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.

Credits

By	Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer	Sarah Anne Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Last Revised	June 8, 2010