar lichen planus, and contact dermatitis. 

A yeast infection can look like:

• Thick, vaginal discharge that is paste-like in consistency and looks like curdled milk or cottage cheese 
• A red, scaly rash that can spread beyond the vulva and onto the buttocks 
• A red, swollen vulva and vagina

Yeast infections usually don’t cause wounds, ulcers, or bumps on the skin, though it can be hard to differentiate these things if your yeast infection is causing a rash so it’s best to reach out to a healthcare provider if this is the case.  

Can I see a picture of what a yeast infection looks like? 

One of the most frustrating things about Googling vaginal symptoms is that it’s hard to produce an image of discharge or a description of an odor that encompasses everyone’s unique vaginal symptoms. Everything from the severity of an infection to lighting and underwear color can affect the way something like “yeast infection discharge” looks in a picture.  The best way to figure out if you have a yeast infection is to actually test for it! 

While we don’t have a particularly helpful picture of what real yeast infection discharge looks like because it can vary so much from person to person, we’re sharing a picture of what cottage cheese looks like to help anchor you on what you should be looking for.  

Fig 1 -> Cottage cheese

What does a yeast infection feel like?  

Unlike bacterial vaginosis where up to 84% of people are asymptomatic, most people with a yeast infection know they have one because of the physical discomfort it causes.

Common physical symptoms of a yeast infection may include:

• Vaginal and vulvar itching, redness, or soreness
• White vaginal discharge, that is curd-like in consistency 
• Pain during sex 
• Soreness or stinging when you pee, or during sex

Do yeast infections smell? 

Not typically! You may notice an increasingly yeasty smell down there, like beer or bread, but it’s also normal to have no odor at all. If you notice a smell you would characterize as foul, rotten, or fishy, it may be a different condition such as BV, aerobic vaginitis, trichomoniasis, or gonorrhea—in which case it’s best to seek medical attention ASAP.

What do I do if I think I have a yeast infection? 

If you’re worried that you have a yeast infection, you’re not alone! Up to 75% of women will get a yeast infection in their lifetime!

Recurrent symptoms? Meet Evvy’s at-home vaginal microbiome test, approved by leading OB-GYNs.

Learn more

Get yourself a vaginal microbiome test 

Before or after you’re done making your appointment, do yourself (and your vagina) a favor by ordering a vaginal microbiome test, like Evvy’s, so you know exactly what’s up down there while you’re having symptoms. 

Like we mentioned above, many of the symptoms associated with a yeast infection: burning, itching, inflammation, discharge, and pain with sex and urination overlap with those of other vaginal conditions such as: 

• Aerobic vaginitis
• Bacterial vaginosis 
• Cytolytic vaginosis 
• Vulvar dermatitis 
• Vulvar lichen sclerosus 
• Vulvar lichen planus 

For this reason, vaginal symptoms (and what’s triggering them) can turn into a multi-season mystery show faster than you can say “vulva.”  

Unlike a PCR test, which only looks for the presence of select microbes, an Evvy test will tell you all of the types of bacteria and fungi in your vaginal microbiome, and their relative amounts.  

That means we test for Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, C. tropicalis, C. parapsilosis, and C. krusei, among others with a single swab. 

Knowing this information can help you and your doctor make a plan for maintaining vaginal health that feels good for you and your body. 

Get care for yeast infections with Evvy

We’ve created the first-ever platform for vaginal healthcare that combines state-of-the-art vaginal microbiome testing, prescription treatment, and 1:1 coaching to get you the answers, relief, and support that you deserve. 

Built with leading OB-GYNs and researchers, Evvy’s care platform can connect you to providers trained to review your vaginal microbiome results and select the best antifungal to decrease your specific strains of Candida (including ones that aren’t often tested for at the doctor’s office.) 

They’ll also recommend research-backed supplements to build back your microbiome to a protective state! 

Vaginal yeast infection Information | Mount Sinai

Yeast infection – vagina; Vaginal candidiasis; Monilial vaginitis

Vaginal yeast infection is an infection of the vagina. It is most commonly due to the fungus Candida albicans.

This microscopic film shows a fluorescent stain of Candida. Candida is a yeast (fungus) that causes mild disease, but in immunocompromised individuals it may cause life-threatening illness. (Image courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.)

External structures of the female reproductive anatomy include the labium minora and majora, the vagina and the clitoris. Internal structures include the uterus, ovaries, and cervix.

