A yeast infection, or candidiasis, is a common fungal overgrowth primarily caused by the species Candida albicans. This fungus naturally exists in small amounts on the skin, in the mouth, and within the gastrointestinal (GI) and genital tracts. An infection occurs when this yeast multiplies out of control, usually due to a disruption in the body’s balance of microorganisms, such as antibiotic use or a weakened immune system. A localized yeast infection does not typically cause true stomach pain, but discomfort can arise if the overgrowth is located in the GI tract or as a side effect of treatment.
Localized Symptoms and Typical Presentation
The most common forms of candidiasis are localized infections affecting the mucous membranes or skin folds. Vaginal candidiasis presents with symptoms confined to the vulva and vagina, including intense itching, a burning sensation, irritation, and a thick, whitish discharge. Oral candidiasis, known as thrush, causes white patches on the tongue, inner cheeks, and throat, sometimes leading to soreness.
Localized infections do not directly cause pain in the stomach or upper abdomen because the fungal overgrowth is physically separated from the digestive organs. However, a severe vaginal infection can sometimes result in inflammation extending to surrounding tissues. This local irritation may be felt as pressure or mild cramping in the lower pelvic area, which a person might mistakenly interpret as abdominal pain.
Yeast Overgrowth in the Gastrointestinal Tract
The primary way a yeast infection causes abdominal pain is when the overgrowth occurs directly within the digestive system. Candida is a normal component of the human gut flora, but factors like prolonged antibiotic use or immunosuppression can lead to gastrointestinal candidiasis. In this condition, the yeast ferments sugars, producing excess gas and creating digestive distress. This fermentation results in symptoms such as chronic abdominal pain, cramping, and bloating.
The abdominal discomfort associated with GI candidiasis is typically centered in the stomach area and is often accompanied by other digestive complaints. Patients may experience nausea, diarrhea, or constipation as the digestive system struggles with the imbalance. In rare and serious cases, particularly in individuals with severely compromised immune systems, the infection can become invasive and spread throughout the body. This systemic form, known as invasive candidiasis, can affect internal organs and is accompanied by severe abdominal distress and symptoms like fever and chills.
Abdominal Pain as a Secondary Effect
Abdominal pain may also arise as a consequence of the treatment for a yeast infection, rather than the infection itself. Many oral antifungal medications, such as fluconazole, list gastrointestinal upset as a common side effect. These adverse reactions include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. The severity of these side effects often relates to the dosage, with a single, large dose being more likely to cause temporary stomach discomfort.
A patient may also experience stomach pain due to a co-occurring condition mistakenly attributed to the yeast infection. Conditions affecting the lower abdomen, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), can present with pain that is concurrent with or confused with the localized infection. These other conditions, which are not caused by Candida, are frequently the source of the abdominal pain.