Vaginal yeast infection, formerly known as vulvovaginal candidiasis, is a common and frequently occurring inflammatory disease of the vulva and vagina caused by Candida. Typical symptoms include itching of the vulva and vagina, with the severity of the itching varying, starting and stopping intermittently. When the itching is severe, it can cause restlessness and disrupt sleep and eating. In more severe cases of inflammation, there may also be pain during urination or intercourse. Another main symptom of this disease is an increase in vaginal discharge, which is characterized as white, thick, and either resembling curdled milk or cheese-like chunks.