|  | Conditions Treatments | Urinary Disorders

Does Candida Yeast Create Bladder Pain?

Three in four women will experience some form of yeast infection in their lifetime. When the symptoms include bladder pain, it can be difficult for a physician to pinpoint the actual cause of the disorder. With simple lab tests and vigorous treatment, candida can be controlled and candida yeast bladder pain can be eliminated.

  1. The Facts

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, an estimated three in four women will have a candida yeast infection during their lifetime. According to Marcelle Pick, OB/GYN nurse practitioner and founder of "Women to Women," "When candida proliferates, it changes from its simple, relatively harmless form to an invasive form, with long root-like structures that penetrate the intestinal lining. Penetration can break down the boundary between the intestinal tract and the circulatory system." Once candida has entered the bloodstream it colonizes areas where its food supply is the most concentrated, including the bladder and throat.

    Types

    • Once actively circulating throughout the body, candida takes on many different forms including thrush, skin infections, leaky gut syndrome, auto-immune issues, and vaginal infections. Due to the variety of forms and symptoms expressed by this bacterium, it is often misdiagnosed and unnecessary treatments are applied before the actual cause is discovered.

    Genitourinary Symptoms

    • Vaginal yeast infections are the most common external indicator that candida is effecting the genitourinary tract. According to Dr. Marcell , symptoms may include "menstrual and premenstrual problems, bladder inflammation, chronic urinary tract infections (UTI's), bladder inflammation, cystitis, PMS." The Mayo Clinic also lists "cottage cheese" like discharge with a "fishy odor" as an outward symptom.

    Diagnosis

    • When seeking to determine the cause of bladder pain, a physician will first take a urine sample to determine whether there are any proteins in the urine. If there are any present, the patient is treated for a bacterial infection. If no proteins are found, a patient may wish to consider consulting a dietician for further testing. The dietician will take a stool sample and a blood test to determine whether or not there is a yeast overgrowth, and if so whether there are any food sensitivities as well. Once the underlying cause is determined, the condition can be effectively treated.

    Treatment and Preventions

    • A three-fold approach is taken for treating vaginal candida. According to the Merck Manual, initially, a doctor will prescribe an anti-fungal medication. This kills off the candida that has escaped into the bloodstream. Second, patients are instructed to start a candida diet to keep the overgrowth under control in the future. Finally, if the symptoms include any vaginal irritation, an ointment is prescribed to assist in the overall relief of the rather uncomfortable symptoms.

Urinary Disorders - Related Articles