A yeast infection can cause a fever in the rare case of invasive candidiasis - here's what to know about it
- Yeast infections don't usually cause a fever.
- But if you are immunocompromised, then you are at a higher risk for an infection called invasive candidiasis.
- Invasive candidiasis happens when a yeast infection spreads to other organs of the body and must be treated in a hospital.
A yeast infection is pesky, yet very common. It's estimated that about three out of four women will experience at least one vaginal yeast infection in their lifetime.
Yeast infections are caused by yeast overgrowth of a fungus called candida. This can lead to several uncomfortable symptoms, however, in most cases, yeast infections are not dangerous.
But if your yeast infection is accompanied by a fever, there are some things that you should know.
Most yeast infections don't cause fever
A fever does not usually accompany a vaginal yeast infection.
"Typical isolated, uncomplicated yeast infections do not cause a fever," says Evelyn Mitchell, MD, obstetrician and gynecologist at Keck Medicine of USC.
However, there are other tell-tale signs of a yeast infection. Mitchell says some symptoms include:
- Itchy skin of the vulva and vaginal region
- Redness in the vulva and vaginal region
- White, thick vaginal discharge that may resemble cottage cheese.
A typical yeast infection lasts about a week and can be treated with:
- Over the counter antifungal creams such as Monistat
- Prescription antifungal creams or oral pills such as Diflucan
When yeast infections can cause fever
In rare cases, a yeast infection may be accompanied by a fever. Mitchell says this is an indication that the infection has spread. This typically occurs in patients who are immunocompromised, meaning they are at higher risk for infection.
Invasive candidiasis is the term for when a yeast infection has spread to other organs of the body. "This induces an inflammatory response and activates your body's immune system to try to clear the infection. The process involved in this response causes fever," says Mitchell.
The main symptoms of invasive candidiasis are fever and chills, on top of the typical yeast infection symptoms such as an itchy vulva. However, Mitchell says it can also be associated with:
- Ocular (eye) lesions
- Skin lesions
- Muscle pain or soreness
- Multi-organ failure
Since invasive candidiasis is very serious, it must be treated seriously and diligently. It can spread to major organs, cause organ failure, sepsis, and possible death if untreated, Mitchell says. It can also lead to lasting organ damage. Treatment typically involves admission to the hospital with the administration of IV anti-fungal treatments, Mitchell says.
Medications that are usually administered intravenously for the treatment of invasive candidiasis are:
- Caspofungin
- Micafungin
- Anidulafungin
However, having a fever along with your yeast infection does not automatically mean that you have invasive candidiasis. Mitchell says another reason may be that you have a co-occurring bacterial or another type of infection present that can be causing your fever.
For example, you might have an infection such as the flu or a UTI causing the fever. Regardless, you should get checked out by your doctor to figure out what's going on.
Insider's takeaway
Yeast infections are very common and typically harmless to your overall health. However, if your yeast infection is accompanied by a fever, it's important to seek medical attention as soon as possible in case it is invasive candidiasis, since it's a very serious condition.
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