Can a Yeast Infection Cause Abdominal Pain and Bloating?

Written by

Jessica Guht

Jessica is a medical writer with an unquenched thirst to discover something new. She believes that medical content should be accessible to everyone and strives to write content that every single person can understand. When Jessica isn’t writing, she can usually be found reading a book with a dog cuddled in her lap. Jessica has a Masters of Engineering degree in Biomedical Engineering.

Medically reviewed by

Amy Dougherty, FNP-BC, AGAC

Amy is a Board Certified Family Health Nurse Practitioner (FNP) with over 15 years of experience working in Hospital Medicine, Urgent Care and Primary Care practices. Amy graduated Thomas Jefferson University with high distinction earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2008, a Master of Science in Nursing in 2010 and a Post Master's Certificate in Adult Gerontology Acute Care (AGAC) in 2014. She was recognized by the Elite American Nurses Association in 2013 for her dedication, achievements and leadership in the field Nursing. She served as a clinical preceptor for a number of Nurse Practitioner students and enjoys teaching the bright minds of future NPs.

While you might not think to link the two, yeast infections can come with a wide range of symptoms, including those in areas where the infection isn’t located. 

This means that it’s completely possible for a yeast infection to cause different symptoms such as abdominal pain and bloating. 

While it may vary per condition, you may be experiencing what is called yeast overgrowth – which is what happens when you leave your infection untreated.

Table of Contents

• What Is a Yeast Infection?
• Can a Yeast Infection Cause Abdominal Pain?
• Can a Yeast Infection Cause Bloating?
• How to Treat a Yeast Infection?
• When Should You See a Doctor?
• How Can DrHouse Help You?
• Key Takeaways

What Is a Yeast Infection?

Yeast infections or Candida can also be found around the skin, in the gut, and digestive system and they are a result of when there’s too much yeast (fungus) building up in one area.

A yeast infection can also be experienced in the vagina and vulva, with multiple different symptoms. It’s a relatively common fungal infection that most women will experience at some point, and can be easily treated if the right actions are taken when the symptoms are discovered.

The infection may also be referred to as vaginal candidiasis and is so common that many women who experience it, may experience it more than one time during their lifetimes.

It’s important to note that a yeast infection is not classed as an STD, as the way they are contracted is not the same as other STDs. It may not be passed on as a result of sex, however, individuals who have sex more frequently may be more prone to experiencing a yeast infection.

Can a Yeast Infection Cause Abdominal Pain?

Your yeast infection can affect you in multiple different ways, one of which is abdominal pain. The fungus growing in your digestive system may lead to a build-up of gases, which can put a lot of pressure on your body. The build-up of pressure in your gut can lead to a number of issues, one of which being leaky gut syndrome, or constipation – which may add to the abdominal pain you’re experiencing.

Can a Yeast Infection Cause Bloating?

Bloating is never a pleasant experience, but, for the same reason a yeast infection can cause abdominal pain – it can cause bloating. You’ll often experience your bloating becoming more and more concerning throughout each day. This is because as you eat and drink, the yeast in your gut is fermenting your meals, and producing more gas than what you would usually experience. While this gas would be released, it can lead to your bloating getting worse and worse throughout the day.

How to Treat a Yeast Infection?

If you suspect you’ve got a yeast infection, it would be best to make sure you see a healthcare professional as soon as possible. As with most infections, the sooner you get it treated – the better, as to prevent spreading or allowing the condition to worsen.

Your infection can be treated by over-the-counter medication, and your doctor may prescribe either an anti-fungal medication or a single-dose medication depending on your situation. The treatment may vary from patient to patient, as pregnant patients may be a more complicated scenario.

If your symptoms are still around after the treatment has been completed, you should be sure to get back in touch with your healthcare professional to seek alternative treatment.

FAQ

Can a Yeast Infection Affect Your Gut?

Untreated yeast infections and yeast overgrowths can lead to a further infection that affects your gut. This infection is called candidiasis, and it is what leads to the bloating and abdominal pain systems you may be experiencing.

Can a Yeast Infection Cause Bloating and Weight Gain?

A yeast infection can cause bloating, and you may notice it getting progressively worse from the beginning to the end of each day. This is because the fungus in your gut produces more gas than you’re used to from the meals you eat.

Yeast infections have also been tied to weight gain. If you’re experiencing a yeast infection, you may have a stronger craving for sugar, making it much more difficult for you to diet and avoid junk food.

A yeast infection may also cause a hormonal imbalance, which has a negative impact on your metabolism – making it harder to process your weight at your usual speed.

Is Bloating a Common Symptom of Candida?

Bloating is one of the most common symptoms of Candida. You may experience bloating not long after eating, as well as diarrhea and constipation. This is due to excess gas being produced by the fungus in your gut.

How Do You Get Rid of Candida Bloating?

To get rid of the bloating caused by Candida, the infection itself needs to be treated. You can usually treat this infection with anti-fungal medication that your doctor can prescribe, as well as probiotics and a better diet.

When Should You See a Doctor?

If this is your first time experiencing a yeast infection, you should make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. While it may be treatable at home, your doctor can help you to decide on the best form of treatment.

You should also see a doctor if you’re unsure about whether or not you’re experiencing a yeast infection or not. Concerning symptoms should never be ignored, and the sooner you notice them, the better.

If you’ve already seen your doctor but the treatment given to you hasn’t helped, you should make another appointment to explore further treatment options.

How Can DrHouse Help You?

If you think you may be suffering from a yeast infection, the DrHouse app can help you get a diagnosis and treatment from a healthcare professional. With our app, you can start an on-demand online doctor visit from the comfort of your own home, and get started on treatment as soon as possible.

Key Takeaways

• A yeast infection is a fungus buildup that can cause a number of different symptoms, including bloating and abdominal pain.
• It’s a very common and easily treatable infection, and most women will experience it at some point during their lifetime.
• Yeast infections can be more prevalent in those who are more sexually active, despite not being an STD.
• Yeast infections can cause you to gain weight, as well as cause difficulty losing weight due to sugar cravings and lower metabolism.

Sources:

• Vaginal Candidiasis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/candidiasis/genital/index.html. 
• Serra, J. Management of bloating. Neurogastroenterology & Motility. 2022; 34:e14333. doi:10.1111/nmo.14333.
• Akpan A, Morgan ROral candidiasisPostgraduate Medical Journal 2002;78:455-459.
• Soong D, Einarson A. Vaginal yeast infections during pregnancy. Can Fam Physician. 2009 Mar;55(3):255-6. PMID: 19282531; PMCID: PMC2654841.
• Camilleri MLeaky gut: mechanisms, measurement and clinical implications in humansGut 2019;68:1516-1526.
• Schulze J, Sonnenborn U. Yeasts in the gut: from commensals to infectious agents. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2009 Dec;106(51-52):837-42. doi: 10.3238/arztebl.2009.0837. Epub 2009 Dec 18. PMID: 20062581; PMCID: PMC2803610.