Yeast infections may follow a course of antibiotics that were prescribed for another purpose. The antibiotics change the normal balance between organisms in the vagina by suppressing the growth of protective bacteria that normally have an antifungal effect.

Secondary infection occurs during or after treatment of a primary infection because the normal bacterial flora is destroyed, allowing yeast to flourish.

The uterus is a hollow muscular organ located in the female pelvis between the bladder and rectum. The ovaries produce the eggs that travel through the fallopian tubes. Once the egg has left the ovary it can be fertilized and implant itself in the lining of the uterus. The main function of the uterus is to nourish the developing fetus prior to birth.

The uterus is a muscular organ with thick walls, two upper openings to the fallopian tubes and an inferior opening to the vagina.

Causes

Most women have a vaginal yeast infection at some time. Candida albicans is a common type of fungus. It is often found in small amounts in the vagina, mouth, digestive tract, and on the skin. Most of the time, it does not cause infection or symptoms.

Candida and the many other germs that normally live in the vagina keep each other in balance. Sometimes the number of candida increases. This leads to a yeast infection.

This can happen if:

• You are taking antibiotics used to treat another infection. Antibiotics change the normal balance between germs in the vagina.
• You are pregnant
• You are obese
• You have diabetes
• You are taking medicines or have an illness that suppresses your immune system.

A yeast infection is not spread through sexual contact. However, some men may develop symptoms after having sexual contact with an infected partner. These symptoms may include itching, rash or irritation of the penis.

Having many vaginal yeast infections may be a sign of other health problems. Other vaginal infections and discharges can be mistaken for a vaginal yeast infection.

Symptoms

Symptoms include:

• Abnormal vaginal discharge. Discharge can range from slightly watery, white discharge to thick, white, and chunky (like cottage cheese).
• Itching and burning of the vagina and labia
• Pain with intercourse
• Painful urination
• Redness and swelling of the skin just outside of the vagina (vulva)

Exams and Tests

Your health care provider will do a pelvic exam. It may show:

• Swelling and redness of the skin of the vulva, in the vagina, and on the cervix
• Dry, white spots on the vaginal wall
• Cracks in the skin of the vulva

A small amount of the vaginal discharge is examined using a microscope. This is called a wet mount and KOH test.

Sometimes, a culture is taken if:

• The infection does not get better with treatment
• The infection recurs

Your provider may order other tests to rule out other causes of your symptoms.

Treatment

Medicines to treat vaginal yeast infections are available as creams, ointments, vaginal tablets or suppositories and oral tablets. Most can be bought without needing to see your provider. If you do need to see your provider, you may wish to ask them about the use of boric acid for yeast infections.

Treating yourself at home is probably OK if:

• Your symptoms are mild and you do not have pelvic pain or a fever
• This is not your first yeast infection and you have not had many yeast infections in the past
• You are not pregnant
• You are not worried about other sexually transmitted infections (STI) from recent sexual contact

Medicines you can buy yourself to treat a vaginal yeast infection are:

• Miconazole
• Clotrimazole
• Tioconazole
• Butoconazole

When using these medicines:

• Read the packages carefully and use them as directed.
• You will need to take the medicine for 1 to 7 days, depending on which medicine you buy. (If you do not get repeated infections, a 1-day medicine might work for you.)
• Do not stop using these medicines early because your symptoms are better.

You doctor can also prescribe a pill that you only take by mouth once.

If your symptoms are worse or you get vaginal yeast infections often, you may need:

• Medicine for up to 14 days
• Azole vaginal cream or fluconazole pill every week to prevent new infections

To help prevent and treat vaginal discharge:

• Keep your genital area clean and dry. Avoid soap and rinse with water only. Sitting in a warm, but not hot, bath may help your symptoms.
• Avoid douching. Although many women feel cleaner if they douche after their period or intercourse, it may worsen vaginal discharge. Douching removes healthy bacteria lining the vagina that protect against infection.
• Eat yogurt with live cultures or take Lactobacillus acidophilus tablets when you are on antibiotics. This may help to prevent a yeast infection.
• Use condoms to avoid catching or spreading other infections.
• Avoid using feminine hygiene sprays, fragrances, or powders in the genital area.
• Avoid wearing tight-fitting pants or shorts. These may cause irritation and sweating.
• Wear cotton underwear or cotton-crotch pantyhose. Avoid underwear made of silk or nylon. These can increase sweating in the genital area, which leads to growth of more yeast.
• Keep your blood sugar level under good control if you have diabetes.
• Avoid wearing wet bathing suits or exercise clothing for long periods of time. Wash sweaty or wet clothes after each use.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Most of the time, symptoms go away completely with proper treatment.

