Yeast infections generally are not sexually transmitted. Symptoms of yeast infections can include redness, itching and a whitish, clumpy discharge. For women with recurrent yeast infections, the symptoms tend to flare at the same time during each menstrual cycle. Sometimes women have burning with urination. Intercourse may be painful.
Some women complain of vaginal dryness.
Many times patients with symptoms thought to be from yeast do not have the fungus. To diagnose this infection, the discharge on the skin of the vulva or in the vagina may be taken and examined under a microscope. A culture may be sent to the laboratory. If an infection is present, antifungal drugs are the usual treatment. Many women with recurrent vaginal candidiasis can be effectively treated with intravaginal boric acid.