Genito Urinary Yeast Infection Symptoms
Did you know that a yeast infection can affect your urinary system? It is important to remember that yeast like to multiply and thrive in areas that are dark, warm and moist. And your digestive and urinary systems are perfect places for yeasts to hang out. Do you suffer from recurring urinary tract infections, prostate issues or have a child or adolescent with a bed wetting problem, and have you ever considered yeast to be a causative factor?
Does Yeast Overgrowth Cause Stomach Pain And Bloating
There are several possible reasons for bloating and stomach pain. While yeast infections are possible, it often takes some time before a guaranteed diagnosis is made. This is because gastroenteritis is more likely to diagnose patients with irritable bowel syndrome when presented with the symptoms.
The chances of having vaginal candidiasis increase depending on several factors. Women on contraceptive pills or long-term antibiotics are more likely to have recurrent yeast infections. The same is true for people with high-sugar consumption or eating lots of carbohydrates. However, the only sure way to know is through a laboratory test. The test itself is relatively pain-free with quick results. Once a confirmatory test is made, its easier for doctors to suggest a variety of treatments.
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What Are The Signs Of A Yeast Infection On My Breasts
A yeast infection on the breasts tends to look like a raised, shiny, red rash in the warm, moist folds of your skin. If the yeast overgrowth becomes more severe, it can also cause your skin to crack and bleed.
Like other yeast infections, itching, burning, and pain at the rash site are common symptoms. Breast yeast infections can give off a bad odor, too.
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When Yeast Gets Out Of Control
Yeast cells are technically considered a fungus. When too much Candida is present in an area of your body, the balance of healthy bacteria and microflora in your body is off-balance. Thats why the symptoms of an infection begin to appear.
This type of infection is called candidiasis, or a yeast infection. It can happen because of an overgrowth of existing yeast or an infection you become exposed to. A yeast infection shows up
- in the skin folds around and on your breasts and nipples
A yeast overgrowth in the skin between or under your breasts is a type of intertrigo. Intertrigo is a rash that forms in skin folds. Intertrigo can also be caused by bacteria and other fungus.
While you can pass yeast to another person, they wont develop a yeast overgrowth unless they have an imbalance of normal skin flora.
How Is The Cause Of A Fishy Smell Diagnosed
They also may take a sample of the discharge for lab testing. They can also perform a pH test. This tests the vaginal discharge for an elevated pH.
An elevated pH may mean you have a bacterial infection. But your doctor will need to assess your other symptoms, plus review your medical and sexual history to confirm the diagnosis.
when to see your doctor
Schedule an appointment with your doctor if you have any of these symptoms:
- unusual discharge thats grey, white, or yellow-green in color
- discharge that has a foul odor
Treatment to stop or prevent that fishy smell will depend on what is causing your symptoms.
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Causes Of Abnormal Vaginal Odor
Abnormal vaginal odor could be due to a variety of different things. The cause may be very simpleâpoor hygiene, douching, vaginal deodorant, or sweating.
Sometimes, it is a result of a more serious health condition, such as a certain genital infections or cancer. Chlamydia and gonorrhea do not typically cause abnormal vaginal odor.
Sitz Bath With Guava Leaves
Guava leaves contain antibiotic properties, which is an important ingredient to help with the treatment of vaginal infections.
Ingredients
- 1 liter of water
How to prepare
Bring 1 liter of water to a boil, take the water off the heat, and add the guava leaves. Put the lid on the pot and leave to infuse for 3 to 5 minutes. Then, strain the leaves and place the infusion in a big basin.
When the infusion has cooled and is comfortable to the touch, sit in the basin without clothes. Cleanse the whole genital area until the water cools completely. Do this two to three times a day.
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How Is Bv Treated
BV is treated with antibiotics prescribed by your doctor.
If you get BV, your male sex partner wont need to be treated. But, if you are female and have a female sex partner, she might also have BV. If your current partner is female, she needs to see her doctor. She may also need treatment.
It is also possible to get BV again. Learn how to lower your risk for BV.
BV and vaginal yeast infections are treated differently. BV is treated with antibiotics prescribed by your doctor. Yeast infections can be treated with over-the-counter medicines. But you cannot treat BV with over-the-counter yeast infection medicine.
A Fishy Foul Or Strong Chemical Smell Not Normal
A tell-tale sign thereâs a problem downstairs is that unmistakable fishy vaginal odour. . âBacterial vaginosis is the primary condition that creates that classic fishy odourâ, says Dr Holmes, particularly if itâs accompanied by symptoms like itching, burning or unusual watery discharge. Trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection that has similar symptoms could be another culprit for foul vaginal odour. A chemical smell thatâs stronger than a faint whiff of bleach might also be a sign of bacterial vaginosis or another vaginal infection.
