But medical information is always changing, and some information given here may be out of date. For regularly updated information on a variety of health topics, please visit familydoctor.org , the AAFP patient education Web site. Vaginal infection may be caused by a yeast, which is a type of fungus. Small numbers of these tiny organisms normally live on the skin and inside the vagina. An infection can occur when there is overgrowth of yeast in the vaginal environment.
Yeast infections can be very uncomfortable.
Itching and burning of the skin area around the vagina. Swelling and redness of the skin area around the vagina. A thick, white vaginal discharge that looks like cottage cheese. Pain during sexual intercourse. Three-fourths of all women have a yeast infection at some time in their lives.