Great question! Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of fungus called Candida aka yeast. It’s totally normal to find small amounts of yeast in the vagina, mouth, and digestive tract, but yeast needs balance. If there’s too much yeast, a yeast infection can develop. A major sign of a yeast infection is a change in discharge. Before treatment, discharge will be thick, white, and curd-like similar to the texture of cottage cheese. The discharge shouldn’t have an odor, but it’s normal to have some burning, redness, and irritation in the vagina. After treatment, your discharge should go back to your normal prior discharge. However, it’s always recommended that you see your health care provider (HCP) before you begin treating the yeast infection with over-the-counter products, especially if you’ve never had a yeast infection before. If you experience a change in symptoms and/or a change in the color, smell, texture of your discharge, schedule an appointment with your HCP. These changes could be a signs of a bacterial infection, which will need a prescription to treat!
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