The most common symptoms of vaginal yeast infection include itching and burning sensations in the vagina and on the vulva, as well as a vaginal discharge. The discharge is usually quite thick and may have a curd-like consistency that is regularly compared with cottage cheese. The discharge is also usually free of any odor. The vagina and the vulva may also become swollen and red. These areas also may become painful or sore as a result of the yeast infection.
Some of the symptoms of vaginal yeast infection are exacerbated by certain activities. The burning sensation that some women experience as one of the symptoms of vaginal yeast infection may be experienced primarily, or may become severe, when they urinate. The pain and burning may also become more intense when a woman with a vaginal yeast infection has sex. The symptoms of vaginal yeast infection may occur at any point during the month. It is more common, however, for women to experience these symptoms in the week before they begin their menstrual period.
The symptoms of vaginal yeast infection are the result of a fungus called candida. Candida is normally present in the vagina but becomes unbalanced in terms of its growth during a yeast infection. There are a number of kinds of candida, which is actually a term that refers to many varieties of yeast. Many over-the-counter yeast infection treatments help to rebalance the candida in the vagina. There are some kinds of yeast, however, that do not respond well to the standard treatments for symptoms of vaginal yeast infections and must be treated with more aggressive measures.
There are a number of ways to avoid developing a yeast infection and, therefore, avoid experiencing symptoms of vaginal yeast infection. One of the best ways to avoid experiencing symptoms of vaginal yeast infection is to maintain good hygiene. This means changing into clean clothing on a regular basis, especially after performing rigorous activities. This also means properly cleaning the vagina and anus after going to the bathroom.
There are some hygienic products that can actually cause a yeast infection. These products include douches, pads, and tampons that have been infused with some kinds of scent, and sprays for the vagina. Bathing, while good for hygiene, can actually lead to a yeast infection, especially in the case of hot baths. In order to avoid yeast infections, it is better to take showers.