A good rule to follow is if it makes you scrunch your nose up, or if you can smell it on your fingers beyond a few inches away from your face, you might want to get checked out by a doctor. And if you feel comfortable, you can ask your partner if theyâve noticed a change. âOne of the first questions I ask my patients is, âhas anyone ever said anything to you about it?ââ says Dr Holmes. âWe can all smell ourselves because weâre so self-conscious, but most people donât smell other peopleâs vaginal odoursâ. If they do, it could be a sign of an infection like bacterial vaginosis.
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Do Yeast Infections Smell
One of the main characteristic of a vaginal yeast infection is the lack of odor or yeast infection smell. This may be a key difference between a vaginal yeast infection to other vaginal infections such as a bacterial infection.
On the other hand, lack of odor or presence of odor is not enough to confirm or rule out a vaginal yeast infection. Here is a quick summary of the main characteristics of a vaginal yeast infection:
- Milky white discharge or very light yellow discharge.
- Discharge is usually thick, chunky, looks like cottage cheese.
- Usually no smell or odor. In some cases there may be very yeast infection odor. Fishy or offensive odor is not a typical sign of a vaginal yeast infection.
Other common symptoms of vaginal yeast infection may include:
- Swelling and burning around the vulva.
- Pain during sexual intercourse.
If you have a fishy smell or fishy odor, you may have a bacterial infection. See yeast infection vs bv to learn more.
When Should I Call My Healthcare Provider
- Discharge that changes color or consistency.
- Discharge that smells different than usual.
- Vaginal itching, burning, swelling or soreness.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Although bacterial vaginosis is a mild infection, it can make you vulnerable to more serious conditions. Dont put off seeing your healthcare provider if you notice anything unusual. A simple course of antibiotics could set things straight.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 06/05/2020.
References
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What Yeast Is Doing For Your Body
Yeast cells, most commonly Candida species, live in our bodies naturally. They help break down and get rid of the dead cells that would otherwise build up in and around your body.
Having a healthy level of Candida cells present helps regulate your immune, digestive, and reproductive systems, among other things.
What Are The Most Common Symptoms Of Bv
There are some symptoms of BV that are very common and occur in over half of women who have the infection. These include:
A strong fishy odour that may get worse after sexual intercourse
Discharge thats an off-white or grey colour
Discharge thats thin and watery
If you notice any of these symptoms, you may have a bacterial infection. Its also worth noting that around half of women dont experience any symptoms of BV at all. However, the infection may still be present, and it shouldnt be left as it could get worse. For example, it could even develop into cervicitis. This is an inflammation of the cervix that can cause bleeding in between periods and pain during intercourse.
You can treat BV at home using a specially designedBV gel. Simply apply this to the area according to the manufacturers instructions and see if your symptoms get better. If the infection still doesnt go away, consult your doctor who will be able to advise a suitable course of treatment.
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Sitz Bath With Peruvian Pepper Tree
Peruvian pepper tree is a plant with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that is able to fight bacteria and fungi. The bark= of this plant is used in teas to help with treatments of vaginal infections and discharge.
Ingredients
- 10 g of peruvian pepper tree bark
How to prepare
Boil the water and add the bark. Allow it to boil for 10 minutes then turn off the stove. Strain the infusion and pour it into a basin. When it becomes warm, sit in the basin without clothes and perform a sitz bath, making sure to carefully cleanse the entire vaginal area until the water becomes cold. You can do this sitz bath tree times per day for 3 days.
Trichomoniasis Infections Versus Candida Infections
Candida and BV aside, you may actually have a common STD known as Trichomoniasis this disease can produce a malodorous smell. Trichomoniasis is caused by the protozoa Trichomonas vaginalis. Often, Trichomoniasis is asymptomatic meaning many women and men who are infected show no symptoms. But, in those cases where symptoms are present, about half of the women who report symptoms have a foul vaginal odor. Also, about half of women who are symptomatic will also see a vaginal discharge of varying color. In a few cases, about 10%, this vaginal discharge will appear frothy. To learn more about this STD and how it compares to yeast infections, check out: Trichomoniasis or Yeast Infection.
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What Are The Symptoms Of Bacterial Vaginosis
Up to 84% of people with bacterial vaginosis dont have symptoms. If you do, you may have:
- Off-white, grey or greenish color vaginal discharge .
- Discharge that smells “fishy.”
- “Fishy” smell that is strongest after sex or during the menstrual cycle.
BV symptoms are similar to other infections. Its important to visit your healthcare provider to determine if what you have is BV or another vaginal infection.
Should I Be Concerned About A Fishy Vaginal Odor During Pregnancy
While pregnant, a fishy odor either in your urine or vaginal discharge is a potential sign of a urinary tract infection or BV. Left untreated, the condition could lead to preterm birth or low birth weight.
