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Article reviewed by: Dr. Desta Golden, N.D.
Yes, a yeast infection can cause pain and hurt quite a lot. Along with the pain, a yeast infection can cause annoying itching and burning of the penis and vagina. Both men and women can have their genitals hurt when they're being attacked by Candida. There are other causes of pain in genitals however; so, you shouldn’t just jump to the conclusion you’ve got a yeast infection just because you have some redness of the vagina or penis and you hurt down there. Sexually transmitted diseases can cause pain to happen in both men and women. So, if your sexual history has recently involved potentially STD positive individuals; you may have a venereal disease.
Some common symptoms that accompany a yeast infection, in both men and women, include reddening of the skin, intense itching, and burning sensations during urination, pustules (bumps with puss), and papules (bumps without pus). Women frequently have a cottage cheese like vaginal discharge, and can have painful sexual intercourse. If you have had a long history with Candida, you should be pretty capable of diagnosing another yeast infection. But, to be safe, you may want to take a yeast infection self test to see how likely you are to have this problem. We will discuss these tests later on in this delineation of yeast infection pain.
Want to relieve yeast infection discomfort? Fortunately, there are several natural herbs you can use for pain relief; and, one herb that both stops pain and fights off Candida. Ultimate relief of discomfort from a Candida problem, will happen when you get rid of the infection. And, yes, there are many efficacious natural alternatives that work powerfully at killing this invasive fungi. We will talk more about this at the close of the article!
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Visit Official Site!Research Regarding Yeast Infection Pain
A study, published in Clinical Microbiology Reviews [23.2 (2010): 253-273], related that pain is a common occurrence in individuals with Candida infections. The study stated, that yeast infections are hard to diagnose; often, they can resemble other vaginal infections—such as trichomoniasis, Chlamydia, or gonorrhea. The hallmark symptoms of a yeast infection are vulvar itching and vulva burning. As far as pain is concerned, the study states that vaginal Candidiasis can frequently cause irritation and soreness; which eventually can result in intense pain during sex, or painful urination. As far as men who get yeast infections on their penis, the study reports the common symptoms are penile burning and itching. So, a penile yeast infection may not cause skin pain; but could create some painful urination.
Another study, focused on vaginal Candidiasis in young, sexually active women. The study was published in the journal Sexually Transmitted Infections [80.1 (2004): 54-57]. The study utilized 219 different women who all were tested for Candida and other sexually transmitted diseases. Of these women, 93 (42%) tested positive for Candida; and, 14 (15%) of those who tested positive, were asymptomatic. Of the remaining Candida positive women with symptoms, 79 (85%) of them complained of vulvar pain, fissures (small tears in the skin), intense itching, and vaginal discharge. Painful sexual intercourse was reported by 52 of 217 women. A history with recurrent yeast infections was associated with painful intercourse; and, in general, painful intercourse was linked to a women testing positive for Candida. The study found that women who engage in frequent oral sex are more prone to yeast infections (more on this topic here: sex and yeast infections). The researchers concluded the following from the findings of their study:
In conclusion, the present work shows that according to culture, candida was present in 42% of sexually active women undergoing a genital examination at an adolescent health centre. Both positive candida culture and history of recurrent candidiasis were associated with vulvar pain at intercourse. Growth of candida was associated with oro-genital sex.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/sti.2003.004192
Another study, a review of literature relating to the aspects of vaginal yeast infections, was published in the Australasian Journal of Dermatology [53.4 (2012): 247-254]. The study states, that a comprehensive review revealed the symptoms associated with this condition include: pain during urination, pain during sexual intercourse, itching, vaginal discharge, burning sensations, general irritation of the vagina, and soreness. The symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection are often exacerbated right before menstruation (for more information on this common problem, you can check out yeast infection before a period). In the author’s personal experience, all these symptoms are demonstrated by women with chronic vaginal Candidiasis. So, we see, that very commonly, pain; such as general soreness of the vagina, pain during sex, and pain during urination; is associated with a yeast infection.
