When you feel the itch, irritation and pain of vaginal-area discomfort, your first thought is likely of a yeast infection. But other common disorders can cause similar discomfort. Ob/Gyn Oluwatosin Goje, MD , says some vulvar disorders are contagious and others are not. Either way, knowing the signs will help guide you in treating them. And if your problem is contagious, knowing this can help you avoid passing it along. Here’s a rundown on five of the most common vulvar conditions: 1. Candida Identifying it : The Candida albicans fungus causes an infection in roughly 75% of women at some point. Also known as a yeast infection , it causes vulvar swelling and redness, severe vaginal itching, burning, painful urination and painful sex. A white, thick, clumpy, odorless vaginal discharge accompanies the infection. But some patients don’t have a discharge and the majority of symptoms are on the vulvar. Yeast infections are generally not contagious. However, in rare cases, they ca