What Mimics a Yeast Infection? 9 Common Conditions, Including in Pregnancy

Is your vagina super itchy? And you’ve noticed a change in your discharge? Your first thought might be: it’s a vaginal yeast infection. But itchiness and a change in discharge are common symptoms of other vaginal conditions that can mimic a yeast infection.

70-75% of people with a vagina will experience a yeast infection (vaginal candidiasis) in their lifetime. But that doesn’t necessarily mean we’re good at distinguishing a yeast infection from other vaginal conditions. One study showed that only about a third of folks correctly diagnosed themselves with a yeast infection. 

Below are nine common conditions that are often mistaken for a yeast infection, plus guidance on how to tell whether they may be the cause of your symptoms. And remember: if your discharge and itchiness are causing you concern, then it’s best to get checked out by a doctor before reaching for over-the-counter medication.  

Key takeaways

• Many conditions mimic symptoms of a yeast infection, including BV, trichomoniasis, contact dermatitis, gonorrhea, and UTIs.
• During pregnancy, the stakes are higher. BV and trich have both been linked to preterm birth, so accurate diagnosis matters more than ever. 
• The quickest way to tell a yeast infection from other vaginal infections is by the discharge and itch. Thick, clumpy, and intensely itchy points to yeast; thin, watery, or fishy points elsewhere. 
• If you're pregnant and experiencing unusual discharge, itching, or discomfort, call your OB before self-treating. 
• Not sure what you're dealing with? Evvy's Vaginal Microbiome Test can help you get a real answer.
  

1. Bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) occurs when certain bacteria that naturally live in the vagina overgrow, displacing the healthy bacteria that also inhabit the vaginal microbiome. This imbalance is often referred to as dysbiosis.

Without the protective bacteria keeping the vagina naturally acidic, vaginal pH rises, and bad bacteria can start causing symptoms such as abnormal discharge, fishy smell, and, sometimes, soreness and itching. That said, itching is more commonly associated with yeast infections than BV. 

A telltale sign of BV is discharge that has a strong, fishy smell — which may be especially noticeable after sex or menstruation. BV discharge may be off-white, gray, or greenish in color, and thin and watery in consistency. 

In comparison, vaginal discharge from a yeast infection is curd-like in consistency (often compared to cottage cheese), appears whitish-yellowish in color, and generally doesn’t have a smell. In some cases, though, the discharge might have a mild, “yeasty” smell that is slightly sweet or like bread.

Despite key distinctions between yeast infections and BV, BV is often misidentified as a yeast infection and vice versa.

2. Cytolytic vaginosis 

You may have heard of BV, but you may not know “cytolytic vaginosis (CV), a condition caused when the “good” bacteria within the vagina, namely Lactobacilli, overgrow.

Cytolytic vaginosis produces a thick, white, clumpy, cottage cheese-like discharge accompanied by severe itching and burning, with cyclical symptoms worsening during the luteal phase and improving once bleeding starts. It has an ultra-acidic vaginal pH, frequently between 3.5 and 4.4.‍‍

This means that people with CV are often misdiagnosed with a yeast infection. Like many areas of vaginal health, there is limited research on CV, and officially, it hasn’t yet been classified as either an infection or an STI. What we do know is that CV doesn’t respond to antifungal medication, which is a first-line treatment for yeast infections. So, if you have symptoms similar to a yeast infection but your symptoms don’t get better after taking these medications, you may want to speak with your doctor about CV. 

3. Contact dermatitis and allergic reactions

Most of us are familiar with the occasional itch or rash we get when our skin comes into contact with something it doesn’t like. Guess what? Contact dermatitis around the vulva isn’t that different. And it’s more common than you’d think.

The delicate skin of the vulva is highly reactive to chemical irritants. Allergic reactions to soaps, detergents, or lubricants can cause redness and itching without the thick, clunky discharge of a yeast infection.

