Yeast infection, also known as candidiasis, is a fungal infection that causes irritation, discharge and severe itchiness around the vagina and vulva. A healthy vagina contains bacteria and some yeast cells which have a balance. 

When this balance is disrupted (when the balance between bacteria and yeast changes) the yeast cells can multiply causing swelling, itching and irritation around the vagina. Yeast infection when treated within a few days can relieve symptoms. 

However, in severe cases, it may take longer. Vaginal yeast infection as it is sometimes called is not considered to be a sexually transmitted disease (STI). 

Having the urge to urinate can be caused by many things and if you have a yeast infection, you might want to know whether yeast infection can cause a frequent urge to urinate. Continue reading to find out if this can happen and also get to learn more about yeast infection. 

What is yeast infection?

A yeast infection is an infection of the vagina. It is caused by the yeast candida which is a naturally occurring organism in the vaginal area. Yeast infections develop whenever there is an imbalance between the normal flora (bacteria and yeast cells). That is to say, anytime the yeast cells outgrow the protective bacteria then you are likely to suffer a yeast infection.

Other factors like stress, hormonal imbalance, uncontrolled diabetes, pregnancy and antibiotics can all cause a yeast infection. 

What causes a yeast infection?

The vagina contains bacteria and some yeast cells. The bacteria and the yeast cells both have a balance. When the balance is interrupted, it can lead to the overgrowth of yeast which causes symptoms of vaginal yeast infections. 

Lactobacillus (the good bacteria present in the normal flora of the vagina), keeps other microorganisms like Candida growth in check. As such anytime there is a decrease in the amount of lactobacillus, the yeast cell begins to overgrow and that can easily lead to a yeast infection. 

A yeast infection can also be caused by 

• Stress 
• Hormonal imbalance 
• Uncontrolled diabetes 
• Pregnancy 
• Excessive use of broad spectrum antibiotics

Symptoms of a yeast infection

Below are some of the symptoms of a yeast infection

• Rash around the vagina
• Redness, soreness
• Pain during sex
• Burning sensation during urination
• Itching around the vagina
• Swelling around the vagina
• Whitish yellow discharge from the vagina
• Clumpy discharge from the vagina

Can yeast infection cause a frequent urge to urinate?

Yeast infection does not give you the frequent urge to urinate. With a yeast infection, you may feel pain when urinating and also experience pain and itchiness in the affected area. Vaginal yeast infections also typically cause a thick, milky discharge.

Some conditions known to cause a frequent urge to urinate include overactive bladder, cystitis, and other urinary tract infections. Urinary tract diseases (UTIs) are generally known for causing a frequent urge to urinate. Yeast infections are not urinary tract infections and cannot be considered to cause a frequent urge to urinate.

If you have a frequent urge to urinate, check with your doctor to see if you have a urinary tract infection instead and let the cause be treated accordingly.

How common is a yeast infection?

A yeast infection is very common. 75 per cent of women will get a yeast infection in their lifetime (source). Yeast infections are known to be the second most common cause of vaginitis in women.

Who can get a yeast infection?

Your risk of contracting a vaginal yeast infection increases 

• If you are someone between puberty and menopause
• You are pregnant
• If you are someone who uses hormonal birth control
• If you have diabetes and don’t manage high blood sugar effectively
• If you’re using or have recently used antibiotics or steroids
• If you use products in your vaginal area like douches
• When you have a compromised immune system like having diseases like HIV

How long does a yeast infection last?

A mild yeast infection is likely to leave more quickly than a severe one. The duration of treatment for yeast infections varies from just a few days to up to 6 months. However, it is very rare for the 6 months to happen. 

What is a complicated yeast infection?

• A complicated yeast infection can occur if 
• You have severe signs and symptoms, such as extensive redness, swelling and itching that leads to tears, cracks or sores
• You have four or more yeast infections in a year
• Your infection is caused by a less typical type of fungus
• You’re pregnant
• You have uncontrolled diabetes
• Your immune system is weakened because of certain medications or conditions such as HIV infection

How is a yeast infection diagnosed? 

A yeast infection is very simple to diagnose. Your medical history and if you have ever contracted any sexually transmitted disease (STI) are all things that can be used to diagnose a yeast infection.

Also, a pelvic exam is another way of diagnosing yeast infection. Your doctor will examine your vaginal walls and cervix. The surrounding area will also be looked at for any signs of infection. 

Cells from your vagina can also be taken for further testing. These cells go to a lab for examination. Lab tests are usually ordered for women who have yeast infections regularly or for infections that will not go away. This will depend on what the doctor sees during the pelvic exam.

Are yeast infections contagious?

You can pass on a yeast infection to another person but not in the same way as other infections are. Yeast infections are not considered STIs but you can pass a yeast infection to a partner but these are rare cases.

Is yeast infection common during pregnancy?

Yeast infections are common during pregnancy because of hormone fluctuations. Yeast infection during pregnancy isn’t always treated in the same way as nonpregnant women are treated. 

You won’t be able to take oral antifungal medications due to possible birth defects. Topical antifungals are safe to use during pregnancy.

Is it possible to get a yeast infection after sex?

It is possible to get a yeast infection after sex. Yeast infection itself is not an STI. Instead, there are other factors at play that can throw off Candida balance in the vaginal area. Vaginal intercourse, as well as penetration via sex toys and fingers, can introduce bacteria or fungal such as yeast cells.

How to treat a yeast infection

Yeast infections require antifungal medications. They can be prescribed or purchased without a prescription at any Pharmacy after the appropriate diagnosis has been made.

How can I prevent a yeast infection?

Here are some tips you can try to prevent a yeast infection.

• Eat a well-balanced diet
• Try consuming yogurt or take supplements with lactobacillus
• Wear natural fibers such as cotton, linen, or silk
• Wash your underwear in hot water
• Replace feminine products frequently

The takeaway from this article

Yeast infections cause itching, swelling, and irritation around the vagina. You are not likely to get a frequent urge to pee when you have a yeast infection but you can experience other things like rashes around the vagina, redness, soreness, pain during sex and so on. However, a yeast infection is easily treatable.