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Around 75% of women in their entire life will have at least one episode of yeast infections, whereas 45% tend to have more than one. A major reason for this is the lack of information about this. If you let yeast infections go unnoticed, it can have severe negative effects. Therefore, it is often advisable to consult a healthcare expert in such situations.
Yeast Infection: A Brief Overview
Yeast infection is often referred to as candidiasis because it is caused by a microbe or fungus known as Candida. This fungus upsets the body's natural pH balance, thereby leading to excessive yeast cells. Bacteria and yeast cells are often present in balanced amounts in the vagina.The vaginal environment is known for naturally fostering the growth of Candida and lactobacillus. However, when the vaginal environment changes, Candida overgrowth leads to infection. Some of the common symptoms of yeast infection include the following:
- Itching across the vaginal area
- A thick, clumpy discharge resembling cottage cheese
- Redness and swelling of the vulva
- Burning sensation during urination or intercourse
Where Does Yeast Infection Occur?
Yeast infections can occur in three main types: vaginal, oral, and systemic. Below is a table summarizing the differences between these types:| Aspect | Vaginal Yeast Infection | Systemic Yeast Infection | Oral Yeast Infection (Thrush) |
| Location Affected | Vulva and vaginal area | Bloodstream and other organs | Mouth, throat, and inner cheeks |
| Common Causes/Risk Factors | Antibiotics, Pregnancy, Diabetes, Weakened immune system, Tight clothing/synthetic fabrics | Weakened immune system, Diabetes, Surgery or invasive procedures | Weakened immune system, Antibiotic use, Diabetes, Infants and elderly |
| Symptoms | Itching, Thick white discharge, Pain during urination/sex, Redness and swelling | Fever, Fatigue, Organ dysfunction, Sepsis (in severe cases) | White patches in mouth/throat, Pain or soreness, Difficulty swallowing |
| Treatment | Antifungal creams/suppositories, Oral antifungals (e.g., fluconazole) | Strong antifungal medications (oral or IV), Hospitalization in severe cases | Antifungal lozenges/mouthwash, Oral antifungals |
Can a Yeast Infection Affect Fertility?
Yeast infection doesn't cause infertility, but it leads to a wide range of discomforts. Intercourse can be painful and uncomfortable due to the increasing yeast infection symptoms. Moreover, if you suffer from yeast infections frequently, the vaginal environment will become hostile for the sperm, thereby making conception difficult.While yeast infection will not affect fertility, it may reduce your desire to have intercourse because of the pain. Some of the most common causes of yeast infections include Antibiotics, hormonal changes, immune suppression, tight clothing and high-sugar diets.
If a yeast infection becomes chronic or recurrent, it may alter cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to reach the uterus. Here are some of the notable side effects of yeast infection which can affect fertility:
Uncomfortable intercourse
Recurrent yeast infections
In this case, seeking medical advice as soon as possible becomes extremely important. It will help to manage any underlying conditions.
The cervical mucus becomes affected
Yeast Infections vs. Other Fertility-Impacting Conditions
Apart from yeast infections, there are several other conditions which can have a negative impact on fertility.Comparison with Bacterial Vaginosis, STIs, and PID
| Disease | Cause | Impact of Fertility |
| Yeast Infection | Overgrowth of Candida fungus naturally present in the vagina. | Does not have a direct environment but creates a hostile environment for the sperm often reducing the chances of conception. |
| Bacterial Vaginosis | Imbalance in the vaginal environment because of anaerobic bacteria outgrowing Lactobacillus. | It is very common in infertile women. This often interferes with the healthy cervical mucus production leading to sperm and vaginal cell damage. As a result, conception becomes harder. |
| STI | Usually occurs due to infection transmission via sexual conception like gonorrhoea and chlamydia. | If STI isn’t treated on time, it can cause PID which will damage the fallopian tube. As a result, it will either cause infertility or ectopic pregnancy. |
| Pelvic Inflammatory Diseases | Usually occurs due to untreated STIs. | PID can scar and damage the fallopian tubes increasing the risk of infertility and ectopic pregnancy. Moreover, PID also leads to chronic pelvic pain which can have a negative impact on fertility. |
Importance of Proper Diagnosis
Yeast infections share common symptoms with some of the other STIs such as burning sensation during urination, redness or swelling of the vulva and discharge.Therefore, self-diagnosis can often be misleading as you may not be able to figure out what the actual condition is. Therefore, in situations like these, it is advisable to reach out to healthcare experts who can perform accurate diagnosis to understand the actual condition.
How to Manage Yeast Infection?
The easiest way to manage yeast infections is to consult a doctor. They will check your symptoms and their severity and then provide relevant treatments based on your symptoms.The yeast infection should go away in a few days, depending on the dosage provided. However, it has a wide range of other risks, which must be managed with proper medical care.
Some ways you can avoid yeast infections and reduce their risk are listed below.
Reduce vaginal wetness
Follow a healthy diet
Include a diet rich in probiotics, lean proteins, non-starchy vegetables and healthy fats. Furthermore, make sure to avoid refined grains like bread, pasta and dairy products while also reducing sugar intake.
Maintain hygiene
Drink fluids
When Should You Seek Professional Help?
While lifestyle and dietary changes can help manage yeast infections, seeking medical help is crucial if they occur frequently, especially if you start noticing that you're getting a yeast infection four or more times a year. This might be a sign of any underlying health condition.If the condition affects your daily life or keeps coming back despite treatment, it’s important to see a doctor. Avoid self-diagnosing, as getting the right diagnosis is key to receiving proper treatment.
This can help you address any underlying issues, like bacterial vaginosis or sexually transmitted infections (STIs). A doctor can also help identify any fertility problems and guide you on how to manage them. Always consult healthcare experts to ensure you get the right care and prevent further health complications.
Treatment Options
The healthcare experts will be able to provide you with the right treatment options based on your diagnosis. Some of the popular treatment options apart from the home remedies for yeast infection management are given below.Over-the-counter (OTC) Treatments
Prescription Medications
When to Worry: Recurrent Infections and Underlying Issues
Vaginal yeast infections can be worrisome as the symptoms worsen. You would have to keep a check on the signs and symptoms to ensure that it doesn’t worsen further causing issues.What Counts as Recurrent?
Possible Underlying Conditions
- Diabetes
- Immune disorders
- Hormonal imbalances due
- Pregnancy
Link to Broader Reproductive Health Concerns
Furthermore, frequently occurring yeast infections with underlying issues could also indicate the presence of STIs like chlamydia or herpes which will require different treatment.
Yeast infection, when left untreated, becomes dangerous. If you notice the signs and symptoms (even if they're not severe), consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible. The experts may advise you on the use of antifungal or over-the-counter medicines.
FAQs on Can a Yeast Infection Affect Fertility?
- Do yeast infections cause infertility?
No, yeast infections do not cause infertility, but they can make intercourse uncomfortable, reducing conception chances. - Can someone with a yeast infection get pregnant?
Yes, a lady suffering from a yeast infection can also have a successful pregnancy. However, it is advisable to regularly visit a doctor to keep everything in check. - Does yeast infection delay periods?
There are very few chances of yeast infection affecting your periods. Yeast infections themselves do not delay periods because the infection does not touch the ovaries, but stress or certain medications might.
