Abnormal discharge is a symptom associated with vaginal yeast infection. Here is a brief overview about yeast infection discharge.
Fungal infections can affect various parts of the human body, especially the warm and moist ones, like the mouth, genitals, skin folds, intestines, etc. The symptoms of the infection vary with the type of infection. However, in most cases, Candida species of fungi (especially Candida albicans) are responsible for infection in humans. This type of fungal infection is also termed 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 a discharge is also experienced by some men, who are affected with penile yeast infection.
Normal Vaginal Discharge
Vaginal discharge is normal in women, as the cervix and uterine walls have some glands that produce small amounts of fluid, to keep the vagina clean and to discard dead cells. In normal women, this fluid will be clear or cloudy white, without any bad odor. It may turn yellowish when dry.
The nature of the discharge may change slightly, due to various factors, like ovulation, menstruation, pregnancy, nutritional status, stress, sexual arousal, use of certain medication, etc. However, changes, like increase in the amount of discharge, color, consistency, pain in the area, itching, burning sensation, and abnormal odor, are signs and symptoms of an infection or some other disorder. One such condition is vaginal yeast infection, which may cause an unusual discharge.
Yeast Infection and Vaginal Discharge
Vaginal yeast infection is caused by a type of fungus called Candida albicans, 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. Such a discharge is often found to be thick and white, and resembles cottage cheese in appearance. The color may range between light yellow to white. In some people, such a discharge may not have any smell, while in others, it may 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. Some of the affected men may have a white-colored discharge. Such a discharge 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 maintaining personal hygiene, refraining from sex with infected partners, and by 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 the condition diagnosed and treated at the earliest.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice. Visiting your physician is the safest way to diagnose and treat any health condition.
