Many STIs share the same symptoms as yeast infections, such as itching, vaginal discharge and pain with urination. But it’s not always easy to tell if you have one of these infections.

For example, some STIs, like Trichomoniasis, don’t cause any symptoms at all. That’s why it’s important to get tested.

Vaginal Discharge

Abnormal vaginal discharge is a symptom of several different things. It may be a sign of a sexually transmitted disease (STD) or a bacterial infection.

The most common type of STD is chlamydia. It can cause itching, burning, and pain in the vagina.

But it can also cause a thick, white, cottage cheese-like discharge that’s similar to what happens with yeast infections.

The discharge isn’t a surefire sign of an STI, though. If you’re sexually active and you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to get them checked out by a health care provider as soon as possible.

Itching

If you think you might have a yeast infection, be sure to seek medical help. Yeast infections can cause itching in your vagina and along your vulva.

Women who are pregnant, use antibiotics or birth control pills, or have a health condition that weakens their immune system are at higher risk of getting a yeast infection.

Some skin conditions, like eczema or psoriasis, can also cause itching. However, if you have any of these symptoms and your doctor believes they’re caused by a yeast infection, she may prescribe a course of antifungal medication.

Burning

Yeast is naturally present in the mucus membranes of your vagina and vulva (the tissues around your vagina). However, an overgrowth of yeast can disrupt the normal balance of microorganisms in your genitals, causing infections.

Symptoms usually include itching, burning and irritation of your vagina and vulva. You may also have a whitish-yellow discharge.

If the infection gets into your urethra (the tube pee comes out of) it can be painful when you urinate, too.

This symptom is usually a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI), but it can be a sign of an STD, too. If you experience it, see your doctor to figure out what’s going on.

Swelling

Swelling, like itching and burning, is one of the classic symptoms of vaginal infection. It’s also a common symptom of some STDs.

Yeast Infection

Most women will experience a yeast infection at some point in their lives. These infections are caused when excessive amounts of the fungus Candida albicans grow in the vagina and irritate the skin and tissue.

A yeast infection usually heals up on its own within a week or so, but you may need antibiotics to clear up the infection completely. Yeast infections can also cause bleeding or other health problems, so talk to your doctor about how to treat the symptoms if you have this type of infection.

Pain

Yeast infections can cause itching, burning and redness in the vagina and the surrounding area known as the vulva. It’s common for women to get these infections.

But they can also happen in men. You may experience itchy, burning and redness in the groin, or you might have a yeast infection in the penis area, called jock itch.

Yeast infections can be caused by an overgrowth of the fungus Candida albicans, which normally lives in your intestine and in the genital area. Yeast can get out of balance for a variety of reasons, including pregnancy, diabetes or a weak immune system.