Yeast Infections and Pain: What’s the Connection?
As any Vulva Pain Doctor will tell you: “vaginal yeast infections are a common problem in women. The most common symptoms are itching & irritation of the vulva & around the opening of the vagina. Vaginal yeast infections usually occur as infrequent episodes, but can recur frequently, & may cause chronic persistent symptoms. Yeast infections occur mainly in menstruating women, & are less common in postmenopausal women who do not use oestrogen-containing hormone therapy” [1]. Organising an accurate diagnosis & starting on a Personalised Treatment Program devised by a Vulva Pain Specialist, is essential to getting back on track ASAP
Vaginal Yeast Infection Symptoms to Look Out For
Vulva Doctors state that the most widespread yeast infections comprise:
●Irritation or itching of the vulva, and around the opening of the vagina
●Painful urination
●Vulvar irritation or soreness
●Painful sexual intercourse
●Swollen, reddened vaginal and vulva tissues
●Of note: a percentage of women do not have abnormal vaginal discharge. Whereas, others experience a watery or white clumpy (curd-like) discharge [1]
Did You Know?
Yeast infection symptoms are have similarities to a number of other medical conditions. These include: dermatitis (irritated skin), trichomoniasis (a sexually transmitted infection), and
bacterial vaginosis (a bacterial infection of the vagina) [1]. To that end, it is extremely important to consult a Vulva Specialist, who will be able to give you a correct diagnosis right from the get-go. Self-diagnosis is never recommended, as it can potentially lead to serious medical issues. In fact, research show that when it comes to self-diagnosis:
“Women with vulvar itching or vaginal discharge often assume that their symptoms are caused by a yeast infection & try to treat it themselves using over-the-counter medications. However, in one study, only 11% of women accurately diagnosed their infection; women with a previous yeast infection were only slightly more accurate 35% correct” [1]
Moreover, self-diagnosis and treatment:
●Wastes valuable time: your condition will not be ameliorated until you receive appropriate treatment (for example, being put on a Personalised Treatment Plan by a Vulva Pain Doctor)
●Can make your vagina (& your vagina opening), even more irritated and itchy
To that end, it is crucial to have medical confirmation that you actually have a yeast infection, from a Vulva Consultant, prior to starting any form of treatment
Reference
[1]. Sobel, J. D (2023). “Patient education: Vaginal yeast infection (Beyond the Basics).”
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/vaginal-yeast-infection-beyond-the-basics/print#:~:text=Vaginal%20yeast%20infections%20are%20a%20common%20problem%20in%20women.&text=Itching%20is%20the%20most%20common,swollen%20vulvar%20and%20vaginal%20tissues.