Vaginal yeast infections typically make themselves known with three common symptoms: itchiness, pain and a vaginal discharge often compared to cottage cheese in appearance. Redness, swelling or cracks in the walls of the vagina may also be signs of a yeast infection in severe cases.
Keep in mind that feeling itchy down there doesn’t necessarily mean you have a yeast infection. “While most women with yeast infections experience vaginal and/or vulvar itching, many other conditions can cause itching in the genital region,” says Harold C. Wiesenfeld, MD, vice chair of gynecology at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Magee-Womens Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. “Some examples include trichomonas vaginalis (or ‘trich’), bacterial vaginosis and skin conditions of the vulva.” It’s also possible to mistake a yeast infection for a urinary tract infection (UTI), which can also cause pain or a burning sensation.
For this reason, if you're experiencing yeast infection symptoms - especially if you've never had a yeast infection before - Dr. Wiesenfeld advises seeing your health care provider. They will do an exam and collect samples to test for causes of vaginal infections.