Yeast infection - vagina; Vaginal candidiasis; Monilial vaginitis

• Abnormal vaginal discharge
  • Ranges from a slightly watery, white discharge to a thick, white, chunky discharge (like cottage cheese)
• Pain with intercourse
• Painful urination
• Redness and swelling of the vulva
• Vaginal and labial itching, burning

A pelvic examination will be done. It may show swelling (inflammation) of the skin of the vulva, in the vagina, and on the cervix. The health care provider may find dry, white plaques on the vaginal wall.

A small amount of the vaginal discharge is examined using a microscope (called a wet mount and KOH test). It will show Candida.

Sometimes, a culture is taken when the infection does not improve with treatment or comes back many times.

Your doctor may also choose to do tests to find other causes of your symptoms.

Images

Yeast infections

Normal uterine anatomy (cut section)

Uterus

Secondary infection

Candida, flourescent stain

Review Date: 11/01/2009
Reviewed By: Linda Vorvick, MD, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Redmond, WA; Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)