What Does a Yeast Infection Look Like? Pictures, Discharge & Symptoms

Vaginal yeast infection discharge typically appears thick, white, and clumpy (often like cottage cheese) and usually comes with redness, itching, and irritation. If that sounds familiar, it might be your body signaling a vaginal yeast infection. These symptoms are among the most common signs and can also show up as discomfort when you pee or have sex. But here's the tricky part: not every itch or unusual discharge means it's a vaginal yeast infection.

Research shows that most people who think they have a vaginal yeast infection are actually misdiagnosed. One study found that 77% of patients treated for yeast infections didn't actually have one. That's why recognizing the signs and knowing what a vaginal yeast infection looks and feels like is key to getting the right care.

Below, we'll walk you through the visible symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection, how to tell it apart from other vaginal conditions, and how tools like vaginal microbiome testing and targeted probiotics from Evvy can help you take control of your vaginal health.

Key takeaways

• A vaginal yeast infection typically looks like thick, white, clumpy discharge that looks like cottage cheese, alongside redness, swelling, and itching of the vulva and vagina.
• The discharge is usually odorless and paste-like in consistency, rather than watery or smooth.
• A yeast infection typically does not cause a fishy or foul odor, thin or grey discharge, or open sores — those signs point to something else, like BV or an STI.
• Symptoms can overlap significantly with other vaginal conditions, which is why self-diagnosis is unreliable.
• If you're unsure what's causing your symptoms, Evvy's Vaginal Microbiome Test can identify the exact microbes at play so you get the right treatment.

What is a yeast infection?  

A vaginal yeast infection, also known as vaginal candidiasis, is a type of fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of the yeast Candida in the vaginal microbiome. Most yeast infections are caused by a species of Candida called Candida albicans, but other strains can overgrow in the same way. These include Candida glabrata (C. glabrata), which accounts for around 5% of cases, as well as C. tropicalis, C. parapsilosis, and C. krusei, among others. 

What does a yeast infection look like? 

When it comes to physical signs, the symptoms of a yeast infection can be vague enough to overlap with other vaginal conditions, including bacterial vaginosis (BV), cytolytic vaginosis (CV), genital herpes, and certain vulvar conditions such as vulvar lichen sclerosus, vulvar lichen planus, and contact dermatitis. 

A vaginal yeast infection can look like:

• Thick, vaginal discharge that is paste-like in consistency and looks like curdled milk or cottage cheese. 
• A red, scaly rash that can spread beyond the vulva and onto the buttocks.
• A red, swollen vulva and vagina.

Severe yeast infections may cause extensive redness, swelling, and even cuts or cracked skin in the affected area.

What does a yeast infection look like with pictures? 

One of the most frustrating things about Googling vaginal symptoms is that it’s hard to produce an image of discharge or a description of an odor that encompasses everyone’s unique vaginal symptoms. Everything from the severity of an infection to lighting and the color of underwear can affect how something like “yeast infection discharge” looks in a picture. The best way to figure out if you have a vaginal yeast infection is to actually test for it. 

What does a yeast infection feel like?  

Unlike bacterial vaginosis, where up to 84% of people are asymptomatic, most people with a vaginal yeast infection know they have one because of the physical discomfort it causes. Common physical symptoms of a yeast infection may include:

• Vaginal and vulvar itching, redness, or soreness
• White vaginal discharge that is curd-like in consistency 
• Pain during sex 
• Soreness or stinging when you pee, or during sex. 

What does a yeast infection smell like? (And why it matters)

Yeast infections don’t usually cause vaginal odor. However, when there is a smell, it’s often described as mildly yeasty, similar to rising bread or beer. This bread-like scent is caused by the fermentation process triggered by yeast overgrowth. As Candida multiplies, it can produce compounds that smell similar to yeast or alcohol, which is why some people notice a faint, beer-like odor.

That said, it’s completely normal for a yeast infection to have no noticeable smell at all. If you notice a foul, rotten, or especially fishy odor, it’s more likely to be something else, such as BV, AV, trichomoniasis, or even a sexually transmitted infection like gonorrhea. BV, in particular, is known for its signature fishy smell, which tends to get stronger after sex.

If you’re experiencing recurrent yeast infections, it might be a sign that there’s an underlying imbalance in your vaginal microbiome. In that case, vaginal health testing and targeted probiotics, like those from Evvy, can help identify the root cause and support a healthier vaginal environment to reduce the risk of future infections.

What do I do if I think I have a yeast infection? 

If you’re worried that you have a yeast infection, you’re not alone. Up to 75% of women will get a vaginal yeast infection in their lifetime. 

Get a vaginal microbiome test 

Before or after you’re done making your appointment, do yourself (and your vagina) a favor by ordering a vaginal microbiome test, like Evvy’s, so you know exactly what’s up down there while you’re having symptoms. 

As we mentioned above, many vaginal conditions have symptoms similar to a yeast infection (burning, itching, inflammation, discharge, and pain with sex and urination). For this reason, getting the right diagnosis is the first step in treating a yeast infection.

Unlike a PCR test, which only looks for the presence of select microbes, an Evvy test will tell you all of the types of bacteria and fungi in your vaginal microbiome, and their relative amounts. That means we test for Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, C. tropicalis, C. parapsilosis, and C. krusei, among others, with a single swab. Knowing this information can help you and your doctor make a plan for maintaining vaginal health that feels good for you and your body. 

Get care for yeast infections with Evvy

If you’re experiencing yeast infection symptoms like itching, thick white discharge, or irritation, Evvy’s Vaginal Health Test can help you understand what’s really going on. 

