Yeast Infection Discharge

Fungal infection in humans are either caused by an overgrowth of beneficial fungi in the body or by the presence of harmful ones. Fungal infections can affect various parts of the body, especially the warm and moist parts, like the mouth, genitals, skin folds, intestines, etc. The symptoms of the infection varies with the type of infection. However, in most cases, Candida species of fungi (especially Candida albicans fungus) are responsible for infection in humans. This type of fungal infection is also termed as yeast infection or candidiasis, which is primarily found as vaginal infection and oral thrush. Yeast infection discharge is one of the common symptoms of vaginal yeast infection. Though rare, such discharge is also experienced by some men, who are affected by penile yeast infection.

Normal Vaginal Discharge

Vaginal discharge is normal in women, as the cervix and uterine walls possess some glands, that produce small amounts of fluid, in order to keep the vagina clean and to discard dead cells. In normal women, this fluid will be clear or milky white, without any bad odor. It may appear during specific times like ovulation and breastfeeding. So, changes in normal vaginal discharge can be caused by various factors like sexual arousal, low nutrition, pregnancy, medication and use of birth control pills. Changes like increase in the amount of discharge, color, consistency, pain in the area, itching, burning and abnormal odor, are signs and symptoms of either infection or some other disorder. One such condition is vaginal yeast infection, which causes unusual discharge.

Yeast Infection Discharge

Vaginal yeast infection is caused by a type of fungus called Candida albicans (as mentioned before), and the condition is otherwise known as vaginal candidiasis. The common symptoms of this infection are itching, soreness, pain while urinating and pain during intercourse. Apart from these symptoms, the infected women may also experience yeast infection discharge, which is thick and white and resembles cottage cheese in appearance. The color may range between a light yellow to white. Such discharge may either have no smell or smell like baker's yeast or beer. A dark yellow or green discharge is often associated with bacterial vaginosis. The infected women may pass on this condition to her sexual partner too. In case of men, yeast infection can affect the penis, causing burning sensation, pain and itching in the penis during sexual intercourse or urination. The tip of the penis may become red and may also develop blisters or rashes. Though rare, such discharge can be experienced by men too. In case of men, the color of discharge is white. But it is not a common symptom, as far as penile yeast infection is concerned.

Yeast infection discharge and other related symptoms are treated with antifungal medication, which include ointments that can be applied topically. Doctors can also prescribe oral drugs for treatment. However, this infection can be prevented and controlled to some extent by practicing good personal hygiene, refraining from sex with infected partners, avoiding excessive use of antibiotics or immunosuppressive drugs. Women with medical conditions like diabetes and HIV/AIDS, are also prone to this condition. If you notice any yeast infection discharge and other related symptoms, get it diagnosed and treated at the earliest.