While it’s not transmitted sexually, in some people, contact dermatitis may be triggered by sexual activity that involves latex, ingredients in lube, or other substances used during sex. It can also be caused by a skin condition such as eczema. 

While they share the symptom of itchiness, a key difference between an allergic reaction and a yeast infection is that the former doesn’t cause changes in vaginal discharge, although some people may mistake the damp feeling of an irritated skin surface (via “weeping”) as discharge. 

Also, allergic reactions tend to worsen with repeat exposure to the irritant, so it can be useful to keep track of what your vulva has come into contact with to help identify the cause. 

4. Genital herpes 

Genital herpes is a sexually-transmitted infection (STI) caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) — the same virus that can cause cold sores around the mouth. As you may have learned in sex ed, herpes simplex can be spread through vaginal, oral, and anal sex. Common symptoms of genital herpes include tingling, burning, or itching around the genitals. 

As with BV, the discharge from herpes tends to be thin in consistency and have a fishy smell, which gets stronger after having sex. However, people with herpes can also develop small, painful blisters on their genitals, which can burst and leave red sores — symptoms that aren’t typically associated with BV or yeast infections. In some cases, people with herpes can also have flu-like symptoms, such as fever or swollen glands, whereas symptoms from a yeast infection are generally localized around the vulva and vagina. 

If you are experiencing herpes symptoms, contact your doctor and make an appointment as soon as possible — prompt treatment is essential to prevent long-term complications.  

‍5. Genital warts 

Similar to genital herpes, genital warts are an STI that causes small lumps to grow around the vagina and vulva. However, genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) rather than herpes, and the sores tend to be flesh-colored or whitish bumps rather than blisters or red, open sores. Generally, genital warts are not thought to be painful.

Genital warts may also cause itchiness around the genitals. And, because sometimes the lumps aren’t visible to the human eye, it may be easy to mistake the itchiness as a sign of a yeast infection. ‍

6. Trichomoniasis

Caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis (TV), frequently abbreviated to “trich,” trichomoniasis (or trich) is the most common STI that isn’t transmitted via a virus. Like a yeast infection, it can cause vaginal discharge and itching, but up to half of the people with trichomoniasis have no symptoms at all. 

Discharge caused by trichomoniasis often appears thick, thin, or frothy, and yellow-green in color. It may also have an unpleasant fishy odor. 

Trichomoniasis can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms are similar to those of other STIs, but a doctor or sexual health clinic can test for a range of different infections. You can also test for trich, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and hundreds of other bacteria with Evvy's at-home vaginal microbiome test. ‍

7. Gonorrhea‍

Gonorrhea is an STI caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae, mainly found in vaginal fluid and in discharge from the penis. Gonorrhea affects the cervix and, if untreated, can develop into pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). ‍

Gonorrhea can produce yellow vaginal discharge alongside other symptoms such as pain when peeing and irregular bleeding. It can be mistaken for a yeast infection, so it’s important to note that discharge from a yeast infection tends to have more of a cottage cheese consistency and white-yellowish color. 

Itching is also more commonly associated with a yeast infection than with gonorrhea. In fact, most people with gonorrhea won’t experience itchiness at all unless the infection spreads to their rectum.  ‍

Around half of cisgender women with gonorrhea will present with no symptoms at all, so it’s important to get tested for STIs regularly. ‍

8. Hemorrhoids 

Hemorrhoids are swollen lumps in or around the rectum and anus that contain enlarged blood vessels. Sometimes referred to as “piles,” they can cause pain and itching inside and around the anus.

This itchiness in the perianal area, the external area around the outside of the anus, can sometimes be misinterpreted as being due to a yeast infection; however, hemorrhoids don’t cause abnormal vaginal discharge. Hemorrhoid symptoms, such as blood appearing in stool and lumps around the anus, are also not associated with a yeast infection. 

