how do i know if i have a yeast infection?

Answer 1

go see a doc

Answer 2

First off, different vaginal infections tend to have very similar symptoms, so if a woman is experiencing one for the first time, or is unsure about a proper course of treatment, she should definitely see her doctor in order to get a proper diagnosis.

With that said, yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of an organism called Candida albicans. This critter is sometimes present in the vagina in smaller numbers without any symptoms, but occasionally a change in their environment gives them a chance to really multiply and grow out of control. These overgrowths are easily controlled with medications designed to kill the Candida organisms. Treatments come in a wide range of forms including pills and vaginal creams, which may need to be taken anywhere from one dose to a week-long course of medication. While some treatments are prescribed by a doctor, many are available over the counter.

So, how can a woman tell that she has a yeast infection? Most women associate a thick discharge that looks like cottage cheese with the Candida bug, although only about 20% experience it. If it is present, the discharge may either have a starchy odor to it, or perhaps none at all, and its color can vary from white to a more yellowish tinge.

Since not everyone gets the discharge, the easiest way for a woman to tell that she has a yeast infection is that she itches in and around her vagina. A lot. The itchiness may be accompanied by a burning sensation, and her vulvar area can be red and swollen. It may also burn or be generally painful for her to urinate, and sex may become painful as well. A good way to distinguish the burning on urination that is due to a yeast infection vs. a urinary tract infection is to pay close attention to exactly when the burning starts and stops. With yeast, the burning is due to acidic urine hitting the irritated skin of the vulva, so the burning starts when the urine reaches the outside. With urinary tract infection, the burning is felt as the urine passes down the tube on its way out.

While these are the general symptoms of a yeast infection, every woman may experience one differently. She may identify an infection by the smell and consistency of the discharge, which can be unique to her. However, certain symptoms definitely do not go along with a simple yeast infection, and they may indicate that something more serious is going on. For example, if she is feverish or is experiencing pelvic pain, these are definitely indications that she ought to see her doctor in order to receive a proper diagnosis and medical care.

Answer 3

My wife gets these alot, here is some helpful info we found to help out. Hope its of some use.

Yeast infections can be very uncomfortable, but are usually not serious. Symptoms include the following:

Itching and burning in the vagina and around the vulva (the skin that surrounds your vagina)
A white vaginal discharge that may look like cottage cheese
Pain during sexual intercourse
Swelling of the vulva

Yeast infections are so common that 3/4 of women will have one at some time in their lives. Half of all women have more than one infection in their lives. If you have symptoms of a yeast infection, your doctor will probably want to talk to you about your symptoms and examine you to make sure a yeast infection is the cause.

Vaginal yeast infections are caused by a fungus called Candida albicans. Yeast are tiny organisms that normally live in small numbers on the skin and inside the vagina. The acidic environment of the vagina helps keep yeast from growing. If the vagina becomes less acidic, too many yeast can grow and cause a vaginal infection.

The acidic balance of the vagina can be changed by your period (menstruation), pregnancy, diabetes, some antibiotics, birth control pills and steroids. Moisture and irritation of the vagina also seem to encourage yeast to grow.

Yeast infections are usually treated with medicine that you put into your vagina. This medicine may be a cream that you insert in your vagina with a special applicator, or it may be a suppository that you put into your vagina and allow to dissolve on its own. Medicine in a cream form can also be put on your vulva to help relieve itching. Medicine in a pill form that you take by mouth is also available.

Be sure to see your doctor the first time you have symptoms of a yeast infection. It's very important to make sure you have a yeast infection before you start taking medicine. The symptoms of a yeast infection are also the symptoms of other infections, such as some STDs. Treating yourself for a yeast infection when you actually have another type of infection may make the problem much worse.

If you have often been diagnosed with yeast infections, talk to your doctor about using a medicine you can buy without a prescription.

Here are some things you can do to help prevent another yeast infection:

Don't wear tight-fitting or synthetic-fiber clothes.
Wear cotton panties.
Don't wear pantyhose or leotards every day.
Use your blow dryer on a low, cool setting to help dry your genital area after you bathe or shower and before getting dressed.
Wipe from front to back after using the toilet. This may help prevent the bacteria that normally live in your rectum from getting into your vagina.
Change out of wet swimsuits or other damp clothes as soon as you can.

Don't douche or use feminine hygiene sprays, deodorant sanitary pads or tampons, or bubble bath, and avoid using colored or perfumed toilet paper. These items seem to affect the balance of acidity of the vagina and can lead to symptoms of a yeast infection.

Answer 4

a doctor can tell for sure if you have a yeast infection by taking a swab and looking in a microscope. most of us can't do this at home, but sometimes you can tell by the feel, look, and smell that you have a yeast infection. if your symptoms don't match this list, or you are confused or uncertain, go see a doctor if at all possible.


feels like an intense itching, burning sensation, localized in your vagina and vulva. this itching is not always present, but can get really bad, so bad you can hardly walk, let alone ride your bike to the pharmacy or doctor to get it treated.
looks like clumpy nasty white stuff. most medical descriptions compare the discharge to ricotta cheese, but it can range from thick and not clumpy to faintly yellow to thin and clear.

smells like bread or beer. in fact, it smells pretty much exactly like yeast, although the yeast used in brewing and baking is an entirely different species (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). no bacteria could smell like that, so it's a great diagnostic.

finally, in response to a recent question, i point out that a yeast infection will NOT cause you to miss your period.

a bacterial infection of the vagina can feel a lot like a yeast infection if the vulval area is itchy or painful. unlike a yeast infection, the discharge can be dark yellow, green, or brown. and it won't smell like bread: it can smell like fish or something rotting, particularly after you have sex. if you think you might have a bacterial infection, or if you're not sure, get your diseased self to a doctor, sister. the main treatment is prescription antibiotics.

urinary tract infections, or UTIs, are due to bacteria infecting the urethra rather than the vagina. (and if you aren't sure about the difference, check out elf sternberg's page on the sexual anatomy of women.) UTIs can be fairly easily distinguished from vaginal infections by a host of symptoms, including pain or burning when urinating, blood or mucus in urine, needing to urinate often, pain or pressure in back or lower abdomen, and a fever or chills. if you think you might have a UTI, don't mess around: go see a doctor, because the infection can travel up past the bladder, causing kidney damage.

trichomoniasis is caused by a parasite that can infect both the vagina and the urinary tract, and is primarily sexually transmitted. if you have a trich infection, your crotch can be itchy or painful, it can hurt to urinate, intercourse can be painful, and occasionally you can experience pain in your lower abdomen. again, you have to see a doctor to get antibiotics for

Answer 5

ASk a doctor or go online and look for yeast infection Q&A pages. You can see what product s work if in fact you do have a yeast infection. MayMay

Answer 6

Heavy, foul smelling discharge is usually a good indication, along with itching and burning.

Answer 7

White thick cottage cheese looking discharge and itching feeling in the vaginal area.

Answer 8

Just go to the doctor as soon as possible...Not something you should wait and see if it gets worse...Just go to the Dr. and they give you a pill for it now...

Good Luck

Answer 9

It is extremely itchy and there is a cottage cheesy discharge. there are over-the-counter meds, but if you are sexually active, you need to see a GYN because it could be something else more serious.

Answer 10

see a doctor

Answer 11

see a doctor