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How long does it take to cure a yeast infection?
by scaredwoman953, Nov 10, 2006 12:00AM
So here's the deal. Almost 2 months ago I started getting an itching sensation on my vulva. I was freaked out that it was a STD, and finally got the guts to face the music and go see a NP who said it is very well a yeast infection on the outside of my vagina. (I have no abnormal discharge). She gave me a 3 day regim which seemed to cure the itchiness, but made the area more red and irritated. So then I got more guts and finally went to a gyno who cultured the red irritated area and checked it out. She told me that she saw nothing abnormal but saw some yeast. So there it was confirmed. A yeast infection of the skin surrounding my vagina. She gave me diflucan, in on pill to take and also gave me monistat 7 to use as well. So I took the pill 3 days ago today and have been using the cream since. I feel better with the itching again, but at night, I think I touch the area, so when I wake up in the morning it's red again. I feel like these treatments aren't working.
How long do I have to wait for the treatments to work. Am I just expecting it to cure the yeast infection too soon? Is this something that takes time to heal?
It's just really irritating. It's been almost 2 months and I would like it to go away.
Can anyone give me some insights?
Also, I got to the gym alot and wait to shower and change out of my gym clothes until I get home. I have been obstaining from the gym since the day I went to the dr in hopes that it will help make the healing process go a little faster.
Also, I've been using Dial bar soap to clean the area, is this too strong?
How long do I have to wait for the treatments to work. Am I just expecting it to cure the yeast infection too soon? Is this something that takes time to heal?
It's just really irritating. It's been almost 2 months and I would like it to go away.
Can anyone give me some insights?
Also, I got to the gym alot and wait to shower and change out of my gym clothes until I get home. I have been obstaining from the gym since the day I went to the dr in hopes that it will help make the healing process go a little faster.
Also, I've been using Dial bar soap to clean the area, is this too strong?
The irritation showing back up in the morning is normal. As for how long it takes to get rid of it, that depends upon the strain.There are many drug resistant strains that take longer courses of treatment to irradicate. If you reacted to your med, i.e. became more red and irritated than previously, I woulde not use that type again. You would be setting yourself up for a full blown reaction and that really hurts.
If the irritation persists, you should probably ask to get the yeast cultured and typed to find out what it is resistant too. Sometimes it just takes a longer course of treatment.
Today, I was prescribed Empecid (a clotrimazole vaginal tablet), the same Empecid, but as a cream for the skin, and then Wintomylon (antibiotics) to rule out a blood infection, but could admittedly worsen a yeast infection.
I have had two or three in my life and do not use drugs or anitibiotics to treat it. In fact antibiotics only worsen the problem because they kill off all the bacteria in the body even the good bacteria our bodies need to be in a healthy balance. I only use the natural approach to healing ailments. Doctors and pharmaceutical companies want your money, they only give bandaid solutions....in other words they promote sickness not health. Beware!
In the case of a yeast infection it is very important to kill off the "bad" bacteria/fungi that is causing the infection. Tea tree oil, garlic (slice up a clove) and oil of oregano are all very good at killing these organisims. I use all three ( rotate them) topically as needed and it works fast. If you are diligent it can be healed within a week or so. Note: garlic, tea tree and oil of oregano are very potent and will sting a little so use in moderation but know that the sting means it's working.
Another essential thing you need is to restore balance of the bacteria in the body (or in the case of external yeast infection) is a "good" bacteria called acidophilus which can be found in any health food store or you can just go ahead and eat fresh raw/plain yogurt and plenty of it. Yogurt naturally contains acidophilus. I use a product form the health food store (capers/whole foods) called Bio- K, which is essentially a mega dose of the good bacteria (acidophilus) and it tastes and looks like yogurt. It is found in the refridgerated area of any health food store and not only is it good for an external yeast infection but your entire digestive and intestinal tract will benefit and love you for it. It's all about keeping the body in balance. You can use plain yogurt or Bio K directly on the affected area especially if it is red and sore,not only will it soothe you but you are putting "good" needed bacteria where it needs to be.This can be messy so do it the bathroom leave it as long as you can and then rinse with water.
So you first need to work at killing off the "bad guys" and then adding the "good guys" both internally and externally ideally. Avoid sugars as yeast flourishes in sugary environments, avoid yeast containing food if possible while healing yourself.
There is tons of information on the internet if you do a google search - (healing yeast infections naturally) (garlic and yeast infections) (tea tree and yeast infections) and check out probiotics and yeast infections