{"id":381,"date":"2017-05-31T08:28:52","date_gmt":"2017-05-31T08:28:52","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=381"},"modified":"2021-03-10T17:14:06","modified_gmt":"2021-03-10T17:14:06","slug":"11-symptoms-yeast-infection","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/11-symptoms-yeast-infection\/","title":{"rendered":"16 Symptoms of a Yeast Infection"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"Yeast infections are among the most common types of vaginal infection, right behind bacterial vaginosis. In one report that was published in 2007, vaginal yeast infections were found to be caused by the growth of a fungus called Candida albicans along with various other related species including Candida glabrate.<\/p>\n

The best way to treat a yeast infection is to kill off the fungi that is responsible for the issue. The best way to do that is to use medications known as azoles, which can be purchased over the counter from your local drugstore. These are very effective against C albicans in particular, but less so against other bacteria. They also come with some unwanted side effects.<\/p>\n

Fortunately, there are other treatment options too, including a host of home remedies and other medications. Whatever you decide though, the first and most important step is to correctly identify and diagnose the infection.<\/p>\n

Here, we\u2019ll take a look at 11 common symptoms of a yeast infection and hopefully you\u2019ll be able to ascertain whether you might be suffering from one.<\/p>\n

1. \u00a0Rash<\/h3>\n

One of the most common symptoms of a yeast infection<\/a> is a rash. This can actually have a number of different causes including a range of STIs so it is best to look for the other symptoms appearing alongside this. Interestingly, rashes don\u2019t just affect women. Women can actually \u2018give\u2019 men a form of yeast infection, though it won\u2019t cause the same symptoms or complications as it does in women.<\/p>\n

If your partner develops a rash as well, then rather than writing it off as nothing, it is worth getting it checked out by a GP. Note that this is not considered an STI however.<\/p>\n

Rashes caused by yeast infections tend to result in itching, swelling, peeling and cracking. They are usually red and scaly.<\/p>\n

\"\"2. \u00a0Vaginal Itching<\/h3>\n

Vaginal itching<\/a> is another common cause of a yeast infection. Again, this can be caused by many different things, including heat, dryness or even an allergic reaction.<\/p>\n

However, it you notice it is persistent and if it appears alongside other symptoms, then you may wish to consider getting it checked as it could be a yeast infection at work.<\/p>\n

\"\"3. \u00a0Pain During Sex<\/h3>\n

A yeast infection can cause pain in the vagina during intercourse due to dryness, swelling and general soreness. If the pain is new and it persists, then this is always worth getting checked out.<\/p>\n

Not only is it important to check whether you have an infection<\/a>, but it is also important to make sure that you able to enjoy sex freely and without discomfort.<\/p>\n

Sex is important for our wellbeing and for the development of fulfilling and lasting relationships \u2013 you shouldn\u2019t ignore issues that prevent you from enjoying it as you should.<\/p>\n

\"\"4. \u00a0Pain During Urination<\/h3>\n

Similarly, you might notice that you experience pain during urination. This is another symptom that some women write off as normal or ignore, but it\u2019s important to recognize that it is not normal and there should be no pain during urination.<\/p>\n

Yeast live in the vaginal wall areas and this can lead to inflammation that affects the urethra and makes the region sore. This can lead to pain during voiding so if you notice pain at this time, you should speak with a doctor.<\/p>\n

Other possible causes include urinary tract infection<\/a> or potentially an STI, so it\u2019s important to get medical attention.<\/p>\n

\"\"5. \u00a0Discharge<\/h3>\n

Small vaginal secretions are normal and nothing to worry about if they don\u2019t happen too frequently. However, if you notice that you have unusual looking discharge, if it is thicker and whiter than usual and if it has no smell, then it might be a sign of a vaginal yeast infection. This can also come from the rash<\/a> itself, so try to look at where the discharge originates.<\/p>\n

Confusingly, some other patients report that the discharge is more watery. As with any condition, the main thing to look out for is always change.<\/p>\n

If the discharge is new then something is likely to have caused it and that\u2019s how you can pinpoint a possible problem.<\/p>\n

\"\"6. \u00a0Change in Meds<\/h3>\n

This isn\u2019t a symptoms of course but a risk factor: if you commonly change your medications around and particularly your birth control, then this may put you at a higher risk of yeast infection.<\/p>\n

The reason is that this can alter your levels of the hormone oestrogen<\/a>, which has the important role of regulating and balancing a lot of other hormones in the body. When this balance is disturbed, there is a higher chance that you can fall prey to a yeast infection.<\/p>\n

\"\"7. \u00a0Antibiotics<\/h3>\n

Similarly, if you have been on a course of antibiotics, then you might be at a greater risk of yeast infection. The reason for this is that antibiotics<\/a> kill off all bacteria, whether that bacteria be good bacteria or bad bacteria.<\/p>\n

What this means, is that they can end up killing off the healthy, beneficial cultures of bacteria that live in the vagina and this actually creates an opportunity for unwanted, unhealthy bacteria to make its way in.<\/p>\n

