Yeast Infection vs Herpes: Symptoms & Treatment Explained

Some things become very clear when you’re experiencing itchiness, pain, and discomfort around your vulva or in your vagina: how close the nearest bathroom is, whether the people around you can see you itching your vagina in public, the sacrifices you would make to get relief, and that the scratching you’re doing is not a great antidote for itchiness in sensitive areas.

But sometimes, one thing remains unclear: the cause of all of that discomfort. Unfortunately, there are a lot of vaginal yeast infection symptoms that overlap with other conditions, including herpes. Here’s a quick rundown on the similarities and differences between a yeast infection vs. herpes.

What is genital herpes?

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Two virus strains can cause genital herpes: HSV-1 and HSV-2. These are the same viruses that cause oral herpes, aka cold sores. 

How is genital herpes diagnosed?

• Doctor’s office: Detection of HSV virus genetic material (PCR) from a swab of the genital area. Herpes can also be diagnosed with a blood test. Herpes can be diagnosed clinically, without a PCR swab, especially for patients with a prior history of HSV who have a recurrent outbreak. 
• At home: You can purchase kits online to prepare and mail in your own sample, which a lab will receive and perform the same method done in a doctor’s office.

Note: When you ask to get tested for “all STIs,” herpes may or may not be included, depending on your risk for having a possible infection. Be sure to talk with your doctor specifically about herpes if you’re interested in being tested.

What is a yeast infection? 

A yeast infection is a fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of the fungus Candida. A small amount of Candida is common in a healthy vaginal microbiome, but too much can cause unpleasant symptoms. 

How is a yeast infection diagnosed? 

• Doctor’s office: A swab of vaginal discharge is examined under the microscope for visible signs of yeast. A PCR test that looks for the presence of yeast will be the most accurate test available at the doctor’s office. 
• At home: Evvy’s Vaginal Health Test analyzes your microbiome from home, detecting yeast (Candida) and other microbes that could be behind your symptoms. A licensed provider reviews your results and delivers a diagnosis and personalized treatment plan, fast.

What are the main differences between herpes and yeast infection

Genital herpes and yeast infections can both cause vaginal discomfort, but their symptoms are quite different, and understanding those differences can help you figure out what might be going on.

One of the most common symptoms of a yeast infection is intense itching in and around the vagina. This itching is often accompanied by a burning feeling, especially when you pee or have sex, as well as redness and swelling of the vulva. A classic sign of a yeast infection is a thick, white discharge that looks a bit like cottage cheese. Despite the irritation, yeast infections don’t typically cause sores or blisters.

Genital herpes, on the other hand, is known for causing painful sores or blisters around the vaginal area. These usually start as small, fluid-filled bumps that can break open and turn into open sores or ulcers. You might feel tingling, itching, or burning before the sores appear. During a first outbreak, symptoms may be more intense and can include pain, tenderness, and even flu-like symptoms like swollen lymph nodes.

So, while both conditions can cause itching and irritation, the presence of sores or blisters is a key sign of genital herpes, not a yeast infection. If you’re noticing unusual discomfort or lesions, it’s a good idea to reach out to a healthcare provider for accurate testing and treatment.

WWhat does genital herpes feel like for women?

In a 2013 study monitoring over 3,000 women for genital herpes, most of the women who tested positive for herpes exposure never experienced any symptoms. Believe it or not, having no symptoms or mild symptoms is common in many STIs, not just herpes. 

Those who did have symptoms experienced skin lesions, pain, burning or itching, redness, and pain with urination (71-62%). People with genital herpes usually experience these symptoms on and off. Most people report their first outbreak (aka when someone is experiencing symptoms) as the longest and most severe, with future outbreaks being shorter and having milder symptoms. Stress and infections can sometimes trigger outbreaks. 

Herpes infections can also cause symptoms in other parts of the body, such as headaches, fever, and swollen glands. There were no significant differences in the symptoms experienced by people with genital HSV-1 or HSV-2 infections.

And how is that different from a yeast infection?

Vaginal yeast infections can cause: 

• Vaginal and vulvar itching
• Redness and soreness
• Thick white discharge with a curd-like consistency (think cottage cheese)
• Pain during sexual intercourse and/or when you pee. 

Some people with yeast infections have a red or scaly rash. The skin irritation can sometimes be confused with herpes sores, which is why these two conditions are often confused with one another. 

If abnormal vaginal discharge or a smell is on the list of your vaginal complaints, you’re probably dealing with a vaginal infection and not herpes. Some people with yeast infections do not experience any smell, but when they do, it usually resembles bread or beer (remember, yeast!)

Yeast infections generally do not cause red bumps, blisters, or other skin lesions. A fever or swollen glands also aren’t usual parts of the yeast infection package. 

If what you are experiencing is mainly limited to the skin on the vulva, and you’ve ruled out herpes, you might want to talk to your doctor about dermatological conditions like vulvar lichen planus and vulvar lichen sclerosus. 

One way to know if something is vulvar vs vaginal is by taking a vaginal microbiome test, like Evvy. If your results come back showing an overgrowth of pathogens in your vaginal microbiome, the origin of your discomfort is likely in your vagina rather than the vulva. 

Are herpes and yeast infections transmitted the same way? 

Herpes and yeast infections aren’t transmitted the same way, and understanding that difference is key.

Genital herpes is an STI that spreads through close skin-to-skin contact and/or bodily fluids from someone who is carrying the virus. This can happen during oral, vaginal, or anal sex, even if the person has no visible symptoms. Many people with herpes don’t know they have it, which means they can unknowingly pass it on. That’s why using protection — like condoms or dental dams — can be really helpful for protecting your vaginal health.

