How do I know if I have a yeast infection?

Question

I suspect I have a yeast infection. I have a new sexual partner, we had unprotected sex, but neither of us has been tested yet since we have never had any symptoms of STI or anything else. For about 2 weeks I have had itching at the entrance of my vagina, but no other strange symptoms have appeared except this one. I have no foul odor or suspicious vaginal discharge. No pain when I urinate either. If I had caught an STD, I imagine that in 2 weeks, it would have had time to worsen and develop suspicious symptoms.

Naji-tom Samaha · Accepted Answer

Hi, thanks for your question! The practice guides all say that you should see a doctor if you have never had these symptoms in the past, so that you don't miss another problem and ensure the right treatment. In most cases, clotrimazole cream (Canesten and other brands) is the most commonly used product for a yeast infection. It is effective, fast and well tolerated in the vast majority of cases. However, I would like to qualify some of what you said: it is strongly recommended to get tested for STIs when you have a new partner and are considering unprotected sex, or when this practice has already begun. There is still a good percentage of people who are asymptomatic carriers, meaning that they carry bacteria that are responsible for certain STIs but do not have symptoms. I hope that I have been of some help to you, and I remain available if you have any further questions! Tom Samaha, pharmacist