\"\"8. \u00a0High Blood Sugar<\/h3>\n

Interestingly, there is a link between diabetes<\/a> and yeast infections. The reason for this is that sugar can serve as a food source for the yeast infection and encourage it to grow more rapidly. Really then, this is not a symptom of a yeast infection but rather another risk factor and a correlation.<\/p>\n

If you have other symptoms and you know that you suffer from diabetes or have high blood sugar generally, then you might be more inclined to read these symptoms as signs of a yeast infection.<\/p>\n

\"\"9. \u00a0White Tongue<\/h3>\n

Another less obvious symptom of a yeast infection is a white tongue. This is a symptom of an oral yeast infection, which is also caused by candida<\/a>. This can be the result of taking antibiotics orally, which will kill off the bacteria quickly and result in the tongue appearing white.<\/p>\n

A good solution to this minor complaint is to use a little coconut oil, or to alternatively consume more probiotics. As we\u2019ve already discussed, this is already always a good idea if you have used any kind of antibiotic in the past!<\/p>\n

The first sign tends to be a grey or white looking tongue that looks chalky. Changing toothbrushes is also advisable.<\/p>\n

\"\"10. \u00a0Redness and Swelling of the Vulva<\/h3>\n

Even without a rash or discharge as such, you should look out for other signs of inflammation and damage around the vulva<\/a>. These include general redness and swelling and soreness to touch.<\/p>\n

This might be visibly apparent or it might simply cause discomfort that appears red on closer inspection.<\/p>\n

\"\"11. \u00a0Previous Cases of Yeast Infections<\/h3>\n

If you have had a yeast infection in the past, then this increases the likelihood that symptoms might point to a reoccurrence of that condition. This is because yeast infections will often subside and then come back.<\/p>\n

This may coincide with your menstrual cycle, or it might be brought on by a weakened immune system, by stress or by a lack of sleep. It may even coincide with certain eating habits, such as consuming large amounts of sugary foods which the bacteria<\/a> can feed off.<\/p>\n

It also follows then that you should aim to maintain your immune system, to get plenty of sleep and to avoid very stressful situations where possible. Reduce your consumption of sugary snacks and try to get more yogurt and other healthy cultures in your diet.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"\"12. Loss of Taste<\/b><\/h3>\n

Since the mouth is warm, dark and dry, it\u2019s a prime location for yeast to thrive and grow out of control. If you notice that you have suddenly lost your sense of taste, but you don\u2019t have nasal<\/a> decongestion, there\u2019s a chance that you could have a yeast infection. <\/span><\/p>\n

As the yeast cells grow, they can cover the surface of the tongue where the taste buds are located, which can impact the sense of taste. \u00a0If you notice that your ability to taste has declined, especially if it is accompanied by sores or white patches in the mouth, you could have a yeast infection.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"\"13. Excessive Fatigue<\/b><\/h3>\n

Many people who develop yeast infections experience excessive, chronic fatigue. As the yeast cells grow, they can attack your immune system and suppress it. If the yeast cells continue to grow and the condition is left untreated, severe fatigue<\/a> may set in. <\/span><\/p>\n

If you are suddenly and excessively tired, and you have any other symptoms that are indicative of a yeast infection, it is in your best interest to seek medical attention, as a doctor will need to diagnose your condition and provide you with medication.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"14. Decreased Energy Level<\/b><\/h3>\n

It\u2019s also not uncommon for people who have a yeast infection to experience a marked decrease in their energy levels. They may become tired easily or may not have the stamina<\/a> that they usually have. <\/span><\/p>\n

Again, as the yeast cells continue to grow, they can impact the immune system, slowing it down and depleting energy levels. You might feel sluggish and almost lethargic.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"15. Abdominal Bloating and Gas<\/b><\/h3>\n

Yeast cells live in the gastrointestinal tract<\/a>, among other locations in the body. Here, they help to break down food and keep the system flowing. If the yeast cells are growing at a rapid rate, however, they can have an adverse effect on the GI tract. <\/span><\/p>\n

Yeast infections in the GI tract are often associated with abdominal bloating and gas. The bloating may be visibly noticeable and it may be uncomfortable, too. <\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"16. Diarrhea<\/b><\/h3>\n

Another sign of a yeast infection the gastrointestinal tract is diarrhea<\/a>. As we\u2019ve mentioned, yeast is meant to help to assist with digestion; however, if there are too many yeast cells and an infection develops, the yeast cells could impact digestion, causing the development of diarrhea. <\/span><\/p>\n

Often, the diarrhea that is caused by a yeast infection is lasts for several days and can be accompanied by bloating, gas and abdominal pain.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"\"Conclusion<\/h3>\n

None of these symptoms<\/a> or risk factors on their own point to a definite yeast infection.<\/p>\n

However, if multiple occur together then there is a better than average chance that this is the issue. Either way, it is very important to pay your doctor a visit to get checked.<\/p>\n\r\n

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