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Got that itch that burns?
This may be the sign of a yeast infection

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Get scoop on the sign of a yeast infection, and all the symptom of vaginal yeast.

If you have ever suffered from a yeast infection, it's typically easier to identify the sign of a yeast infection the next time around. But for the "novices", you may be wondering if the excess vaginal excretion, the itching in the vulva area are the symptom of vaginal yeast. You are probably here if you suspect you have a yeast infection.

If you are a man with a yeast infection, click here for symptom details.
If you are looking for the sign of a yeast infection / yeast infection symptoms for other forms of yeast infection (not vaginal yeast), click here symptom details.

If you're a woman dealing with a vaginal yeast infection, keep reading ...

If you are experiencing the symptom of vaginal yeast for the first time, be sure to see your doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Here're the sign of a yeast infection. We will cover each symptom of vaginal yeast in detail following this list --

Abnormal vaginal discharge
Vaginal and labial itching, burning
Redness and/or inflammation of the vulvar skin
Pain with intercourse
Painful urination

Abnormal vaginal discharge

One of the sign of a yeast infection is when the vaginal discharge is thick, white and chunky-cottage cheese-like (although sometimes it can just be "watery"). This discharge should not smell foul. If the discharge has a foul, "fishy" odor and is grayish in color, be sure to see your doctor as it may be a sign of a bacterial infection and not the sign of a yeast infection. A bacterial infection will require treatment with prescription antibiotics and cannot be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) medications.

Speaking of OTC medications, I like to use Monistat (miconazole) or Lotrimin (clotrimazole) to treat my symptom of vaginal yeast infection. Again, be sure to consult your doctor first if you think you are experiencing a yeast infection with some of the sign of a yeast infection.

OR, if you would rather get a stronger formulation, there's prescription Diflucan (fluconazole). You get it Diflucan at your local pharmacy or find your online choice here at a reputable merchant associated with the National Association Boards of Pharmacy.

Please excuse my little caveat ... let's get back to our discussion on "discharge" ...

It is normal for females of childbearing age (ages of 12 - 40) to experience vaginal discharge. This type of discharge may vary in consistency (thick, pasty, thin), color (clear, cloudy, colored), and smell (normal, odorless, malodorous). Normally, the glands in your cervics will produce a clear mucus secretion. This secretion will drain downward (of course!) and excreted through the vaginal. On its way down, the secretion will mix with bacteria, secretions from your Bartholin gland (these are located along the vaginal channel), and discarded vaginal cells.

These substances may (depending on how much mucus there is) turn the mucus a whitish color and the discharge turns yellowish when exposed to air. There are times throughout the menstrual cycle that the cervical glands produce more mucus than others, depending on the amount of estrogen produced. This is normal.

Sexual excitement and emotional stress have both been associated with a normal vaginal discharge. This discharge is a clear, mucus-like secretion.

Disease may be indicated if vaginal discharge is abnormal in color, odor, or consistency (cheesy, smelly, or bloody), or significantly increased or decreased in amount. Very often, when the abnormal discharge is caused by a sexually transmitted disease (STD), or transmitted through sexual intercourse, the sexual partner(s) may require treatment as well.

Be sure to call your doctor if --

The discharge is associated with abdominal discomfort, pain, or fever.
The problem occurs in a child who has not reached puberty.
The discharge may be caused by taking a drug.
The problem persists for longer than 2 weeks or becomes worse.
A sexually transmitted disease is suspected.

Vaginal and labial itching, burning

Another one of the sign of a yeast infection is persistent itching. This itching is typically localized to the vagina and frequently the surrounding area (vulva). Often times, vaginal itching is due to irritation to the vulva / vaginal skin area caused by the following --

Vaginal yeast infection (also called monilial vaginitis)
Vaginal discharge from other infections such as trichomonas vaginitis and bacterial vaginosis
Chemical irritant or medication including detergents, fabric softeners, chemical or perfume sprays, ointments, creams, douches, and contraceptive foams
Synthetic fabrics
Pruritus vulvae (a noncontagious condition)
Vulvovaginitis before puberty (children only)
Pinworms
Lichen sclerosis
Certain skin conditions of the vulvar skin (may be precancerous)

For some immediate relief from the itching, the sign of a yeast infection, I like to use Vagisil. Click here for more information. Or for a stronger version of Vagisil, click here.

Another alternative is to apply some antifungal cream such as Monistat or Lotrimin on the vulva area.

While the Vagisil provides immediate relief, in most cases, I prefer the antifungal cream because not only will it help with the itch (the sign of a yeast infection), it will also kill the yeast fungus. The Vagisil will NOT kill the yeast. But in times of "desperation" when the itching is just too intense, I reach for the Vagisil!

Redness and/or inflammation of the vulvar skin

Yet another one of the sign of a yeast infection is redness and / inflammation of the vulvar skin. The vulvar skin is the external female genitalia that includes the labia ("lips" or folds of skin at the opening of the vagina), clitoris, and vaginal opening. During a yeast infection, the vulva skin can become infected from the yeast discharge. As a result, this area can get extremely itchy and inflammed, and in some more serious infections lead to tenderness and open sores.

Again, for some immediate relief from the itching (the sign of a yeast infection), try Vagisil. Click here for more information. Or for a stronger version of Vagisil, click here.

Here're the links again for Monistat or Lotrimin. Please note -- when you have open sores on the skin, be prepared from some major stinging / burning when you first apply the antifungal cream!

Pain with intercourse

It is often wise to avoid sexual intercourse while treating a yeast infection. Why? Because the two symptom of a yeast infection (itching and burning, and redness and inflammation) combined will most likely lead to this third symptom -- pain with intercourse. Those of you who experienced a yeast infection will agree with me that sexual intercourse is the last thing on your mind when you're coping with the burning, itching, redness and inflammation "down under", right??? Sexual activity will only irritate the inflamed and tender vulva skin and make things worse. It can also cause minor tears in the inflammed and tender vagina and vulva skin, making intercourse most painful indeed. Not only that, but you could also pass the yeast infection on to your partner. So take good care of yourself and let your vagina and vulva area heal itself before having any sexual intercourse. You will be glad you did!

Of course, if you insist on having sexual intercourse while treating a yeast infection, be sure to use plenty of lubricant to help minimize the damage. A water-based lubricant is best. I like this particular one for it simple, no-fuss formulation. A word of caution -- if your partner uses a condom, be sure NOT to use your antifungal cream (i.e. Monistat, etc.) as a lubricant as the cream typically contains some form of vegetable or mineral oil that can weaken the latex condom!

Painful urination

Painful urination -- the sign of a yeast infection -- is also the result of the itching, burning, redness and inflammation in the vulva / vagina areas. This symptom of vaginal yeast typically involves pain, discomfort, and a burning sensation during urination. Be sure to consult your doctor if you see blood in your urine.

Many of the conditions that cause vaginal itching are related to irritation of the skin. Avoid the use of synthetic fabrics, perfumes, or other known irritants in the vaginal area.

Click here for more information on what questions your doctor may ask you when you show any of the sign of a yeast infection.