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Gynecology  (Expert Forum)
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chronic yeast infections
Answered by
Keith Downing, MD - Obstetrics, Gynecology
MA
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This forum is for questions and support regarding gynecology issues such as: Cervical Disorders, Colposcopy, Cramps, Cystitis, Fallopian Tube Disorders, Menstruation, Ovarian Disorders, PAP Test, Pelvic Exam, PID, PMS, Surgery, Tests, Ultrasound, Uterine Disorders, Vaginal Disorders.
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MedHelp Member's Question

chronic yeast infections

by worriedaboutoral, Jul 18, 2007 12:00AM
Doctors, I just need an opinion. I have had a recurrent yeast infection for the past three months. It goes away and comes back even with medication. The only sympton I have now is itching. Can recurrent yeast infections be an early sympton of HIV, infection started 8 days after possible exposure. Just had 3 month HIV test done, waiting on results. My doctor seems pretty optimistic thats its not HIV related but I'm still very scared. Thanks!
Doctor's Answer

by Keith Downing, MD, Jul 19, 2007 12:00AM
Hello,

Vaginal yeast infections, and their recurrence are more common in women who are immunosuppressed, but this doesn't necessarily signify an HIV infection.  If you have been properly tested for HIV you should feel confident that it is not the underlying cause of your symptoms.

Best regards,

Dr. Downing
Member Comments (17)

by bip, Jul 18, 2007 12:00AM
I know this is for the doctor.I was reading your post and I had the same thing is you..Chronic yeast infections......I was scared to I still get them when I take a antiobotic or in the hot weather, and intercourse.I got treated for yeast a millions of time I was so worry it was something else......I think I have one now cause I feel itchy down there.......You will be fine......Has nothing to do with HIV......

by dlhigh, Jul 18, 2007 12:00AM
To: all
Recurrent yeast infections can be brought on by the things bip mentioned.  Eating yogurt is said to help reduce this, but the main thing that women are never told is that men can be carriers and yes you can get a yeast infection in the mouth.  Chronic yeast infections warrant your partner to be checked. There is medication that can be given to them as well.

by worriedaboutoral, Jul 19, 2007 12:00AM
Thanks, my 3 month test came back negative! Whatever it is its not HIV! Thanks!

by worriedaboutoral, Jul 19, 2007 12:00AM
To: Dr. Downing
Do  you believe a 3 month test is conclusive?

by worriedaboutoral, Jul 19, 2007 12:00AM
To: Dr. Downing
do  you feel a 3 month test is conclusive?

by Gigi1913, Jul 21, 2007 12:00AM
I had this problem as well... I had 7 infections 5 months. My doctors couldnt figure out why cause i didnt have diabetes, hiv, or any other causative factors.

I have to take garlic capsules every day and eat yogart.  I load up on garlic capsules b4/after menstration as that is when I usually get the yeast infections.  

I just found out that I'm lactose intolerant -- and that is likely the cause!  I changed my diet around that time and started drinking milk- which i never leiked so rarely did in the past- i also started eating refined and processed foods more. Apparently people who are lactose intolerant are prone to yeast overgrowth/infections.  Check for that and diabetes.  Also- cut out sugar and refined carbs.  Lastly- try garlic capsules- you can get them from the vitamine section at the droug store- they are amazing

by minitigertoes, Aug 06, 2007 12:00AM
Does the yogurt and tablets really work? Do they help minimize the chances of getting yeast infections?

I've been getting yeast infections for a year now, only during the summer time in new york city.When I'm at school in buffalo I'm fine. Is it the humidity? I never use to get infections before...is it because of my diet? I also think I'm lactose intolerant.  

It's really annoying and uncomfortable. I go visit the gyno everytime....I've tried creams. anything else others have tried to prevent these infections are most welcomed. I'm sooo uncomfortable =(

by keysbecca, Aug 11, 2007 01:48PM
is your dr testing each to make sure that it is a yeast infection?  I went though a similar thing and afeter about 3 yrs of getting a yeast infection every month I changed drs and found I that I ended up with a bacterial infection from overtreatment of yeast infection.  One month later I was cured!!

by mn201, Aug 12, 2007 06:00PM
To: gigi1913 and all
I am so glad to hear that other people are having this problem as well, although I wish none of us did.  :(  I have been having recurrent yeast infections for about 6 months now.  The first one occurred after an encounter with my boyfriend in which he was touching inside me with his fingers.  The doctor I saw thought that maybe it was due to too much friction.  We have stopped doing that, but ever since I have been having yeast infections.  I will have one, treat it, go about 2-4 weeks without one, and then get another.  It has been miserable.  I have been tested for diabetes and STDs, and everything has come back fine and negative.  It seems like the doctors just give up after that.  I use Monistat every time, but have read that eventually it doesn't work if you use it too much.  I don't know what to do.  I have started eating yogurt and kefir everyday, since I have read that it helps.  If you are lactose intolerant, how are you able to drink milk everyday?

I am absolutely paranoid now.  I have read to cut back on sugar, including fruit.  So I have totally changed my diet.  I have switched to a detergent with no dye or perfume.  Whenever possible, I don't wear underwear.  I'm consumed with it and now wondering if my mind is playing tricks on me.

Do you all think it would be worth it to pay out of pocket and go see another doctor?  I just can't stand this anymore.  I cry every time I get a new one.  Thanks guys.

by tinchu, Aug 25, 2007 02:24PM
To: all
i have had reoccurring yeast infections for 2 years i finally learned about the yogurt remedy and it works i take the plastic applicator of a tampon and insert plain, no artificial flavoring yogurt into the applicator and freeze it to make a vaginal suppository and insert it. wear a pad it comes out slowly like all the other creams and otc meds.  usually one or two nights and it is gone till the next one.  also i see that this has not been mentioned, but you also get yeast infections