Yeast Infection or Candidiasis is caused due to overgrowth of a micro-organism called Candida albicans. This usually affects exposed & moist parts of body like oral cavity, under armpits, penis under foreskin etc; but most commonly it affects vagina in women. Existence of such organism in small numbers does not cause any problems and can go symptom less for several months, but if triggered by factors which provide them ideal conditions for growth they multiply in large numbers and start showing major symptoms.
Most of the time vaginal yeast infection show nonspecific symptoms due to which it becomes bit difficult to point exact cause for such symptoms. In most of the women itching in vaginal area or vulva is found to be the common symptom. Other inflammation and infection symptoms like redness, soreness, burning etc are also very common. But it is characterized by a kind of typical vaginal discharge which is thick whitish in texture with unique starchy odor. But only 20% of women suffering with yeast infection get this discharge, so most often yeast infection is recognized with the itching and burning in vagina.
Yeast also causes burning in urination, when acidic urine hits irritated skin of vulva it causes severe burning sensations in that area, this continues till urine reaches outside. Due to yeast the local skin of vagina becomes very sensitive and any touching or rubbing causes severe pain so women suffering with yeast infection also report sever pain during sex or intercourse. In some cases this abnormal growth of candida can also involve esophagus becoming systemic and can lead to a much more severe condition called fungemia.
Different Vaginal infections show similar type of symptoms due to which many women misdiagnose themselves for yeast infection and try to self medicate, this often lead to mistreatment and actual problem may go uncured. If a woman is suffering with any of the above symptoms for first time, it is strongly suggested that she should see a doctor to confirm for candidiasis or yeast infection with proper diagnosis process.