Do I Have an STD or a Yeast Infection?

Do I Have an STD or a Yeast Infection?

Self-diagnosis is a dangerous game to play when dealing with problems below the belt. If you’re experiencing symptoms that are causing you pain or discomfort in the genital region, you need to resist the urge to address the problem on your own. Going online and trying to find a definitive prognosis without consulting a professional could very well exacerbate your issue –– and have some pretty horrifying consequences. One example of this in particular is the confusion between STDs and yeast infections. There’s an understandable level of misunderstanding between the two, which is made worse by the fact that it’s an issue most women will encounter at least once in their life. The good news is, we’re going to put this conundrum to rest for good. Here’s the answer to this ultra-common FAQ that has bothered countless women: do I have an STD or a yeast infection?

Yeast Infection 101

First, it’s worth noting that yeast infections are very common. Three out of four women will experience a yeast infection of some degree at some point in their life. Additionally, many women will have more than one. So it’s important to dispel any notions of shame or embarrassment regarding a simple yeast infection. Indeed, a myriad of factors can cause a yeast infection, including:

• Taking antibiotics
• Pregnancy Hormones
• Oral Contraceptives
• Diabetes

Furthermore, anything that throws off the regular balance of bacteria to yeast cells within the vagina can spur on an excess of yeast to develop. (These sorts of behavior range from a disregard of basic vaginal hygiene, to wearing a swimsuit for an extended period of time. The point is, virtually anything can trigger a yeast infection.)

Yeast Infection vs STD Symptoms

Typically, the symptoms associated with a yeast infection involve itching or burning especially during urination, pain during intercourse, and/or an odorless, white vaginal discharge. Unfortunately, those symptoms bear more than a passing resemblance to those of several STDs. Trichomoniasis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and genital herpes all can cause burning, vaginal discomfort, and in some instances, vaginal discharges similar to a yeast infection. In brief, there’s no real way of knowing whether you have an STD or a yeast infection simply by performing the “eye test.” The only definitive way to know is to seek out proper STD testing for yourself.

Risks Associated with Yeast Infections and STDs

Yeast infections on their own aren’t normally much to worry about. As noted above, most women will get one at some point, and many times the infection will heal on its own accord. It’s recommended that women with yeast infections abstain from sex during the course of the infection. For one sex, is really painful with a yeast infection, and secondly, you can (in rare cases) spread the infection to your partner during unprotected sex.

However, the main concern every woman should feel is misdiagnosing a potentially harmful STD for a yeast infection. If ignored, most STDs can cause major health problems that are almost always avoidable with early detection and treatment. Additionally, all expecting mothers should receive an STD test –– particularly because women are more likely to have a yeast infection during pregnancy.