Blog2023-05-07T12:45:23-06:00

Can a Vaginal Yeast Infection Irritate the Bladder?

Can irritation of the bladder be caused by a vaginal yeast infection?

An irritated bladder is certainly a very annoying symptom, as it can make you constantly feel like you “have to go.”

Another symptom is leakage of urine.

Frequent trips to the toilet provide only temporary relief, if at all.

When women experience bladder related symptoms, they often assume that the source is a urinary tract infection.

But don’t dismiss the possibility that the vagina could be involved.

“Overgrowth of vaginal bacteria or yeast can cause bladder symptoms,” says Michael Ingber, MD, board certified in urology, female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery, and founder of The Center for Specialized Women’s Health, division of Garden State Urology.

“The bladder is found in front (anterior) of the vagina,” continues Dr. Ingber.

“Any infection which causes inflammation of the vaginal wall can directly irritate the bladder and cause bladder symptoms such as urinary urgency, frequency or leakage.”

Though these symptoms can also be caused by a urinary tract infection, a urinary tract infection cannot cause vaginal itching, dryness or burning.

Dr. Ingber continues, “Sometimes, the vulvar vestibule can get affected as well. This is the region just inside the labia minora (small lips of the vulva) but not inside the actual vaginal canal.

“The urethra opens up in this area. When the vulvar vestibule is inflamed from yeast infections, women can get symptoms of burning with urination.”

Other Symptoms of a Vaginal Yeast Infection

• Burning — also with intercourse

• Itching in the vaginal area

• Swelling of the vulva

• Redness of the vulva

• Vaginal discomfort or soreness

• Rash of the vagina

• Watery discharge

• Thick white discharge that resembles cottage cheese. It has no odor.

Most vaginal yeast infections are caused by the fungus Candida albicans.

If you have bladder related symptoms that last more than a day, make an appointment with your doctor.

Dr. Ingber is board-certified in Urology and Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery; is a Fellow of the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health. The Center for Specialized Women’s Health, division of Garden State Urology & Atlantic Medical Group.
specializedwomenshealth.com
(973) 537-5557
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.  

 

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Top image: Shutterstock/Siriluk ok

Sharp Headache When Ejaculating? What Should You Do?

Do you suffer a sharp headache or head pain only when you ejaculate?

“The act of ejaculation causes a great deal of changes in your body,” says Jamin Brahmbhatt, MD, a board-certified urologist specializing in chronic testicular pain and infertility, and co-founder of Drive 4 Men’s Health, a nonprofit public engagement campaign that has encouraged millions of men to be more active, eat well and get preventive medical screenings.

If you get a sharp or severe headache, even briefly, every time you ejaculate, it may seem logical to consult with a urologist to get to the root cause.

However, think about it: The pain is in your head, not in your genitals.

Dr. Brahmbhatt explains, “It’s rare I see a guy that has a sharp headache with ejaculation.

“If it is a consistent problem I would send these patients for an evaluation with a neurologist (medical doctor of the brain).”

The problem may actually be emanating from your head. Or, it’s possible it may be originating from the muscles of your neck or related to a pinched nerve in the neck region.

The point is, you need to see a neurologist who may want to order an MRI to see if there is anything going on in the neck or head that could be causing a headache every time you ejaculate.

Dr. Brahmbhatt is a fellowship-trained microsurgeon and has helped advance the use of robotics for men with chronic testicular pain. Having been with Orlando Health since 2013 he serves as director of the Personalized Urology and Robotics (PUR) Clinic. Drive 4 Men’s Health
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.  

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Top image: Shutterstock/Andrey_Popov

Pain in One Testicle During Coughing: Sign of Cancer?

When you cough, do you feel pain in one of your testicles?

What’s alarming about this is that testicular cancer typically occurs in only one testicle.

So when a new symptom occurs on one side of the body, it is especially worrisome to the individual.

Testicular cancer is not common, affecting over 9,000 U.S. men (most are between 20 and 35, but this disease can strike at any age) per year. (more…)

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