Yeast infections can make you feel incredibly itchy and irritable throughout the day, which can cause you to become tired out much quicker, and also massively impact your mood overall.
The only problem is, not only can a yeast infection cause you to feel incredibly itchy, but it can also lead you to feel various other symptoms.
The varying symptoms of a yeast infection can thus have you second-guessing every bit of irritation you feel across your body, wondering whether it is related in some way to a yeast infection.
You’re probably here because you’ve been experiencing issues like abdominal pain and bloating, and you’re wondering whether they might be a larger symptom of a yeast infection.
Well, prepare to bring some relief to your mind, because today I am going to go through everything you need to know about yeast infections, and whether they can cause abdominal pain and bloating.
What Are The Main Symptoms Of A Yeast Infection?
Generally, the main symptoms that most people will experience when suffering from a yeast infection include those that directly affect the skin and the surface of the vagina and the vulva.
The vagina can begin to feel incredibly itchy and irritated, and you may even begin to experience a burning sensation while urinating.
The vagina itself may also become very painful and sore, which can make the condition very uncomfortable.
Can Yeast Infections Result In Abdominal Pain Or Bloating?
You might be aware of an existing yeast infection that you already have but also found yourself developing symptoms of abdominal pain and bloating.
This is caused by gas filling the abdomen, which causes the stomach to bulge outward, and makes it feel very sensitive and sometimes painful.
This can actually be the result of a yeast infection, and is often the result of a very specific yeast infection known as ‘Vaginal Candidiasis’.
If you are suffering from this specific infection, then you may find yourself becoming bloated right after eating.
If your abdominal pain and bloating are a direct result of a yeast infection, then the gas that is causing the pain will be directly produced by the yeast.
When you have ‘Vaginal Candidiasis’, the yeast may find its way to your gut, where it lines the stomach, and outweighs the good bacteria that normally populate the stomach.
When there is too much yeast in the gut, it will begin digesting food that you eat before other bacteria can get to it. When it digests the food, it will produce an excess of gas that then causes the gut to bloat and become painful!
If you are experiencing these symptoms, then you may also notice yourself belching more often, and you may even experience more widespread stomach pains.
How Do You Know If A Yeast Infection Is Causing Abdominal Pain And Bloating?
If you suspect that you might have a yeast infection that is causing you abdominal pain and bloating, then you will want to start by contacting your doctor to get a formal diagnosis.
Abdominal pain and bloating can be caused by a yeast infection, but it can also be a result of countless other issues.
Thus, you will want to be sure that it is a yeast infection before beginning any course of treatment.
If you are currently taking a course of contraceptive pills, or you are otherwise on any antibiotics, then you may be at a higher risk of having a yeast infection that affects the abdomen.
Make sure to talk to your doctor about the issue.
How Do You Prevent A Yeast Infection Causing Abdominal Pain And Bloating?
If you currently have a yeast infection, and you want to avoid it affecting the abdomen, then you will want to make sure that you get the infection treated right away.
Abdominal pains occur as a result of yeast infections when the infection is not treated (see also: Treat Menopause Back Pain)adequately and within a good amount of time.
If a yeast infection goes untreated, even once it begins affecting the abdomen, then you will begin to experience other symptoms like regular fatigue, and even cognitive impairment.
If you suspect that you have a yeast infection, at any point, you should make sure to contact your doctor for guidance.
How Do You Prevent Yeast Infections?
If you’ve been treated for a yeast infection, and you want to keep yourself from developing one all over again, then there are a few things you should make sure to do.
The most important thing to do is to keep the vagina dry. Make sure to take extra care during and after sexual intercourse, to ensure that the area is dry.
You will also want to wipe the vagina adequately, every time you use the bathroom.
You will also want to make sure that you get plenty of rest, as high levels of stress, and a lack of sleep have been shown to lead to an increase in fungal infections and yeast growth.
Make sure to also consider the role that your diet plays in preventing yeast infections. If you want to avoid abdominal pain from yeast infections, then make sure to eat plenty of yoghurt, filled with ‘good bacteria’.
To Wrap Up
There you have it! Yeast infections can cause more symptoms than just itchiness and rashes in the vagina, but you will want to make sure to check with your doctor to be sure that your abdominal pain and bloating are a result of a yeast infection, and not something else.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cramping Common With A Yeast Infection?
Yes. Some people may commonly experience cramping in the stomach as a direct result of a yeast infection.
Can A Yeast Infection Cause Pain In The Lower Abdomen?
Yes. If you experience pain in your lower abdomen, it may well be a direct result of a yeast infection!
I'm Clare, the owner and operator of Off The Couch, where I serve as a qualified Nutrition & Health Coach.
Based in Dublin, Ireland, I offer coaching services both locally and globally, providing personalized strategies in nutrition, stress management, sleep quality, and fitness.
My journey into this field began as I navigated my own chronic illnesses, including early menopause, Interstitial Cystitis, Lyme Disease, and hydrocephalus.