Our at-home vaginal microbiome test uses advanced metagenomic sequencing to detect Candida and provide a comprehensive view of your vaginal microbiome. After you receive your results, if Candida is identified, you may be eligible to order a personalized prescription treatment plan developed by a licensed healthcare provider, all through Evvy’s platform.

To support ongoing vaginal health, Evvy Women’s Complete Probiotic is formulated with clinically studied Lactobacillus strains that promote healthy bacteria and support yeast balance.

FAQs about yeast infections

How do you know if you have a yeast infection?

You might suspect a yeast infection if you experience symptoms like intense vaginal itching or irritation, a clumpy, white discharge that looks like cottage cheese, redness, and swelling of the vulva, and a burning feeling when you pee or have sex. These symptoms are common indicators of a yeast infection, but they can overlap with other conditions, so it's important to consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis or take an Evvy Vaginal Microbiome Test.  

How do I treat a yeast infection myself?

Antifungal medications are the primary treatment for most vaginal yeast infections and are available in oral or topical forms. Over-the-counter antifungal treatments can alleviate symptoms of a yeast infection within a few days, but prescription medications may be necessary for more severe cases. To make sure you get the most effective treatment for your yeast infection, both you and your healthcare provider need to understand what's happening in your vaginal microbiome. The fungus Candida albicans is the most common cause of vaginal yeast infections, but other Candida species can also cause infections that may be harder to treat. The specific type of Candida species causing the infection affects how well the treatment works, so while you can buy yeast infection treatment over the counter, we'd recommend getting a vaginal microbiome test first.

Is a yeast infection an STI?

No, a yeast infection is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Sexual activity can trigger a yeast infection, but it’s possible to develop one even if you’re not sexually active.

What does yeast infection discharge look like on toilet paper?

Yeast infection discharge often appears white and clumpy, a bit like cottage cheese. When you wipe, it may appear on the toilet paper as small, lumpy white patches or globs. It typically doesn’t spread like typical vaginal fluid and can appear somewhat paste-like or curdled rather than smooth or slippery. This discharge is usually odorless and doesn’t soak into toilet paper as much as more watery discharge. You might also notice it accompanied by redness or irritation around the vulva. If your discharge is thin, grayish, yellow-green, or has a strong fishy or foul odor, it’s more likely to be something other than a yeast infection, such as BV or trichomoniasis, so it’s important to get tested to know for sure.

Can you have a yeast infection without smell?

Yes, you can absolutely have a yeast infection without any noticeable smell. Most vaginal yeast infections are odorless. Unlike BV, which is often associated with a strong, fishy odor, yeast infections have a strong scent. When there is a smell, it may be faintly yeasty or bread-like due to fermentation, but many people with yeast infections notice no odor at all. If you're experiencing symptoms like thick, white, clumpy discharge, vaginal itching or burning, redness or swelling of the vulva, or discomfort when you pee or have sex — but no smell — it could still very well be a yeast infection. That said, because these symptoms can overlap with other conditions, it's a good idea to confirm the cause, especially if it’s your first time experiencing them or if they keep coming back. Evvy’s Vaginal Microbiome Test can help identify whether Candida or another microbe is responsible, so you can get the right treatment.

Does a yeast infection always have white discharge?

No, a yeast infection doesn’t always have white discharge. While white, clumpy discharge is one of the most recognizable symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection, it’s not present in every case. Some people experience other symptoms, such as intense itching, burning, redness, or irritation, without any noticeable discharge. In other cases, the discharge might be thinner, more watery, or simply minimal, making it harder to identify based on appearance alone. That’s why it’s important not to rely on discharge alone when trying to determine if you have a yeast infection. If you’re unsure, taking an Evvy’s Vaginal Microbiome Test can help you confirm whether Candida is the cause of your symptoms or if another vaginal infection may be to blame.

What can be mistaken for a yeast infection?

Several conditions share symptoms with a yeast infection, which is part of why misdiagnosis is so common. BV can cause similar discharge and discomfort, but BV discharge tends to be thin and grey with a fishy odor rather than thick and clumpy. Cytolytic vaginosis (CV) is one of the trickiest lookalikes. It causes white, clumpy discharge and vulvar itching caused by an overgrowth of Lactobacillus rather than yeast. Chlamydia can also cause thick white discharge, similar to that of a yeast infection. Trichomoniasis, contact dermatitis, and genital herpes can all cause vulvar irritation and redness that mimics a yeast infection externally. Because symptoms overlap so much, testing is the only reliable way to know what's actually going on.

Why does my groin smell like bread?

A faint, bread-like or yeasty smell in the groin is often linked to Candida overgrowth. As yeast multiplies, it undergoes a fermentation process that produces compounds similar to those released during bread baking or brewing, which is where that distinctive smell comes from. On its own, it's not always a cause for concern, and sweat, warmth, and friction in the groin can produce similar odors, too. But if the smell comes with itching, redness, a rash, or unusual discharge, it's worth getting tested to find out whether Candida or something else is the underlying cause.

How do you flush a yeast infection out of your body?

You can't flush out a yeast infection. The most effective options to treat vaginal yeast infections are antifungal medications, either over-the-counter topicals such as clotrimazole or miconazole, or prescription oral antifungals such as fluconazole. Which works best depends on the Candida species involved, since some strains don't respond well to standard treatments. Popular home remedies like apple cider vinegar, extra yogurt, or douching don't have meaningful clinical evidence behind them, and douching in particular can disrupt your vaginal microbiome and make things worse. If symptoms keep coming back, a vaginal microbiome test can help identify whether an underlying imbalance is driving recurrent infections.