Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsDifferent Yeast Infection SymptomsSymptoms of Similar InfectionsTreatmentRecurring Yeast InfectionsNext in Yeast Infection GuideCauses and Risk Factors of Yeast Infection
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Different Yeast Infection Symptoms
Symptoms of Similar Infections
Treatment
Recurring Yeast Infections
Next in Yeast Infection Guide
A yeast infection happens when there’s an overgrowth of a naturally occurring fungus in the body known asCandida.These infections develop on parts of the body, like the vagina and penis, with symptoms such as itchiness, discharge, burning, and pain.
Fortunately, there are over-the-counter OTC and prescription remedies available to help clear a vaginal or penile yeast infection and the discomfort that comes along with it.
This article discusses symptoms of yeast infection, diagnosis, and treatment options.
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People with both male and female anatomies can develop yeast infections. Depending on the body part that the infection affects, symptoms can range from discharge and itching to irritation and pain. Yeast infection symptoms may start mild and become more severe if not treated.
Discharge
A common sign that a yeast infection is brewing includesabnormal genital discharge.
For people with avagina, these discharge changes are typically thick and white (like cottage cheese).People with a penis may experience somewhite, milky dischargethat accumulates on the head of the penis.
Unlike other types of discharge, yeast infection discharge typically doesn’t have a distinct or foul smell.
Itching and Burning
Genital itching and burningare other key signs of a yeast infection.These sensations are felt onthe vulvaand the labia (the external part of the vagina), but they can also occur on the inside of the vagina.The itching or burning may be near thehead of the penisor along the shaft.
Pain
Experiencing pain in the area is another common sign of a yeast infection for both males and females.This involvespain while urinatingandpain during vaginal sex. This could feel like a sharp pain for some people, while others may experience a soreness.
Skin Irritation
Yeast infections can irritate the skin. This may include swelling of the vagina and labia (the folds of skin around the vagina).For males, this might look like discoloration, scaly skin, or a painful rash on the underside of the penis.In people with light skin tones, redness may also be apparent.
Symptom DifferencesWhile genital yeast infection symptoms are generally similar, there are a few differences between penile and vaginal infections.Inpenile yeast infections, a discolored, white, or shiny rash on the penis head may develop.If the penis isuncircumcised, it may also be difficult to pull back the foreskin over the head of the penis due to swelling or irritation, and light discharge will appear thin and milky.With vaginal yeast infections, specific rashes are not a signature symptom. Instead, the skin folds around and inside the vagina may be generally swollen, discolored, and itchy. Any discharge tends to be noticeably thick and chunky.
Symptom Differences
While genital yeast infection symptoms are generally similar, there are a few differences between penile and vaginal infections.Inpenile yeast infections, a discolored, white, or shiny rash on the penis head may develop.If the penis isuncircumcised, it may also be difficult to pull back the foreskin over the head of the penis due to swelling or irritation, and light discharge will appear thin and milky.With vaginal yeast infections, specific rashes are not a signature symptom. Instead, the skin folds around and inside the vagina may be generally swollen, discolored, and itchy. Any discharge tends to be noticeably thick and chunky.
While genital yeast infection symptoms are generally similar, there are a few differences between penile and vaginal infections.
Inpenile yeast infections, a discolored, white, or shiny rash on the penis head may develop.If the penis isuncircumcised, it may also be difficult to pull back the foreskin over the head of the penis due to swelling or irritation, and light discharge will appear thin and milky.
With vaginal yeast infections, specific rashes are not a signature symptom. Instead, the skin folds around and inside the vagina may be generally swollen, discolored, and itchy. Any discharge tends to be noticeably thick and chunky.
How to Tell If Symptoms Are From a Yeast Infection
Other infections with similar symptoms can bemistaken for yeast infections, so it’s important to get an accurate diagnosis. Infections likebacterial vaginosisortrichomoniasismight resemble yeast infections but require entirely different treatment.
Common yeast infection symptoms, like itching, pain, burning, and thick, white discharge, can be similar to some types of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which might look more like:
It’s best to check with a healthcare provider if you’re unsure whether it’s a yeast infection.
A Word From VerywellIf you think you have a yeast infection, taking a daily probiotic or increasing yogurt intake may improve levels of the good bacteria in the vagina that helps prevent yeast overgrowth.—RENITA WHITE, MD
A Word From Verywell
If you think you have a yeast infection, taking a daily probiotic or increasing yogurt intake may improve levels of the good bacteria in the vagina that helps prevent yeast overgrowth.—RENITA WHITE, MD
If you think you have a yeast infection, taking a daily probiotic or increasing yogurt intake may improve levels of the good bacteria in the vagina that helps prevent yeast overgrowth.
