A yeast infection, medically known as Candidiasis, is a common condition caused by an overgrowth of the fungus Candida, most often Candida albicans. This fungus naturally lives in the body, but when certain factors disrupt the delicate balance, a symptomatic infection occurs. The resulting irritation causes uncomfortable symptoms, including intense itching, swelling, and a characteristic thick discharge. A particularly distressing symptom is the sharp, stinging sensation experienced during urination, referred to as dysuria.
Understanding Why Yeast Infections Cause Burning
The burning sensation during urination is not caused by the yeast fungus directly infecting the urinary tract, but by the intense inflammation it creates in the surrounding tissue. A yeast infection causes significant irritation, redness, and swelling of the vulva and external vaginal tissues. This irritation extends to the urethra’s external opening, which is located close to the vaginal opening.
Urine is naturally acidic, with a pH that can range significantly depending on hydration and diet. When this acidic urine contacts the already raw, inflamed, and micro-abrasive skin tissue, it acts as an irritant. This contact results in the sharp, stinging pain or burning felt during and immediately after urination. This external reaction is a key physiological distinction from other causes of dysuria.
Distinguishing Symptoms from Other Conditions
Burning during urination is a common symptom of several conditions, making it important to look at other signs to determine the cause. A yeast infection typically presents with a thick, white, odorless discharge often described as having a cottage cheese-like consistency. The burning sensation is localized to the external genital area, primarily the vulva, and is usually accompanied by intense itching and soreness.
This presentation differs significantly from a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), which is a bacterial infection of the urinary system. With a UTI, the burning sensation originates internally within the urethra or bladder. It is frequently accompanied by a constant, urgent need to urinate, even when the bladder is empty. A UTI may also cause pain in the lower abdomen or back, and the urine can appear cloudy or have a strong odor, unlike the external symptoms of a yeast infection.
Other conditions, such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), can also cause dysuria. Infections like Chlamydia and Gonorrhea may cause painful urination, but they often present with an abnormal discharge that can be yellow or green, or they may be entirely asymptomatic. Genital herpes causes dysuria when urine passes over painful, open sores or blisters on the external genitalia. If symptoms are ambiguous, severe, or include systemic signs like fever or back pain, consulting a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis is necessary.
Medical Treatment Approaches
The most effective medical treatments for a yeast infection involve antifungal medications that target the Candida fungus. These treatments are available in both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription forms, depending on the severity and frequency of the infection. OTC options primarily consist of topical antifungal creams and vaginal suppositories containing active ingredients like miconazole or clotrimazole.
These topical treatments are inserted directly into the vagina and are available in various treatment lengths, such as one-day, three-day, or seven-day courses. The longer courses often provide a more complete clearance of the infection, particularly for stubborn cases. For more severe or recurrent infections, a healthcare provider may prescribe an oral antifungal medication, such as a single 150-milligram dose of fluconazole.
Fluconazole works systemically to clear the infection and is often preferred for its convenience and effectiveness in complicated cases. Regardless of the medication type chosen, it is important to complete the entire course of treatment, even if symptoms improve quickly, to ensure the fungal infection is eradicated. If symptoms do not improve after using an OTC treatment, it indicates the need for a professional diagnosis and potentially a prescription-strength drug.
Immediate Relief and Prevention Strategies
While medical treatment addresses the underlying fungal overgrowth, several strategies can provide immediate comfort and aid prevention. To soothe the external burning and irritation, a sitz bath using cool or lukewarm water can be helpful. Some find relief by adding a quarter cup of baking soda to the bath. Applying a cool compress to the vulvar area can also reduce swelling and provide temporary relief from the stinging sensation.
Long-term prevention focuses on reducing the warm, moist environment where the fungus thrives. This involves consistently wearing cotton underwear, which is more breathable than synthetic materials. It is important to avoid wearing wet swimwear or sweaty workout clothes for extended periods, as trapped moisture encourages yeast growth. Additionally, avoiding the use of harsh, scented hygiene products, such as douches or perfumed sprays, helps maintain the natural balance of vaginal flora.