9. Urinary tract infections

A urinary tract infection (UTI) might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you're dealing with vaginal discomfort, but it's a surprisingly common source of confusion. UTIs happen when bacteria enter the urinary tract and cause infection, and the hallmark symptoms — frequent urination, a strong urge to pee, and lower abdominal or pelvic pain — are quite different from a typical yeast infection.

The key distinction is discharge. Yeast infections produce thick, white, cottage cheese-like discharge alongside intense itching and vulvar irritation. UTIs don't cause changes in vaginal discharge. Any burning you feel with a UTI is typically when you pee, not a generalized vaginal itch.

What mimics a yeast infection while pregnant?

Pregnancy comes with a lot of new and unfamiliar sensations, and changes in vaginal discharge are very much part of that. But not every change is normal, and not every itch or unusual discharge is a sign of a yeast infection. Figuring out what's actually going on matters more during pregnancy, when the stakes are higher, and self-treating isn't always safe.

Pregnancy hormones, particularly rising estrogen, alter the vaginal environment in ways that make yeast infections significantly more common, especially in the second trimester. But several other conditions can look deceptively similar. BV is one of the most common vaginal conditions in pregnancy and is frequently mistaken for a yeast infection. Trichomoniasis is another one to be aware of: trich produces frothy, yellow-green discharge with a foul odor, and like BV, it's been linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth. 

UTIs are also more prevalent in pregnancy, and while the pelvic discomfort and burning when peeing can feel similar to a vaginal infection, UTIs don't cause discharge changes or vaginal itching.

And while Group B Strep (GBS) can naturally colonize the vagina without causing symptoms, it's routinely screened for around 35–37 weeks because it can be passed to the baby during birth — it's not a yeast infection and won't respond to antifungal treatment.

The bottom line: many over-the-counter (OTC) yeast infection treatments haven't been fully studied in pregnancy; treating the wrong condition won't help and could mask something that needs proper care. If you're pregnant and experiencing any unusual discharge, itching, or discomfort, talk to your OB before reaching for anything off the shelf.

How to tell the difference between pregnancy discharge and a yeast infection

More discharge during pregnancy is completely normal, but it can be hard to know when something has shifted from "just pregnancy" to "something that needs attention." Here's how to tell the two apart.

Normal pregnancy discharge (leukorrhea) tends to be thin and milky white, with a mild or neutral odor. It's not itchy, it doesn't cause any vaginal burning or soreness, and it typically increases gradually as pregnancy progresses. Think of it as your body's way of protecting the vaginal environment during pregnancy. It’s not an infection, and it doesn't need treatment.

A yeast infection during pregnancy looks and feels quite different. The discharge is thick and clumpy, often resembling cottage cheese, and may be white or slightly yellowish. Crucially, it comes with other symptoms that leukorrhea doesn't, like intense vaginal and vulvar itching, redness and swelling around the vulva, and a burning sensation when you pee or during sex.

The itch is usually the clearest signal. Normal pregnancy discharge doesn't itch. If you're constantly uncomfortable, noticing visible redness or swelling, and the discharge has that characteristic clumpy texture, a yeast infection is more likely.

That said, it's still worth getting a proper diagnosis rather than reaching straight for an OTC antifungal. Some other conditions, like BV or trich, can cause discharge changes that look similar at a glance, and they require completely different treatments. Your OB or midwife can quickly confirm what's going on and point you toward the treatment that's actually safe and effective during pregnancy.

Get care for vaginal infections through Evvy

Evvy's platform for vaginal healthcare combines state-of-the-art vaginal microbiome and STI testing with prescription treatment and one-on-one coaching to create personalized care as unique as your vaginal microbiome.

Because so many conditions mimic a yeast infection (and because treating the wrong thing won't help), getting an accurate picture of what's actually happening in your vaginal microbiome is the most important first step. Evvy's at-home test sequences hundreds of bacteria and fungi, giving you a detailed breakdown of your vaginal microbiome so you (and your provider) know exactly what you're dealing with.

