WHAT IS A VAGINAL YEAST INFECTION?

A vaginal yeast infection is an infection of the vagina that causes itching and burning of the vulva, the area around the vagina. Vaginal yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of the fungus Candida.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF VAGINAL YEAST INFECTIONS?

The most common symptom of a vaginal yeast infection is extreme itchiness in and around the vagina. Other signs and symptoms include:

• Burning, redness, and swelling of the vagina and the vulva
• Pain when urinating
• Pain during sex
• Soreness
• A thick, white vaginal discharge that looks like cottage cheese.
• You may have only a few of these symptoms. They may be mild or severe.

WHAT CAUSES YEAST INFECTIONS?

Yeast infections are caused by overgrowth of the microscopic fungus Candida. Your vagina may have small amounts of yeast at any given time without causing any symptoms. But when too much yeast grows, you can get an infection.