The next study that verifies a yeast infection causes pain, was published in the Journal of Infection [52.2 (2006): 111-117]. The study presented the following symptoms associated with vaginal Candidiasis: intense vaginal itching, pain during sexual intercourse, and cottage cheese like vaginal discharge. A positive diagnosis for Candida vaginitis was made when cottage cheese like material was in the vagina and the laboratory tests indicated Candida’s presence. Thus, we see again, that pain during sex is a key sign that you do have a yeast infection.
As far as men go, a yeast infection of the glans (rounded tip of the penis), known as Candida balanitis, can also cause pain and burning to occur in that area. Some of the predisposing factors to this male Candida malady include: having a weak immune system, corticosteroid usage, being uncircumcised, and previous use of antibiotics. A study, published in Genitourinary Medicine [72.2 (1996): 98-102], confirmed that a yeast infection of the penis can cause pain. According to the study, the typical case of Candida balanitis presents with mild reddening of the glans and can produce pain along with burning sensations during urination. Other symptoms that can occur, include: a discharge from under the foreskin, swelling of the penis, and varying tightness of the foreskin to the point where it cannot be pulled back. Thus, a male yeast infection can hurt!
Breast Yeast Infections Can Hurt
It is not unusual for breastfeeding mothers who have pain in their nipples, or shooting breast pain, to have Candida infecting that area. True, there are a host of other causes of breast pain; such as the bacteria streptococcus aureus, and improper feeding techniques. But, a yeast infection of the nipple or areola can also cause pain. A study, showing a link between Candida and breastfeeding pain, was published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology [197.4 (2007): 424-e1]. The study used 98 breastfeeding women; 20 of whom were positive for Candida and 78 that were not, serving as controls. Cases in the study were allowed to participate if they had shooting breast pain, and did not have a fever (signaling a bacterial problem as yeast will not cause fever). The study found that 30% of the women with breast pain were positive for Candida; whereas only 7.7% of the asymptomatic women were positive for yeast. Thus, it is possible for breast or nipple yeast infections to cause pain. For more information on this topic you can check out: Treating Breastfeeding Thrush.
Vulvodynia (Vulvar Pain)
Not all pain of the vulva is due to Candida; there can be many other causes of such pain. A comprehensive review of vulvodynia was written and published in the journal Nursing for Women's Health [13.1 (2009): 48-58]. The review states that vulvodynia is experienced by up to 27% of women. This chronic pain disorder could possibly have a wide array of causes; and, the condition is frequently not well understood by medical professionals. The possible causes of such pain include a nerve disorder or inflammation. The study’s author suggested her review prompted more questions than found answers; but, concluded vulvodynia is indeed a complex condition. And, therefore, Candida is not the only thing that can cause pain in a woman’s genitals.
Another study, looking into vulvodynia, was published in Medicine [42.7 (2014): 385-389]. The study states that vulvar pain is a common condition that attacks women of all demographics. The study suggests that this condition should be considered as a possible diagnosis when symptoms similar to vaginal Candidiasis, and chronic vulval soreness present themselves. Vulvodynia is more likely to be the true source of vaginal pain when the vulva and vagina appear normal; and no other symptoms appear upon examination. According to the journal, you should consider the possibility that your vaginal pain is due to vulvodynia when:
- Laboratory tests consistently come back negative for pathogens—especially for Candida.
- Your vulva appears normal and there are no other signs of infection.
- You have not previously responded to various therapies to stop the vulvar pain.
- You have chronic, recurrent vulvar pain.
- You have a history of visiting the doctor for the problem.
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Visit Official Site!Conclusions from the Research
Yes, it is very possible that a yeast infection will hurt and cause pain. There are many other studies besides the ones we discussed here that state pain is a common symptom of yeast infections. Most typically, pain occurs during sexual intercourse or while urinating. Also, general vaginal itchiness can result from a Candida infection. But, there are a wide array of other genital infections, such as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) that can also cause pain in the genitals of both men and women (for more information about this topic, you can check out: Yeast Infections and STDs). So, if you’ve been having sex with several people recently, you may have an STD giving you the genital pain—not Candida. The key is to look at all your symptoms, and see how well they match those of a yeast infection. If you have cottage cheese like discharge, you probably have Candida. And, women who’ve had a yeast infection before, are much better at diagnosing this condition.