From there, Evvy-affiliated providers can prescribe treatment tailored to your results, whether that's antifungals, antibiotics, or other targeted therapies. And if recurring infections are something you're navigating, Evvy's coaching support is there to help you understand your results, patterns, and options, so you're not just treating symptoms but getting to the root of what's going on.

FAQs about conditions that mimic yeast infections

Is there anything similar to a yeast infection?

Yes, several conditions can have symptoms similar to a yeast infection, making it easy to mistake one for the other. For instance, bacterial vaginosis (BV) or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like trichomoniasis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea can cause irritation and unusual discharge. Skin conditions such as eczema or allergic reactions to products like soaps or laundry detergents can also bring on itching and irritation, similar to those of a yeast infection. Since these conditions can have overlapping symptoms, it's important to see a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis or take an Evvy Vaginal Microbiome Test.

What looks like a yeast infection but isn’t?

Chlamydia and cytolytic vaginosis can be easily mistaken for a yeast infection. The main symptoms of chlamydia are very similar to those of a yeast infection. Both conditions cause abnormal discharge that is thick and white, along with vaginal itching and irritation, and a burning sensation when you pee. Similarly, cytolytic vaginosis causes excessive vaginal discharge, most often white and cottage cheese-like. It can also cause itching, burning, and discomfort when you pee or have sex. 

Is there an STD that has the same symptoms as a yeast infection?

Yes, some sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can cause similar symptoms to a yeast infection. For example, chlamydia can cause symptoms such as vaginal irritation, unusual white discharge, and burning or discomfort when you pee or have sex. Also, genital herpes can be mistaken for a yeast infection, especially in its early stages. Both conditions can cause itching, irritation, and discomfort in the vaginal area. However, herpes usually comes with painful blisters or sores around the genitals, which isn’t a feature of most yeast infections. Given that the symptoms of these STDs can be similar to those of a yeast infection, it's important to talk to a healthcare provider for proper testing and diagnosis, particularly if you're sexually active or if the symptoms are new or persistent. 

Can pregnancy symptoms mimic a yeast infection?

Yes, several pregnancy-related changes can look and feel a lot like a yeast infection. Increased vaginal discharge (leukorrhea) is completely normal in pregnancy, but its appearance can be confusing. BV, UTIs, trichomoniasis, and Group B Strep can all cause symptoms that overlap with a yeast infection, too. Because so many conditions share similar signs, it's worth getting a proper diagnosis rather than assuming and self-treating, especially during pregnancy.

At what stage of pregnancy does a yeast infection happen?

Yeast infections can happen at any point during pregnancy, but they're most common in the second trimester. Rising estrogen levels increase glycogen in the vaginal environment, which Candida feeds on, making overgrowth more likely as pregnancy progresses. If you think you have a yeast infection during pregnancy, check with your OB before using any OTC treatment.

Can you still deliver a baby with a yeast infection?

Yes, a yeast infection at the time of delivery isn’t typically considered dangerous, though it can be passed to the baby during a vaginal birth (usually presenting as oral thrush). Your provider will advise on whether treatment before delivery is recommended based on your specific situation.

How can I tell pregnancy discharge from a yeast infection?

Normal pregnancy discharge (leukorrhea) is thin, milky white, odorless, and crucially, not itchy. A yeast infection produces thick, clumpy, cottage cheese-like discharge alongside intense itching, vulvar redness or swelling, and often a burning sensation when you pee. The itch is usually the clearest signal that something more than normal discharge is going on.

Can a UTI feel like a yeast infection?

They can overlap, but yeast infection symptoms are distinct if you know what to look for. Both can cause burning, but a UTI typically comes with urinary frequency, urgency, and lower abdominal discomfort — without vaginal itching or changes in discharge. A yeast infection, on the other hand, causes intense vaginal and vulvar itching and thick white discharge, but doesn't usually affect how often you need to pee. If you're not sure which you're dealing with, it's worth getting tested because treating one won't clear the other.