Female yeast infection affects most women at some point in their lives. They can range from mild, with just a foul-smelling vaginal discharge, to aggravated with non-stop itching and burning, swollen and reddened tissue on the labia, and, when left untreated, even more painful symptoms.
It is important to identify the source of your pain. The discomfort caused by yeast or yeast infection may appear to have a different cause. And pain in the kidneys, uterus, and back can look like it comes from a yeast infection. It is always recommended that you see a doctor if you experience pain and discomfort that does not stop and cannot be clearly identified. Female yeast infection pain can affect the back, head, abdominal area, joints, and muscles.
The 4 most common ways female yeast infections cause pain:
Painful urination: When the Candida Albicans fungus enters the bladder, an inflammation of the bladder tissue occurs and with it a bladder infection. When the bladder tissue is swollen, it has to strain to release urine, and urine causes a burning sensation. This is a common pain caused by an infection in women, called cystitis.
Lower and upper back pain: When the inflamed vagina presses against the spine, it can cause severe low back pain. When the pain is located just below the shoulder blades, it could also be due to a kidney infection caused by a widespread bladder infection.
Painful intercourse: When the vaginal walls become inflamed, intercourse becomes uncomfortable, difficult, and can even lead to light bleeding. For some women, the pain of female yeast infection has become so severe that sexual intercourse is impossible for several months. Intimacy and relaxation are nearly impossible due to inflammation of the vagina and vulva. The vaginal discharge from female yeast infections tends to be thick and rubbery and is also not helpful during intercourse.
Abdominal pain: When Candida overgrowth occurs, yeast can cause gas that leads to abdominal pain. When we eat foods rich in refined carbohydrates and low in fiber and foods high in mold or yeast, such as cheese and bread, it favors the overgrowth of the Candida Albicans fungus. The most common abdominal discomfort would be heartburn.
Female yeast infection can cause discomfort and pain throughout the body. Candida overgrowth releases toxins that leak into the bloodstream through minor injuries. Your body weakens and your mind becomes “dizzy.” Painful migraines and joint paints are also not uncommon.