If you're a woman who seems to just have vulvar pain, and your vagina doesn’t have any of the other signs or symptoms of a vaginal infection, you may have the common problem vulvodynia. So, if you’re vagina appears totally normal, and you just have pain; you may want to visit a doctor before you jump to the conclusion that it's a yeast infection hurting you.
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Visit Official Site!Natural Yeast Infection Pain Relief
The first step to relieving yeast infection pain, is knowing for sure if you have a Candida problem. If you have some time, you may want to check out the free self tests available at Candida Hub. These tests are based off of the late Dr. William Crook’s work and should ameliorate your diagnosis. If you’d like to check them out (there is a long and a short test), you can find out more here: Yeast Infection Home Test. If you're no stranger to yeast infections, you should be able to know with some degree of certainty you’ve got another Candida problem!
According to the renown herbalist, Dr. James Duke, there are a wide array of herbs you can use to reduce pain. One herb, Dr. Duke said is quite efficacious at relieving pain, is clove. Cloves also happen to be very powerful at stopping a yeast infection as well (for more information you can check out: Clove Essential Oil, or Whole Cloves). In Dr. Duke’s book, The Green Pharmacy, he recommended using cloves for pains like toothaches; and, his own mother used to give him cloves for tooth pain. Dr. Duke suggested applying clove oil directly to the area where you have your pain. And, thanks to clove’s antifungal capabilities, it will start attacking the Candida that is the source of your problem.
Another plant Dr. Duke suggests using for pain is the willow tree. Willow bark contains salicin; a pain relieving phytochemical. And, aspirin used to be derived from willow, meadowsweet, and wintergreen—due to the naturally high levels of salicin in these plants. For many types of pain problems, Dr. Duke suggested getting a half teaspoon of willow bark, and making a tea out of it. Duke also recommends not giving aspirin-like herbs to children.
But, the source of your pain is the Candida. Fortunately there are a lot of natural remedies you can learn about on Candida Hub. For more information you can check out Herbs for Yeast Infection, and Essential Oils for Yeast Infection. This should give you a good start. You may also want to get some coconut oil and use about 2% tea tree oil, along with some cinnamon powder mixed in. Simply apply this on the infected area and try and let it sit overnight while you sleep. If you’re a woman, soak a tampon in the fluid and let it sit in the vagina overnight. After a while, the soothing tea tree oil, cinnamon, and coconut oil will start naturally getting rid of your infection.
Natural, 12 Hour Yeast Infection Solution
Although about 75% of women will get at least one vaginal yeast infection in the course of their lives; a smaller fraction will suffer from chronic, repeat yeast infections. And, both men and women can have their entire health emaciated by Candida overgrowing in their bodies. One women who had this exact problem was Linda Allen. About the same time she found herself suffering from a sinus infection, Linda Allen also got her first yeast infection. This happened in her late teen years. Linda didn’t waste much time before she made an appointment with her physician to get the infection cleared up. After she got her prescription, the yeast infection went away; but, it wasn’t long before Candida caused another vaginal infection. Linda again went to her doctor for an drug, and initially the drug work. But, like before, a short while later, Linda came down with another yeast infection.
The seemingly endless cycle of treating herself with some drug or remedy and having another recurrent Candida outbreak went on for some time in Linda’s life. In all, she spent around a decade suffering from Candida recurrence. All the while she suffered from Candida outbreaks, her general health was deteriorating. Linda was at the doctor routinely, and regularly got antibiotics to, hopefully, get her health back to normal. Those that knew her wondered if she was a hypochondriac, or just in worse shape than she let on. It wasn’t until Linda finally went to a naturopath for help that she got pointed in the right direction.
According to the naturopath, Linda was suffering from a systemic yeast infection; Candida was all over her body. And, the vaginal infections were just an outward sign of this internal problem. Although her consultation with the naturopath didn’t give her a permanent solution to end her recurrent vaginal Candidiasis, she started exploring natural medicine and looking for an answer to fix her degraded health. She tried a Candida diet, but found that after she stopped the rigorous dietary protocol her symptoms came right back. She also tried a wide variety of alternative therapies for Candida; but, nothing seemed to work permanently. Although these experiences left her disappointed, she did gain valuable insight into how to end her struggle.
