Up to 75% of women will get a yeast infection at least once, and yet, only about one-third can correctly diagnose themselves with a yeast infection. So if they’re so common, why are we so bad at knowing when we have one? Below, we put together a guide on how to tell if you have a yeast infection.

What is a yeast infection? 

A yeast infection (also called vaginal candidiasis) is a type of fungal infection caused by Candida, a yeast that naturally lives in our body — on our skin, mouth, throat, and vagina. Most yeast infections are due to a type of Candida called Candida albicans, but there are other strains too, like C. glabrata, C. tropicalis, C. parapsilosis, and C. krusei.

Although Candida can be found in the vaginal microbiomes of healthy people without causing any issues, this fungus can overgrow and cause uncomfortable symptoms such as cottage cheese-like discharge and itching. Some common risk factors, that can cause Candida to overgrow include:

Yeast infection symptoms

The only surefire way to know if you have a yeast infection is to see your healthcare provider and do a pelvic exam. 

Symptoms alone aren’t reliable enough as a diagnosis because many different infections share the same symptoms, and most of us are pretty bad at self-diagnosing. One study found that 66% of people who self-diagnose themselves with a vaginal yeast infection don’t actually have one. 

That said, there are some telltale symptoms of a yeast infection to keep in mind — just so you know what red flags to look out for. 

Thick, clumpy discharge 

It’s normal to have vaginal discharge, which is the fluid that comes out of your vagina. The key is knowing what is and isn’t normal for your body. Any unusual changes in the color, texture, or smell of vaginal discharge can be a sign that something’s up down there, like a yeast infection. 

Healthy vaginal discharge is generally clear or white and has a mild odor (notice how we didn’t say it’s completely odorless or smells like flowers). Yeast infection discharge is white, thick, and clumpy like cottage cheese but generally doesn’t have a strong smell.  

Itching 

There are many reasons why your vulva or vagina might be itchy, ranging from something harmless like post-shaving irritation or contact dermatitis to something more serious like a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Yeast infections are another common reason for vaginal itching. When you have a yeast infection, you might experience itching and irritation inside or around your vagina. 

A burning sensation 

Another common symptom of yeast infections is a stinging or burning sensation, especially when you pee or have sex. Much like itchiness, any burning or stinging can be a sign of many different infections, so it’s important to speak to your healthcare provider. 

Redness or swelling

In more severe cases, a yeast infection can also cause redness, swelling, or cracked skin around the vaginal opening. 

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How is a vaginal yeast infection diagnosed? 

If you think you might have a vaginal yeast infection, your healthcare provider will start by asking about your symptoms (that's why it's helpful to know what to look out for) and medical history. Then, they'll do a pelvic exam to check your vulva and vagina for signs of infection like redness, swelling, and abnormal discharge. During the pelvic exam, they might use a speculum to look inside your vagina and cervix.

Your doctor might also take a swab from inside your vagina, which can be checked for yeast species under a microscope or in the lab. A vaginal yeast culture will also help identify the specific strain of Candida responsible for your yeast infection, making it easier to find the best treatment option for you.  

Yeast infection treatment

The go-to treatment for yeast infections is antifungal medicines. Your doctor will suggest a treatment based on how severe your infection is and how often it occurs.

If you're experiencing mild or moderate symptoms that don't happen frequently, you might get a short course of vaginal antifungal medicine in cream, ointment, or suppository form. These medications often end in "-azole," like terconazole or miconazole. Another option could be a single oral dose of a medicine called fluconazole, but this isn't recommended if you're pregnant.

For more severe or frequent infections, you may need to take multiple oral doses of antifungal medication or be prescribed a longer course of vaginally-inserted antifungal medications.

If the infection doesn't respond to antifungal drugs, your doctor might suggest other medicines such as boric acid, nystatin, or flucytosine, which can be taken as a vaginal suppository.

Occasionally, a vaginal yeast infection may not clear up because the medication you're using doesn't work on the type of yeast that's causing your infection. Many people like to self-diagnose and use over-the-counter medication to treat symptoms of vaginal yeast infections. However, it's important to remember that self-diagnosing isn’t always reliable. Up to 90% of vaginal yeast infections are caused by C. albicans but other strains can overgrow, such as C. glabrata, which is responsible for around 5% of cases. 

FAQ

How do I check myself for a yeast infection?

Getting tested by your healthcare provider and confirming the presence of yeast is the only surefire way to know if you have a yeast infection. Symptoms like clumpy white discharge, itching, and a burning sensation are often telltale signs of a yeast infection, but many other infections share similar symptoms. Plus, sometimes symptoms are so mild that they go unnoticed. If you don’t have time to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider, or you’d rather do an at-home yeast infection test kit, you can take an at-home vaginal microbiome test (like Evvy’s) so you know exactly what might be behind your symptoms. Eligible users will also receive a personalized treatment plan through Evvy Clinical Care. 

Do yeast infections go away on their own?

If it’s very mild, a yeast infection could potentially go away on its own, but if you’re experiencing symptoms it’s really important to see your healthcare provider. Not only could the infection get worse, but it might not be a yeast infection to begin with. Many infections, including some STIs, have similar symptoms. It’s always better to err on the side of caution and speak to your doctor rather than wait for an infection to clear up on its own.  

What is commonly mistaken for a yeast infection?

Vaginal infections such as bacterial vaginosis (BV) and cytolytic vaginosis (BV), skin conditions like eczema or dermatitis, and even some sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia, trichomoniasis, and gonorrhea are all often mistaken for a yeast infection. Knowing what symptoms to look out for, getting regular STI check-ups, and doing a vaginal microbiome test can help clear up any confusion. 

What is the fastest way to get rid of a yeast infection? 

Over-the-counter or prescription antifungal drugs are the first-line treatment for vaginal yeast infections. They can be taken as a vaginal cream or pessary, or as a pill you have to swallow. Most vaginal yeast infections will clear up in a few days, but it could take a full week depending on the treatment course.