Possible Complications

A lot of scratching may cause the skin to crack, making you more likely to get a skin infection.

A woman may have diabetes or weak immune system (such as in HIV) if:

• The infection recurs right after treatment
• The yeast infection does not respond well to treatment

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your provider if:

• This is the first time that you have had symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection.
• You are not sure if you have a yeast infection.
• Your symptoms don’t go away after using over-the-counter medicines.
• Your symptoms get worse.
• You develop other symptoms.
• You may have been exposed to an STI.

Dinulos JGH. Superficial fungal infections. In: Dinulos JGH, ed. Habif’s Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide to Diagnosis and Therapy. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 13.

Eckert LO, Lentz GM. Genital tract infections: vulva, vagina, cervix, toxic shock syndrome, endometritis, and salpingitis. In: Gershenson DM, Lentz GM, Valea FA, Lobo RA, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 23.

Kauffman CA, Pappas PG. Candidiasis. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 318.

Oquendo Del Toro HM, Hoefgen HR. Vulvovaginitis. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 564.

Last reviewed on: 7/13/2021

Reviewed by: John D. Jacobson, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

Treatment of thrush in women – modern approaches, preparations || Medical Center “Centromed”

The term thrush (vaginal candidiasis) characterizes the fungal process of the genital tract of a woman, caused by parasitism of fungi of the genus Candida. This pathology requires an integrated approach to the diagnosis of its causes, followed by adequate therapy. Specialists of the Centromed medical clinic in Rostov-on-Don use modern laboratory equipment for diagnostics. For therapy, systemic approaches and correctly selected drugs are used.

Mechanism of development and causes

The causative agent leading to the development of thrush is a fungus of the genus Candida. These microorganisms are representatives of conditionally pathogenic flora, they are always present in small quantities on the vaginal mucosa. When exposed to certain conditions, provoking factors, they are activated, with the growth and reproduction of fungal cells, which leads to the development of the inflammatory process. The provocative factors of candidiasis are:

• Chronic infections caused by other pathogens.
• Long-term antibiotic treatment that kills a significant amount of normal bacteria.
• Changes in the hormonal background, with sharp changes in the level of estrogens, progesterone.
• Metabolic disorders of the body with an increase in sugar levels (diabetes mellitus).
• Immunodeficiency – acquired or congenital decrease in the functional activity of the immune system.
• Pregnancy is a physiological state of a woman’s body, in which the functioning of all its systems is restructured.
• Hormone therapy, including oral contraceptives.

A gynecologist in Rostov-on-Don finds out the main causative factor in the development of candidiasis, which determines the tactics of its treatment further.

Symptoms

Vaginal candidiasis is characterized by local (local) symptoms that bring significant discomfort to a woman’s life. These include itching of the vulva and vagina, and a burning sensation that may increase during menstruation. Often develops dyspareunia – soreness during sex. From the genital tract, characteristic white discharge begins to stand out (hence the name thrush).

Symptoms of the underlying disease that caused the development of vaginal candidiasis also often develop. With the development of such a pathology as thrush in women, the symptoms and treatment of should be interconnected, since the elimination of the main cause of its development will make the therapy more effective.

Diagnosis

Microscopic examination of secretions from the genital tract is performed to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment of thrush in women

Modern therapeutic measures for the development of vaginal candidiasis include the implementation of several stages of therapy, which include:

• Reducing the number of Candida cells, which is carried out using broad-spectrum antifungals. In mild cases, local and systemic preparations based on clotrimazole, isoconazole, miconazole, kanamycin are used. Treatment of thrush during pregnancy is carried out only with the use of local forms of drugs (suppositories or douches).
• Restoration of the normal microflora of the vagina – the use of eubiotics that contain bacteria of the normal microflora – lactobacilli, bifidobacteria. They are taken orally as capsules and topically as vaginal suppositories.
• Measures aimed at eliminating the impact of provoking factors of candidiasis – therapy of diabetes mellitus, hormonal disorders, correction of hormonal therapy, restoration of the functional activity of the immune system.

Treatment of chronic thrush is carried out with the mandatory inclusion of eubiotics, which are used for a long period of time. After treatment of thrush, a woman needs to take preventive measures aimed at eliminating the impact of provoking factors. Therapy of this pathology in Rostov-on-Don is carried out by our clinic, taking into account all the factors of successful therapy.