Yeast infections, on the other hand, aren’t sexually transmitted. While sex can sometimes trigger a vaginal yeast infection by disrupting your vaginal microbiome, it's not how the infection spreads from person to person. Things like tight clothing, antibiotics, hormonal changes, or exposure to irritating products (like scented soaps or douches) can all lead to an overgrowth of yeast in the vagina.

It’s also important to know that you can’t tell if someone has an STI like herpes just by looking at them, or by knowing how many partners they’ve had. The best approach is regular testing, honest conversations, and using protection if you’re sexually active. And if something feels off (whether it's irritation, discharge, or sores), checking in with a healthcare provider can help you get answers quickly.

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What is the treatment like for a yeast infection vs herpes?

Herpes is caused by a virus, while yeast infections are caused by a fungus. As a result, these two conditions require completely different treatments, and unfortunately, a treatment that works for one will not be effective for the other. 

Herpes treatment 

There is no cure for genital herpes, as the virus can hang around in nerve cells for long periods of time. Before you panic, “not curable” does not mean “not treatable.” 

There are effective treatments to decrease the amount of virus to a level low enough to avoid transmission, resolve a current flare, and prevent recurrent flares going forward. 

Treatment options are prescribed by a doctor and are identical for both genital HSV-1 and HSV-2 infections. The treatments are typically either acyclovir, famciclovir (Famvir), or valacyclovir (Valtrex) for seven to 10 days. From there, you can work with your doctor to decide if suppressive (aka continuous) or episodic (in other words, only taking medication as needed) treatment is right for you. 

Vaginal yeast infection treatment 

Yeast infections are usually treated with antifungals, such as miconazole and terconazole. While you can buy these at a grocery store or order online without a prescription, it’s best to get your symptoms examined by a doctor before grabbing something off the shelf. This is because symptoms of a yeast infection can be easily confused with other vaginal health conditions (like herpes or bacterial vaginosis), and sometimes, over-the-counter yeast medications can cause further irritation. 

But, there are some cases in which antifungals don’t work for a yeast infection, or they work temporarily, but the infection bounces back. These recurrent episodes are yet another one of the reasons yeast infections and herpes are sometimes confused with one another. 

For yeast infections, it’s possible that the type of yeast causing the infection isn’t effectively targeted by the antifungal, or the yeast causing the infection has evolved to resist the antifungal you are using. In these cases, boric acid can sometimes more effectively treat the infection. This is when ordering an Evvy Vaginal Health Test is super helpful, to see the exact type of yeast present in your vagina. You can bring the results of your test to your doctor, who can help you navigate the best course of treatment. 

Sex and masturbation with herpes or a yeast infection

Can I have sex with herpes or a yeast infection?

If you think you might be dealing with herpes, it’s a good idea to hold off on sexual activity with a partner until you’ve confirmed your diagnosis and/or received antiviral medications to avoid transmitting the virus to a partner.

Remember, despite the stigma surrounding it, herpes is common, and many people with herpes have happy and healthy sex lives! 

As for yeast infections, if you’re having unprotected sex you can transmit it to a sexual partner. It’s best to lay off sexual activity for the time being while you finish antifungal treatment. 

If you are feeling up to sex when you have a yeast infection, be sure to use condoms or dental dams. If your partner has a penis, they have a relatively low risk of infection — about 15% develop an itchy rash and will need treatment. If your partner has a vulva, doctors recommend getting proactively tested and being on the lookout for symptoms. 

Can I masturbate with herpes or a yeast infection?

In either the case of herpes or a yeast infection, masturbation is still an option. Just be sure to wash your hands after to avoid spreading secretions from a possible herpes outbreak. Masturbating next to a partner can be a great alternative while you’re waiting for results or treatment. 

FAQs

Can herpes be mistaken for a yeast infection?

Herpes can be mistaken for a yeast infection, especially in the beginning. Both can cause vaginal itching, discomfort, and irritation. But there are some key differences between the two. A vaginal yeast infection usually brings intense itching, redness, and a thick, white, "cottage cheese-like" discharge. On the other hand, genital herpes often starts with a tingling or burning sensation, followed by small, painful blisters or sores on your genitals. These blisters eventually break open and form ulcers, which can be pretty painful. Since the symptoms can be similar, especially before the blisters show up with herpes, it's really important to see a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis if you're dealing with unusual or persistent symptoms. They can run tests to tell the difference between herpes and a yeast infection and give you the right treatment.

Can yeast infection sores look like herpes?

It’s quite uncommon for yeast infections to cause sores, and this only happens in extremely severe cases. A complicated yeast infection may cause dry, cracked skin on the vulva that leads to sores similar to those of genital herpes.

Does herpes smell like a yeast infection?

Neither genital herpes nor yeast infections typically causes unusual vaginal odor. If you’re experiencing vaginal discharge that has a strong or foul smell, you may have a different infection, such as bacterial vaginosis (BV) or trichomoniasis.

Can a yeast infection test positive for herpes?

No, a yeast infection itself cannot test positive for herpes because they are caused by entirely different organisms — yeast infections are fungal, while herpes is a viral infection. However, the symptoms of a yeast infection, like itching, redness, and irritation, can sometimes resemble those of genital herpes, especially in the early stages. If you’re experiencing symptoms such as sores, blisters, or unusual discomfort, it’s important to get tested specifically for herpes through a swab or blood test. Evvy’s Vaginal Health Test can help identify yeast overgrowth, but herpes requires its own diagnostic approach for accurate results.