Identification

• Yeast infection symptoms in women typically present as vaginal itching or burning, sometimes with a white vaginal discharge. The discharge may be white and smooth or appear a bit lumpy.
  
  

Significance

• Frequent yeast infections in women may be a sign of a more serious condition, such as diabetes. While yeast infections cause no lasting harm, they can cause significant discomfort.
  
  

Time Frame

• If left untreated, a yeast infection may last up to 1 week. With treatment, the symptoms disappear within 1 to 3 days.
  
  

Theories/Speculation

• While yeast naturally lives in the digestive system and may also colonize the reproductive system and skin, some doctors believe that yeast may actually colonize the entire body and cause a variety of ills, from headaches to fleeting bouts of mysterious illness that resist diagnosis.
  
  

Prevention/Solution

• While yeast infections in women cannot be entirely prevented, several steps can be taken. Avoid tight, close-fitting clothing, hot tubs, saunas and perfumed powders or lotions used near the vaginal area, which are all known to increase the incidence of yeast infection.