YeastInfection
A yeast infection is an fungal infection of the vagina in girls and women. This fungus is always present, but a yeast infection is when it grows way too much. A yeast infection can cause burning, itching and redness in your vulva and a thick, white vaginal discharge?. A yeast infection is not considered an STI (sexually transmitted infection), but in rare cases you can transmit it to a female sex partner.
Most women will have one in their lives, about half will have more than one. They're more common after puberty and before menopause?.
Common symptoms include:
- Itching and burning of the vagina
- Burning when you pee
- A thick, white vaginal discharge that looks like cottage cheese that usually does not smell bad
- Pain during vaginal sex
Symptoms often get worse just before menstruation (your period). Wikipedia says that wearing tight clothing, certain types of underwear, and your personal hygiene are not why infections happen, but it also says that despite the lack of evidence, wearing cotton underwear? and loose fitting clothing is often recommended to prevent infections. Avoid douching, that is, cleaning the inside of your vagina with a stream of water. Vaginas are self-cleaning, anyway. And avoid scented hygiene products.
A yeast infection is treated with anti-fungal medication. This can be a cream, a pill, or a suppository for your vagina (a small plug you insert into your vagina). See a doctor if:
- This is your first yeast infection
- You're not sure if it's a yeast infection or not
- Your symptoms don't go away after treating your infection with a cream, a pill or suppository
- You have other symptoms
- You get more than four infections in a year
Yeast infections are the second-most common infections women can get in their vaginas. Bacterial vaginosis is the most common.