YEAST INFECTIONS

[eve31]

My boyfriend and I are having sexual problems. He keeps getting cut and have lil tiny bumps on the head of his penis sometimes after sex. This doesn't happen all the times but most times when I am dry. I am 32 years old and he is 49 I have went to the doctor and I keep getting yeast infections. I use the over the counter meds fr it and sometimes the doctor prescribes me creams but it keeps coming back. Is it coming back because I gave it to him and he brings it back to me each time? He is a diabetic and is uncircumcized but he is very clean and has good hygienes in that department. I have talked to my doctor and he doesn't have a clue but says that i need not to douche, use soap down there, and wear all cotton underware. I don't douch anyway, I wear cotton underware and I don't put soap inside of me. So, I am very concerned because I don't know what to do. Is there anything I am not doing are should be doing. He blames me for what is happening but I don't know what is wrong. He is the only one I have sex with and we don't have any STD's, so it is very puzzling to me. Please help! Thanks for listening.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Candidiasis is caused by the overgrowth of yeast-like fungi called Candida. Candida inhabits the vagina, mouth and digestive tract in small numbers and are normally harmless. Take some precautionary measures like avoid wearing tight fitting clothing like jeans and pantyhose and underwear made from synthetic fibres. Remove wet or damp bathing suits immediately after swimming, avoid douching, perfumed soaps, bubble baths and toiletries, change underwear daily, wash underwear in hot water (to destroy fungi) and double rinse (to remove any irritating detergent) and take adequate nutrition and sleep.Also use some antifungal pessaries like clotrimazole (Femizole-7), miconazole (Monistat-Derm, Monistat Vaginal) or nystatin which are available over the counter. If still the symptoms persist then oral antifungals may be needed. Please consult a gynecologist in that case.
Also try using a water based lubricant during intercourse so that there is no rash due to friction rub.
I hope it helps. Take care and please do keep us posted in case you have any additional doubts. Kind regards.

[mercedes_baby_boo]

Hi Eve~
Just wanted to ask and share if thats ok...
You said you both do not have any STD's but does that mean you have been tested? Specifically for HSV? The bumps and infections "could" and Im being tactful as possiable with this conversation... but could be HSV2. It does sound like some of the symptoms and would explain why it has a recurring issue. I understand you have only been with the one person but that doesnt mean you couldnt have been exposed in some manner. Its crazy how easy that disease can be spread now adays. Im only suggesting that you both actually get tested and rule it out that way for sure. They do not normally test for HSV when std tests are performed. It has to be done by specifically asking for it. If it does turn out to be positive then you would be able to take Valtrex to control the syptoms and get back to a more normal sex life with your partner..of course you both would have to be tested and both take the meds not fun I know but just throwing the  suggestion/thoughts out there to help you in some small way~ goodluck!!!

[eve31]

Thanks again. I become dry sometimes, do u think its maybe because I don't drink a lot of water. I really don't like to drink water and I think that could be the problem with the dryness problem I am having. My body is probably off balance!

[jeeanne]

I didn't have sex while I had symptoms obviously, but as far as having sex when I didn't know... hmmm. I think I had sex just before and then may have felt a little annoyed thinking his hygiene must have been the cause,but he had no problems from me. I think in the end it was probably the whole combination of hygeine (one or the other of us), sugar, and stress.
I didn't take any over the counter drugs. It just went away a day or two later after addressing those three, and the peroxide.

To address the penis irritation... I have also had a partner have that had that experience in a completely seperate instance. I believe it may have been due to the dryness factor - a little too insistant on his part when I wasn't quite ready yet and so it created a friction. I shave as well, so if it was growing in even a little, the lack of lube would rub in an unpleasant way and cause an irritation. Little white raised areas. Usually just went away relatively quickly.

cheers!
Jeanne

[eve31]

Thank you I will try that. Did you have to take any over the counter medicine with that. Did your partner experienced any side effects from the yeast, if you had sex and didn't know you had one?

[jeeanne]

Hi Eve31,
I hope you will get good feedback for this issue... I just wanted to mention that when I had a yeast infection before, I cut out sugars and caffeine from my diet until it stopped and to ease that unbearable itching I used a q-tip and hydrogen peroxide up along the the inside wall where it itches. A couple of minutes between times... about three or four fresh applications of peroxide at one go. Made it go away pretty fast. Then stayed very clean (partner too) and kept sugar intake down. Destress with exercise and water also sets the body right.

Good luck!

Jeanne