Symptoms of Candidiasis

Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by a yeast (a type of fungus) called Candida. Certain Candida bacteria may cause human infections. The most common is Candida albicans. Candida usually lives on the skin and body, such as mouth, throat, intestines, and vagina, without causing any problems. If Candida grows out of control or enters deep parts of the body (for example, blood or internal organs such as kidneys, heart or brain), it may cause infections.

Suggested Full Candidiasis Screening

Candidiasis DNA Panel Advanced Urine STI Screening (18 Items)

Symptoms of Candidiasis

The symptoms of candidiasis depend on the site of infection.

Vaginal candidiasis	Intense itchiness, soreness or even pain of the vulva and vagina Painful, burning sensation during urination Thick, white, cheese-like, odorless discharge from the vagina
Oral candidiasis	White, cheese-like lesions on the inner cheeks, tongue and tonsils. Eating and swallowing can scrape and irritate the lesions causing throat discomfort or even slight bleeding.
Candida Balanitis	Itchiness or pain of the head of penis/foreskin White, cheese-like discharge on the gland/foreskin Rash or raised red spots on the gland ¹

1. (Candida balanitis: risk factors. 2010. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1468-3083.2009.03533.x?casa_token=ktxKZ7JEht4AAAAA%3ASC3S77lxk5QMOS5WOe8XFPPpVENkVqh5ln6xbUB1weUSazv5XE6Yw0wnm96BIdNG1IYhXogBb19ltA ).

Who has vaginal candidiasis?

Vaginal candidiasis is very common, although more research is needed to understand how many women are affected. Women who are more likely to develop vaginal candidiasis include:

pregnant
Use hormonal contraceptives (for example, birth control pills)
Have diabetes
Weak immune system (for example, due to HIV infection or drugs that weaken the immune system, such as steroids and chemotherapy)
Are taking or have recently taken antibiotics