Symptoms of Vaginal Yeast Infection in Adults

You’re feeling off, but it’s hard to explain. There’s no fever, no sore throat, yet something just doesn’t feel right down there. Then come the telltale signs—itching, discharge, maybe even burning. It doesn’t take long before the suspicion creeps in: is it a yeast infection?

Vaginal yeast infections are incredibly common—affecting about 3 out of 4 women at some point. But despite how frequent they are, symptoms can still be confusing or mistaken for something else. And when left unaddressed, they can go from mildly annoying to severely uncomfortable.

Before jumping to conclusions or trying random over-the-counter creams, it’s important to fully recognize the signs of a yeast infection. Here’s what to watch for—and what your body might be trying to tell you.

1. Intense Itching Around the Vaginal Area

One of the earliest and most unmistakable symptoms is a persistent itch in or around the vagina. This isn’t just mild discomfort—it can become severe enough to disrupt daily activities or even affect sleep.

The itching is often concentrated at the entrance of the vagina (the vulva), but it may extend to the inner labia or surrounding skin. Scratching may provide temporary relief, but it often worsens the irritation and can cause small tears that make the area more vulnerable to secondary infections.

2. Thick, White, Odorless Discharge

Yeast infections often produce a discharge that resembles cottage cheese—thick, white, and lumpy. Unlike bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis, there’s usually no strong or fishy odor with yeast-related discharge. Some women might notice more discharge than usual, while others only experience a change in texture. It may appear suddenly or gradually build up over several days. This change is often the clearest physical sign that something is off internally.

3. Burning Sensation—Especially During Urination or Sex

Another common complaint is a burning feeling, particularly when peeing or during sexual activity. This happens when the inflamed vaginal tissue comes into contact with urine or friction. The stinging or burning may feel similar to a urinary tract infection at first. However, unlike a UTI, the pain doesn’t come from deep inside the bladder or urethra but more from the outer vaginal area. This is an important distinction and can help you differentiate between the two.

4. Redness and Swelling of the Vulva

When the body reacts to an overgrowth of yeast (Candida albicans), the result is inflammation. The vulva may appear red, swollen, and irritated, often accompanied by tenderness or a raw sensation. In some cases, the skin around the vaginal opening may even look shiny or stretched due to swelling. This visible inflammation is a signal that your immune system is working hard to fight off the infection—but it also makes everything feel more uncomfortable.

5. Small Cracks or Sores Around the Vaginal Opening

In more severe or prolonged cases, the skin around the vagina may develop tiny cracks or abrasions. These are usually caused by excessive scratching or the friction from inflamed skin rubbing together. Although they may look alarming, they are usually shallow and heal quickly once the yeast infection is treated. However, they can make activities like walking, sitting, or urinating much more painful during the infection phase.

ALSO READ: Sex Alternatives: 5 Ways to have Great Sex without Intercourse (Penetration) 

6. Pain or Discomfort With Tight Clothing

Even something as simple as wearing jeans or tights can feel uncomfortable when you have a yeast infection. The tightness puts pressure on already inflamed tissue, worsening symptoms like itching, heat, and sensitivity. This discomfort may cause you to shift in your seat, avoid physical activity, or feel constantly aware of your lower body. It’s another subtle but powerful indicator that something’s wrong.

7. Vaginal Dryness or Sensation of Pressure

Though yeast infections are usually associated with discharge, some women experience an odd sensation of dryness or internal pressure instead. The vaginal walls may feel inflamed and tight, leading to a sensation that something is “off” even without itch or discharge. This is especially common in women who’ve had repeated yeast infections and may be dealing with irritated tissue that hasn’t fully healed. While less talked about, it’s a valid symptom worth noting—especially when combined with other signs.

ALSO READ: MHow to Rebuild Trust After a Husband Cheats

8. Recurrent Infections With Similar Patterns

For some women, yeast infections come and go in a pattern—after their period, following antibiotic use, or during high-stress periods. Recognizing this pattern helps pinpoint symptoms even before they fully develop. If you experience recurring infections, your body may give early warnings—like slight itching or discomfort—days before discharge or redness sets in. Being able to recognize those signs can help you act early and possibly prevent a full-blown episode.

9. Vaginal Soreness Without Obvious Cause

Sometimes the symptoms aren’t dramatic—just a feeling of soreness, sensitivity, or being “raw” without visible swelling or heavy discharge. This soreness can linger for days, often worsened by wiping, movement, or clothing. While it may be easy to dismiss this as irritation from shaving or tight clothes, it’s often one of the earliest signs of an upcoming yeast infection. If it doesn’t resolve quickly, yeast may be the underlying cause.

10. Symptoms That Flare Up After Sex or Menstruation

Hormonal shifts, semen exposure, and pH changes around your period can all trigger yeast overgrowth. If you notice a flare-up of itching, discharge, or discomfort right after sex or just before/after your menstrual cycle, pay attention. This isn’t just coincidence—it’s often the yeast reacting to changes in the vaginal environment. Tracking these patterns can help you catch an infection early and make better choices about prevention.

ALSO READ; Vaginal Odour and Vagina Itching: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment