A yeast infection occurs when the body’s natural yeast (Candida) grows out of control. Yeast infections most often develop in the vagina, but they can also develop in other moist areas on the body, such as the mouth, gut and throat. They can also happen to men, but it’s not very common.
Women have a much higher risk of getting a yeast infection, so it’s important to be aware of what these infections look like when they occur! Our AFC Urgent Care Hixson team provides some helpful information below.
What Causes a Yeast Infection?
Like we said earlier, yeast infections can occur in other areas on the body; however, they most commonly occur in the vagina.
The most common yeast infection cause is a type of fungus called candida albicans. The vagina naturally contains a balanced mix of yeast and bacteria, but when the balance of yeast and bacteria is disrupted, it can cause an overgrowth of candida and a penetration of the fungus into deeper vaginal cell layers, causing yeast infection symptoms.
Common Symptoms of a Yeast Infection
- Itching and irritation in the vagina and vulva
- A burning sensation—especially during intercourse or while urinating
- Redness and swelling of the vulva
- Vaginal pain and soreness
- Vaginal rash
- Thick, white, odor-free vaginal discharge with a cottage cheese appearance
- Watery vaginal discharge
How Do I Know That It’s Not a UTI?
While UTIs and yeast infections can have similar symptoms at times, most UTI symptoms affect urination. They may cause a burning sensation when you urinate, or you may feel a need to urinate more frequently. Plus, a UTI is a bacterial infection in the urinary tract, while a yeast infection is fungal.
We’ve listed some additional tell-tale signs and symptoms of a UTI below.
UTI Symptoms
- Pain and burning when urinating
- Feeling the need to urinate more often than usual, even when you don’t actually have to relieve yourself
- Awakening from sleep to go to the bathroom
- Discolored or cloudy urine that may be red or pink from blood
- Foul-smelling urine
- Fever or chills, vomiting, or nausea, which may all be signs of a more serious infection
- Pain or feeling of pressure in your lower abdomen, back, and sides
- Pain in your pelvis, especially if you’re a woman
Our AFC Urgent Care Hixson is here for you now and always! Don’t hesitate to stop by today.
