Other conditions with symptoms similar to a vaginal yeast infection
The two main symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection are itching and discharge.
Itching
Other conditions that may cause itching similar to a vaginal yeast infection include:
- Contact dermatitis (irritation of the skin, usually caused by a chemical, soap, or detergent).
- Allergic reaction.
- A sexually transmitted disease, such as genital herpes, genital warts (human papillomavirus, or HPV), or trichomonas vaginitis.
- Pinworms.
- Atrophic vaginitis (a common condition in postmenopausal women).
- Other skin conditions, such as psoriasis.
- Impaired immune system conditions, such as infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Discharge
Other conditions that may cause a discharge similar to that produced by a vaginal yeast infection include:
- Bacterial vaginosis, another kind of vaginal infection usually caused by an imbalance of normal organisms in the vagina.
- Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), such as trichomonas vaginitis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, or genital herpes.
- Inflammation of the cervix (cervicitis).
- Atrophic vaginitis.
- Foreign object in the vagina, such as a tampon left in too long.
- Excess of normal secretions.
| Author: | Sandy Jocoy, RN | Last Updated: June 17, 2008 |
| Medical Review: | Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine Deborah A. Penava, BA, MD, FRCSC, MPH - Obstetrics and Gynecology | |
 | ||
| |