Actually, yes, they are. In fact, at least nearly 75% of women will experience one at some point in their lives.

Although these infections are common, they’re still generally preventable! Our AFC Urgent Care Knoxville center explains how you can prevent these infections from happening below, so read on.

What Even Is a Yeast Infection?

Yeast infections occur when there is an overgrowth of Candida, a type of fungus that lives inside the body, in a moist area of the skin. While vaginal yeast infections are the most common type of yeast infection, yeast infections also develop in the mouth, throat and gut.

While yeast infections are definitely more common among females, males can get them, too. We’ve listed the most common symptoms of yeast infections below.

Common Yeast Infection Symptoms

• Itching and irritation in the vagina and vulva
• A burning sensation—especially during intercourse or while urinating
• Redness and swelling of the vulva
• Vaginal pain and soreness
• Vaginal rash
• Thick, white, odor-free vaginal discharge with a cottage cheese appearance
• Watery vaginal discharge

Will I Need to Seek Medical Care If I Get a Yeast Infection?

Mild yeast infections will eventually go away without medical treatment. If your symptoms are mild, you’re not pregnant and you’re sure that your symptoms are caused by a yeast infection, you can treat yourself with an over-the-counter anti-fungal medicine.

If you’re not sure that your symptoms are caused by a yeast infection, though, you may want to see your doctor instead of treating it yourself. You could have another problem, such as a bacterial vaginal infection or a sexually transmitted infection (STI), that needs different treatment.

More Reasons to Seek Medical Care

• This is the first time you’ve had yeast infection symptoms.
• Your symptoms aren’t relieved after treating with over-the-counter anti-fungal vaginal creams or suppositories.
• You develop other symptoms.

If you have further questions about yeast infections or are in need of general medical care, don’t hesitate to visit our AFC Urgent Care Knoxville center today!