—RENITA WHITE, MD
Untreated Yeast Infection Symptoms
Leaving ayeast infection untreatedmay develop into more severe symptoms or complications. Without treatment, symptoms can get worse. Prolonged swelling, irritation, and itchiness could prompt bleeding, open sores, or cracked skin, making a skin infection more likely.
An untreated yeast infection can quickly become extremely serious in people with a weakened immune system. If the yeast infection spreads to the blood, heart, brain, eyes, or bones, it becomes a serious infection known as invasivecandidiasis.
Treatment for Suspected Yeast Infection Symptoms
Antifungal medicationstreat yeast infections. OTC antifungals come in cream, ointment, tablet, and suppository formats. Common brands include:
Experts generally approve ofat-home treatmentsif you have mild symptoms, are not pregnant, are not concerned about a potential STI, and don’t get yeast infections frequently. Be sure to follow the instructions on the product label.
The Best Over-The-Counter Yeast Infection Medicines for Fast Relief
Keep Having Yeast Infection Symptoms
Genital yeast infections are typically a common, occasional occurrence. However, if you’re experiencing yeast infections more than four times yearly, experts may classify them aschronic or recurring.
Chronic yeast infections can happen for a variety of reasons, including:
Other times, there is no clear underlying cause for why a person may experience chronic yeast infections.
While there’s no one-size-fits-all treatment for recurring cases, experts often recommend a combination of longer-term medications and lifestyle adjustments, such as:
Summary
Common symptoms of genital yeast infections include itching, pain, burning, and discharge. People with male and female anatomy can experience a yeast infection, though symptoms may vary slightly based on whether the infection impacts the vagina or the penis.
While both yeast infections can be treated at home with OTC topical remedies, a healthcare provider can offer an official diagnosis and prescribe an oral antifungal medication to clear the infection effectively.
11 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Yeast infection tests.Planned Parenthood.What is a yeast infection?MedlinePlus.Vaginal yeast infection.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Yeast infection.Harvard Health Publishing.Multiple yeast infections.Urology Care Foundation.What are sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or diseases (STDs)?Martin Lopez JE.Candidiasis (vulvovaginal).BMJ Clin Evid. 2015;2015:0815.MedlinePlus.Yeast infections.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC).Avci P, Freire F, Banvolgyi A, et al.Sodium ascorbate kills candida albicans in vitro via iron-catalyzed fenton reaction: importance of oxygenation and metabolism.Future Microbiol. 2016;11(12):1535-1547. doi:10.2217/fmb-2016-0063University of Washington Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.Boric acid for recurrent vaginal yeast infections.
11 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Yeast infection tests.Planned Parenthood.What is a yeast infection?MedlinePlus.Vaginal yeast infection.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Yeast infection.Harvard Health Publishing.Multiple yeast infections.Urology Care Foundation.What are sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or diseases (STDs)?Martin Lopez JE.Candidiasis (vulvovaginal).BMJ Clin Evid. 2015;2015:0815.MedlinePlus.Yeast infections.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC).Avci P, Freire F, Banvolgyi A, et al.Sodium ascorbate kills candida albicans in vitro via iron-catalyzed fenton reaction: importance of oxygenation and metabolism.Future Microbiol. 2016;11(12):1535-1547. doi:10.2217/fmb-2016-0063University of Washington Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.Boric acid for recurrent vaginal yeast infections.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
MedlinePlus.Yeast infection tests.Planned Parenthood.What is a yeast infection?MedlinePlus.Vaginal yeast infection.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Yeast infection.Harvard Health Publishing.Multiple yeast infections.Urology Care Foundation.What are sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or diseases (STDs)?Martin Lopez JE.Candidiasis (vulvovaginal).BMJ Clin Evid. 2015;2015:0815.MedlinePlus.Yeast infections.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC).Avci P, Freire F, Banvolgyi A, et al.Sodium ascorbate kills candida albicans in vitro via iron-catalyzed fenton reaction: importance of oxygenation and metabolism.Future Microbiol. 2016;11(12):1535-1547. doi:10.2217/fmb-2016-0063University of Washington Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.Boric acid for recurrent vaginal yeast infections.
MedlinePlus.Yeast infection tests.
Planned Parenthood.What is a yeast infection?
MedlinePlus.Vaginal yeast infection.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Yeast infection.
Harvard Health Publishing.Multiple yeast infections.
Urology Care Foundation.What are sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or diseases (STDs)?
Martin Lopez JE.Candidiasis (vulvovaginal).BMJ Clin Evid. 2015;2015:0815.
MedlinePlus.Yeast infections.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC).
Avci P, Freire F, Banvolgyi A, et al.Sodium ascorbate kills candida albicans in vitro via iron-catalyzed fenton reaction: importance of oxygenation and metabolism.Future Microbiol. 2016;11(12):1535-1547. doi:10.2217/fmb-2016-0063
University of Washington Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.Boric acid for recurrent vaginal yeast infections.
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