Candidiasis and Fibromyalgia

candidiasis

Image: Shutterstock/Timonia

There are many different theories about what causes fibromyalgia. People have suggested everything from autoimmune disease, to gluten intolerance, to nerve damage. But one of the most unusual suggestions has to be that it’s actually a fungal infection caused by a condition caused candidiasis.

The idea behind this suggestion is that the fungus behind this condition, candida, lines the intestines and eventually breaks them down. Supposedly, this releases toxins into the blood stream which causes the symptoms of fibromyalgia. This is a bit of a stretch, but it does contain an element worth looking at. And that’s the fact that many people who have fibromyalgia do suffer from candidiasis. So, what exactly is candidiasis? What is the actual link between this condition and fibromyalgia? And how can you treat it?

What Is Candidiasis?

Candida is a type of yeast that lives in your intestines and mouth. Normally, you don’t notice it and it doesn’t cause any problems for your health. But occasionally the yeast can spread until it causes an infection. This infection is called candidiasis, or more commonly, thrush.

Thrush infections aren’t usually dangerous. The symptoms are usually limited to yellow or white sores in the mouth and cracking of the lips. They can often be painful, particularly when swallowing.

But the candida can also spread to the genitals, which leads to what we commonly call a “yeast infection.” The odds are good that if you’re a woman, then you’re familiar with yeast infections. It’s estimated that three out of four women will suffer from one at some point in their lifetime. But you might not know that men can also get yeast infections. Though either way, the symptoms are not particularly severe.

Yeast infections usually lead to itchiness in the genitals, redness and swelling, discomfort while urinating, and a white discharge. For most people, these symptoms are irritating, but simply a normal part of life. But people with fibromyalgia do seem to get yeast infections more frequently than most people.

Candidiasis And Fibromyalgia

There’s a clear link between frequent yeast infections and fibromyalgia. But that’s not a sign that yeast infections cause fibromyalgia. There is no scientific evidence whatsoever to suggest that systemic yeast infections are the root of this condition.

There are a few other possible explanations for the link between the two. It could be that people with fibromyalgia have immune systems that are less capable of stopping the growth of yeast in the body, which leads to infections. But more likely is the role that certain medications play.

Medications used to treat some of the conditions common in fibromyalgia patients, like IBS or rheumatoid arthritis,  can upset the balance of your immune system or gut bacteria, which can lead to the growth of yeast and thus more infections.

Some doctors have suggested that it’s not unusual to see candida be blamed for fibromyalgia symptoms since people have long thought blamed the fungus for a range of different conditions. But the reality is that it’s not a likely cause of fibromyalgia.

However, yeast infections are certainly not a condition you want to put up with. So if you’re suffering from frequent yeast infections, there are a few things that you can do.

How Is It Treated?

To begin with, there are many over-the-counter medications that can control yeast infections. But as with any non-prescription medication, you should be careful to only use brands you trust and to consult with a pharmacist or doctor if you’re at special risk, such as when you’re pregnant.

In most cases, these medications are sufficient to treat an infection. But if yours persists, you should visit a doctor. Doctors can prescribe antibiotics to kill the yeast that causes the infections. And there is another reason it might be a good idea to check with a doctor. Many sexually transmitted infections can create similar symptoms to yeast infections, and require different treatment. If you think you might have been exposed to an STI, always consult a doctor.

Finally, if you’re more concerned about the frequency of your infections, like when you’re getting more than four a year, you should see a doctor. They can treat your infection and offer a range of treatment options designed to prevent you from getting more.

So let us know, do you think there might still be more to the link between yeast and fibromyalgia? Do you suffer from frequent infections that you think are caused by fibro? What works for you in terms of treatment? Tell us in the comments.