Linda spent around 12 years studying yeast infections—diligently reading medical texts and related materials. Linda also consulted natural medicine experts and doctors who knew about Candida; she would talk to any of these professionals kind enough to lend her some of their time. With her previous experiences, and acquisition of knowledge, Linda began to put together key ways to get at the root causes of Candida overgrowth. Soon Linda developed a new approach that would hopefully totally end her health problems. Linda spent about a year polishing the technique and improving it.
When Linda finally tried out her new approach, she initially responded very well. Her vaginal yeast infections went away. As time went on the real test began—would her therapy keep the yeast infections gone? And, thankfully, Linda’s new plan did keep the Candida infections from coming back. After several weeks of following her program, Linda’s health began rapidly improving. She was no longer feeling terrible and miserable; she finally was feeling great again!
It has been many years since Linda got rid of her Candida problem, and Linda has even published a book detailing exactly how to repeat her success. Linda’s program includes a powerful therapy that is guaranteed to get rid of a yeast infection in just 12 hours time. And, since Linda knows what it's like to be disappointed with a remedy, she offers a 60 day, 100% money back guarantee on her book. If you don’t see results, you can quickly get all your money back. And, Linda Allen’s book is available as an ebook, so you can get started right away. If you want a refund, there is no need to return anything as well.
Linda Allen’s book, Yeast Infection No More, is published by one of the largest digital retailers in the world—a company operated by the U.S. based firm Keynetics Incorporated. They are an excellent company and handle all of Linda’s publishing. If you’d like to learn more about Linda Allen’s personal story and journey to better health, read a few testimonies of others who gave her book a try, or check out some of the extra books Linda includes with her’s, you can find out more at Linda Allen’s website.
Author: Mr. Nicholas Gross
Nick Gross is a natural medicine enthusiast who has been researching and writing about natural medicine since 2008. Nick is primarily a web developer but also researches and authors written and video content about natural health. Nick has a bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems from the University of Northern Iowa.
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SOURCES:
- http://dx.doi.org/10.1128%2FCMR.00076-09 — Achkar, Jacqueline M., and Bettina C. Fries. "Candida infections of the genitourinary tract." Clinical microbiology reviews 23.2 (2010): 253-273. PubMed Full Text
- http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/sti.2003.004192 — Rylander, E., et al. "Vulvovaginal candida in a young sexually active population: prevalence and association with oro-genital sex and frequent pain at intercourse." Sexually transmitted infections 80.1 (2004): 54-57. PubMed, Full Text Available Here
- http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1440-0960.2011.00860.x — Fischer, Gayle. "Chronic vulvovaginal candidiasis: what we know and what we have yet to learn." Australasian Journal of Dermatology 53.4 (2012): 247-254. PubMed
- http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jinf.2005.03.005 — Goswami, Deepti, et al. "Pattern of Candida species isolated from patients with diabetes mellitus and vulvovaginal candidiasis and their response to single dose oral fluconazole therapy." Journal of Infection 52.2 (2006): 111-117. PubMed,
- http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/sti.72.2.98 — Stary, A., et al. "Comparison of the efficacy and safety of oral fluconazole and topical clotrimazole in patients with candida balanitis." Genitourinary medicine 72.2 (1996): 98-102. PubMed PDF Available Here
- http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2007.05.053 — Andrews, Janet I., et al. "The yeast connection: is Candida linked to breastfeeding associated pain?." American journal of obstetrics and gynecology 197.4 (2007): 424-e1. PubMed
- http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-486X.2009.01373.x — Kingdon, Janna. "Vulvodynia." Nursing for women's health 13.1 (2009): 48-58. PubMed
- http://dx.doi.org/10.1016%2Fj.mpmed.2014.04.010 — Edwards, Anne, and Michael Bowen. "Vulval pain." Medicine 42.7 (2014): 385-389.
- Google Books — Duke, J. A. (1997). The green pharmacy: New discoveries in herbal remedies for common diseases and conditions from the world's foremost authority on healing herbs. Emmaus, Pa: Rodale Press.