Following childbirth, the development of a fishy vaginal odor may be from a postpartum infection. Please make an appointment to see your health care provider to follow up.
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Is There Any Way To Prevent Bacterial Vaginosis And Fishy Vaginal Odor
Heres kind of a bummer: Doctors dont totally understand how BV spreads, meaning there are not actually any surefire ways to prevent it, the OWH explains.
That said, there are a couple of basic measures you can take that may reduce your risk of getting BV. They include not douching and using latex condoms properly each time you have penetrative vaginal intercourse, according to the OWH. Be sure youre wiping from front to back, too. Another easy way to potentially avoid infection and generally promote good vaginal health is to clean sex toys between uses, as SELF previously reported.
As for preventing that fishy odor if you are currently dealing with BV? The best thing you can do is get proper treatment ASAP because the smell will go away along with the infection. And avoid the temptation to spray perfume anywhere remotely near your sexual organs. Its not going to cover the smell up, and irritate your vulvar skin, Dr. Streicher says.
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What Are Symptoms Of Yeast Infection And Bacterial Vaginosis
Like bacterial vaginosis, yeast infection may result in a vaginal discharge. In this case, if discharge is present, it is usually thick and whitish, with a consistency similar to that of cottage cheese. But the most common symptom is itching in the vaginal or vulvar area. A burning sensation and pain during intercourse or urination are also characteristic symptoms of a yeast vaginitis. Unlike the discharge of bacterial vaginosis, the discharge of a yeast infection is typically odorless.
If you have any of the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis or yeast vaginitis, it is important to contact your health care practitioner. The symptoms of both conditions are nonspecific and can also occur in more serious infections and conditions, so a correct diagnosis is important. By examination of the vaginal discharge under a microscope, the diagnosis can usually be established if it is not apparent from the symptoms alone. Both conditions can be effectively treated with antibiotics, and an accurate diagnosis ensures the choice of appropriate antibiotic treatment.
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Eat Garlic Or Use It Locally
Raw garlic is a useful food that contains antibacterial and antifungal properties. It is also a source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that balance intestinal flora and strengthen the immune system. Therefore, it is a great natural remedy to help with the treatment of bacterial vaginosis.
It is possible to be capsules of raw garlic oil in pharmacies or natural health stores. The dose and time to take these capsules can vary, but generally you are advised to take 600mg per day for 12 weeks before meals.
How Dangerous Abnormal Vaginal Odor Is
Again, the cause of abnormal vaginal odor determines whether you may develop serious health complications and your prognosis.
For instance, if left untreated, genital infections in pregnant women may result in preterm childbirth . If the abnormal vaginal odor is caused by cancer, the consequences may be as serious as death. That is why it is strongly recommended that you see a doctor for examination and testing and get the correct diagnosis.
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Rectal Yeast Infection Symptoms
When it comes to a rectal yeast infection the best thing you can do is become educated about the symptoms to look for. There are typically symptoms of dryness, running, itching, swelling and uncomfortable burning with a rectal yeast infection.
The number of symptoms that you feel during a rectal yeast infection will vary some may get all the symptoms while others will only get one or two sporadic symptoms.
Antibiotics, soap sensitivity, sexual transmission and pregnancy are some of the most common causes that cause a rectal yeast infection.
You will want to get familiar with the symptoms of a rectal yeast infection so you dont confuse it with other vaginal infections.
When you start to feel dryness, burning or itching there are a few things that can be causing the symptoms.
Most often these symptoms are a sign of a rectal yeast infection since most women experience a yeast infection during their lifetime and a yeast infection is the most common vaginal irritation.
Although a rectal yeast infection has symptoms that are similar to other problems that can be a little more serious which is why it is important to visit your doctor.
Symptoms To Look For
Itching, redness, burning or swelling in the vaginal area are some of the standard symptoms of a rectal yeast infection.
There may also be a white discharge that looks like cottage cheese, dryness, irritation, pain during sexual intercourse and a burning sensation when urinating.
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When To See Your Gynecologist About Vaginal Odor
Its the particularly stinky vaginal odors you need to pay attention to and bring to your doctors attention, especially when those odors are accompanied by:
- Vaginal discharge that is an unusual color or consistency
- Bleeding not associated with your period
- Vaginal swelling
- Genital rash or redness
If you notice any of the symptoms above with an abnormal vaginal odor, its in your best interest to contact your doctor and schedule an appointment. You might even be able to schedule avirtual care visit with your provider!
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What Are The Symptoms Of Nasty Candidiasis
Candidiasis can present different symptoms, but some more common symptoms are linked to candidiasis. These include but are not limited to:
- Genital swelling
- Soreness or tenderness in the genital area
- Thick, clumpy, white, and odorless secretion
These symptoms can be more or less severe in different individuals. If you have candidiasis, treating it as soon as possible is recommended to prevent the symptoms from getting more serious.