What is thrush (Vaginal candidiasis) ➤➤ Types, causes of development and treatment of thrush

Feelings of itching, burning, discomfort in the vulva were experienced by many women. Is it thrush or vaginal candidiasis.

What is thrush

Thrush (vaginal candidiasis) is an inflammatory disease of the female genital organs, provoked by opportunistic yeast fungi of the genus Candida. It does not belong to the category of venereal. Symptoms include pain, itching, burning in the vulva. Most often occurs in women, but, in rare cases, affects men (for 4 cases of women, there is 1 case of men). This type of fungus is found in the body of all people, but in small quantities. When there is an imbalance in the microflora of the body, the growth of Candida fungi occurs, accompanied by symptoms of thrush.

Why thrush occurs

Causes that provoke the onset of the disease can be divided into several types:

Past stresses, especially frequent and in large quantities, have a negative effect on the body’s defenses. There is an activation of the yeast microflora, symptoms of thrush appear;

Symptoms of thrush

Vaginal candidiasis has several key symptoms that clearly indicate the disease:

• very severe itching in the intimate area that does not stop for a long time;
• burning sensation in the vagina, especially during intercourse;
• curdled discharge, sometimes very profuse, with an unpleasant sour smell;
• redness of the mucous membranes of the vagina;

If we are talking about candidiasis, then all of the above symptoms should be combined. If one thing worries, then this may indicate a completely different disease.

In men, thrush is also characterized by burning during urination, itching, swelling and redness in the area of ​​the head of the penis, as well as pain during intercourse.

Stages of thrush

• acute inflammatory process: symptoms of vaginal candidiasis are very pronounced;
• chronic thrush: in this case, the discomfort may be either completely invisible or mild.

If vaginal candidiasis has passed into the chronic stage and is almost not disturbing, this does not mean that you can not worry about it. Treatment, in any case, is necessary, since the disease, left to chance, can be repeated again and again.

Methods for diagnosing the disease

In order to determine whether you are really worried about thrush, it is not enough just to feel all the symptoms. It is also important to consult a gynecologist. The doctor will conduct an examination, collect an anamnesis of the patient, listen to complaints about the symptoms, their duration. In addition, an analysis is taken to study the microflora (bakposev) from the mucous membrane of the cervix and vagina. After the results are obtained, the doctor makes recommendations for treatment.

In addition, thrush, which often recurs, may indicate other diseases, such as diabetes. Therefore, a gynecologist may recommend taking a blood test for sugar, in the future – a consultation with an endocrinologist.

Treatment options for thrush

Your gynecologist may recommend several treatment options for thrush, depending on the severity of the condition.

• Topical treatment: gels, creams, ointments, vaginal tablets. This type of treatment is aimed at restoring the local microflora and improving local immunity. It is used in the early stages of the disease.
• Treatment with tablets: in the case when thrush has become chronic, then gynecologists prescribe treatment with tablets, often in combination with local remedies. The course of treatment is from 6 to 14 days, depending on the patient’s condition. It is important to follow all the doctor’s recommendations, not to interrupt the course of treatment, even if the condition improves, otherwise a relapse is likely.
• Diet for thrush: It is important to follow dietary recommendations during drug treatment to increase the beneficial bacteria in the gut. It is necessary to give preference to fermented milk products, fresh vegetables, fruits, cereals, excluding sweets, flour, pastries.

Drugs for the treatment of thrush

The safest and most effective drugs for the treatment of thrush, in tablet form:

• Pimafucin;
• Futsis;
• Clotrimazole;
• Nystatin;
• Diflucan.

Clotrimazole and Pimafucin are also available as topical creams. This format is suitable for the treatment of symptoms of thrush in men.

In addition, the gynecologist may prescribe probiotics to normalize the intestinal microflora. They are available in the form of suspensions, capsules, powders, tablets.

It is important to remember that you should not self-medicate, especially if you have already had recurrences of candidiasis, you are prone to allergic reactions. Doctors select drugs for thrush according to individual criteria.

Prevention of thrush

To eliminate the risks of thrush, a number of preventive measures must be taken.

• Underwear should be comfortable, preferably cotton.
• Wet clothing should be changed to dry immediately. This applies to visiting the pool, swimming in ponds. In a humid environment, fungi grow much faster.
• Hot baths also promote the growth of Candida, so do not overdo it. But water at a comfortable temperature does not cause such development of fungi.
• Uncontrolled intake of antibiotics provokes a violation of the microflora, causing the development of candidiasis. Therefore, the decision to prescribe antibiotics should be made only by a doctor.