Yeast Infection Types, Symptoms and Treatment Options in Jacksonville

Everyone has yeast on their skin and inside their bodies, and usually it doesn’t cause any problems. Sometimes, though, you can experience an overgrowth of yeast, leading to an infection. Yeast infection treatment is the fastest way to eliminate excess fungus and uncomfortable symptoms.

Get the details on the different types of yeast infections and visit UF Health Emergency & Urgent Care Centers for treatment.

Types and Symptoms of Yeast Infections

Both men and women can develop yeast infections in their mouths and bloodstream, and women can also experience vaginal yeast infections. In each instance, the right yeast infection medicine can help you recover.

Vaginal Yeast Infections

An estimated 75% of women develop a vaginal yeast infection, and almost half of women get at least two throughout their lifetime. This is a result of the naturally occurring yeast multiplying, creating an imbalance in the vagina.

The imbalance is most often attributed to medications, such as antibiotics and birth control pills, pregnancy hormones, unmanaged diabetes and a weakened immune system. You can also increase your risk by wearing wet clothing, applying vaginal deodorants and using scented tampons.

Symptoms of vaginal yeast infections include:

• Burning sensation when urinating
• Pain when engaging in sexual intercourse
• Thick, white discharge
• Vaginal itching, burning or soreness
• Vaginal swelling or redness

Many of these symptoms mimic those associated with sexually transmitted infections. It’s vital to undergo testing to determine if you have a yeast infection or STI so you can receive the appropriate treatment.

Invasive Candidiasis

Invasive candidiasis refers to yeast infections that enter the bloodstream and potentially spread throughout the body. This type of infection can spread to the brain, eyes, heart, kidneys and other organs, and may cause significant symptoms and life-threatening complications.

Contaminated medical devices can introduce additional fungi into the bloodstream when inserted into the skin. Thus, the risk for invasive candidiasis increases during extended hospital stays, surgical procedures or when using intravenous drugs. People with weakened immune systems are also at an elevated risk of developing a yeast infection in the bloodstream.

The symptoms of invasive candidiasis mirror the symptoms of other bacterial infections, including body aches, chills and fever, fatigue, stomach pain and weakness. Low blood pressure also occurs as a result of this infection.

You can also develop symptoms based on where the infection is located. For instance, if it spreads to your eyes, you might experience blurred vision and sensitivity to light. Invasive candidiasis in the brain can lead to confusion, headaches and memory loss.

Yeast Infections of the Mouth or Throat (Thrush)

Thrush develops in the mouth or throat when there is an abundance of yeast. Anitbiotics, birth control pills and corticosteroids can promote yeast growth, increasing the risk of developing thrush. Also, babies, toddlers, adults over 65 and those with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk for yeast infections in the mouth or throat.

Symptoms include white patches on the inner cheek, roof of the mouth, throat and tongue. You also may experience pain when eating or drinking. Loss of taste and a cottony feeling inside the mouth also indicate thrush.

People with weakened immune systems are at risk of severe complications after developing thrush. Without a healthy immune system, the infection can spread to the brain, heart and other body parts, and may cause septic shock. In all instances, thrush treatment is needed to get the fungus under control.

Yeast Infection Treatment

Antifungal medications are used to treat yeast infections, but the application differs. Vaginal and oral yeast infections typically respond to topical medications, but oral medications may be required in some cases. For invasive candidiasis, the yeast infection medicine is usually delivered through an IV to reduce the risk of complications.

At UF Health Emergency & Urgent Care Centers, our primary goal is to provide the residents of Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia with exceptional service and the proper billing for the care they need. Our combined emergency room and urgent care are fully equipped to handle everything from allergies to fractures to chest pain, with on-site labs, CT, ultrasound and X-ray, all under one roof. The ER and urgent care centers are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. No appointment is necessary — just walk in!

Find the UF Health Emergency & Urgent Care Center in Jacksonville nearest you at https://euc.ufhealthjax.org/locations.