A yeast infection is caused by an overgrowth of Candida, a type of fungus naturally present in the body. While Candida typically exists in balanced amounts on the skin and within the digestive tract, an imbalance can lead to an infection called candidiasis. Many people wonder if these infections can cause stomach pain. This article will explore the connection between yeast infections and abdominal discomfort, clarifying when stomach pain might be a symptom.
The Link Between Yeast Infections and Stomach Pain
Common, localized yeast infections, such as vaginal yeast infections or oral thrush, do not typically cause stomach pain. Vaginal yeast infections, or vaginal candidiasis, usually manifest with symptoms like itching, burning, soreness, a thick, white discharge, and pain during urination or sexual intercourse. Oral thrush, or oral candidiasis, presents as creamy white patches on the tongue, inner cheeks, roof of the mouth, or throat, sometimes accompanied by redness, soreness, and difficulty eating or swallowing.
However, when Candida overgrows within the digestive system, a condition known as intestinal candidiasis or gut Candida overgrowth, it can lead to various digestive symptoms, including abdominal pain. This internal overgrowth is distinct from localized infections and can disrupt the gut’s normal balance, potentially causing discomfort.
Understanding Gut Candida Overgrowth
Gut Candida overgrowth occurs when the Candida fungus, particularly Candida albicans, proliferates beyond healthy levels in the small and large intestines, upsetting the gut microbiome’s delicate balance. This imbalance can lead to various digestive issues, including stomach pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, or constipation. The overgrowth can ferment sugars, producing gas that contributes to bloating and abdominal cramps. It may also interfere with digestive enzyme production, affecting nutrient absorption, and can potentially increase intestinal permeability, leading to inflammation.
Several factors can contribute to gut Candida overgrowth. Broad-spectrum antibiotic use is a common cause, as antibiotics can eliminate beneficial bacteria that normally keep Candida in check. A diet high in refined sugars and carbohydrates can also promote Candida growth, as yeast feeds on sugar. Weakened immune systems, often seen in individuals with conditions like HIV/AIDS, those undergoing chemotherapy, or people with uncontrolled diabetes, are also more susceptible to Candida overgrowth. Chronic stress, use of oral contraceptives, and certain medications like steroids or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may also be contributing factors.
When to Seek Medical Advice
It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional if you suspect any type of yeast infection, especially if symptoms are persistent, severe, or recurrent. For vaginal yeast infections, symptoms like severe itching, redness, swelling, or the presence of tears or sores warrant medical attention. If you experience persistent, severe, or unexplained stomach pain, regardless of whether a yeast infection is suspected, seeking medical advice is important.
Unexplained abdominal pain, particularly when accompanied by other symptoms like fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, or changes in bowel habits, should prompt a doctor’s visit. A healthcare provider can accurately diagnose the cause of your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment, which may include antifungal medications for Candida overgrowth. Self-diagnosis and self-treatment can be misleading and may delay proper care for underlying conditions.