Title: How Yeast Infections Are Diagnosed | Everyday Health
Headings: How Yeast Infections Are Diagnosed
How Yeast Infections Are Diagnosed
Symptoms of a Yeast Infection
Why It's Important to See Your Doctor for a Yeast Infection
Diagnosing Yeast Infections at the Doctor's Office
Prescription Treatment for Yeast Infection
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Content: Itching in and around the vagina
A burning sensation in the vaginal area
Redness, soreness, or irritation in and around the vagina
Vaginal discharge ranging from thin and watery to thick and curd-like
If you have a yeast infection, you might experience other warning signs such as painful urination, says Sarah Wagner, MD, an assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Loyola University Health System in Maywood, Ill. "This is caused by urine making contact with an irritated vulva," she says. Some women may also experience redness and swelling, says Oluwatosin Jaiyeoba, MD, an obstetrician/gynecologist with the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. " These symptoms can develop inside the vagina as well as externally," she says. Why It's Important to See Your Doctor for a Yeast Infection
If you suspect you have a yeast infection, you should see your doctor to confirm a diagnosis and get treatment. Ignoring or delaying treatment for a yeast infection can make the condition more difficult to manage. There are a number of yeast infection medications now available without a prescription. These antifungal treatments are available in creams, tablets, and suppositories that are inserted into the vagina. Depending on the type of medication you use, treatment can last from one to seven days. The easy availability of over-the-counter treatments can tempt women who experience the symptoms associated with a yeast infection to self-diagnose and self-treat. That's not necessarily a good idea, however — especially if you've never been officially diagnosed with a yeast infection before.