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Yeast Infection? Help!

This is embarrassing even asking on here, so I'm not sure I can do to the doctor over this.  Several days ago I noticed the opening to my vagina was very sore and irritated.  At first I just noticed this when wiping after using the bathroom but now I feel it when sitting down.  Anyway, it has gotten worse over the past few days.  When I finally used a mirror to look down there today I can see a couple white patches at the vaginal opening.  The area surrounding there is also very red, irritated, and I feel some really small bumps I guess.  Is this a yeast infection?  I finished up a 10 day course of antibiotics for a sinus infection like a week and a half ago.  I have never had a yeast infection before.  As a matter of fact, I am 30 and have never been to a gynecologist.  I have big time anxiety regarding going to doctors.  Anyway, is this something I need to go regarding?  And would I have to go to a gyno or could a regular doctor handle this?  It has been almost 3 months since the last time I had sex and he used a condom.  What could this be?  Advice please!!
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7863591 tn?1394854019
You're welcome!

I have used diflucan a few times and it take a day or two to get things feeling better. If you still have an itch, buy a tube of vagisil to help get through until the medicine kicks in.

I agree with Jemma about asking for the diflucan every time you get an antibiotic, better safe then sorry! I usually take mine as soon as I feel an itch down there, or about 4 days into my antibiotics. It can prevent a yeast infection from coming too.
I also forgot to mention that if you are sexually active you and your partner can give each other this fungal infection, for us its a yeast infection and for men its called jock itch. I had a few weeks of passing it back and forth with my partner at one time and didn't realize it. We both use a clotromizole cream and I got diflucan too and it cleared up fast.
I also only use hypoallergenic baby soap when washing my feminine areas.

Take care!
Helpful - 0
4851940 tn?1515694593
That's great news.
Do remember though that if the symptoms are not gone after 7 to 10 days, then do go back to your doctor.  

Make sure that you do not use any soap, only those that have a pH level that suits our skin.  Only wear cotton undergarments.  If you are sexually active wait until you are clear and if you use condoms for protection, get the latex free ones.

Also remember that if you are ever given antibiotics, then also ask for an antifungal treatment as it is very likely that you will get a yeast infection again when using antibiotics.  Always get the problem seen to otherwise it can fester for a very long time and will take a very long time for things to heal.  Getting rid of fungal problems is not a complete cure and it is something that can happen again.

Best wishes.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Update: I did decide to go to a doctor, as I knew with my health anxiety this was going to be something I would obsess over.  The doctor didn't even examine me, just prescribed Diflucan based on my symptoms.  He prescribed the 150 mg 1 dose.  I took it Friday night and my symptoms are dissipating.  It still is a bit bothersome, though not as bad as it was a few days ago.

Thanks to everyone who took the time to respond.  I appreciate your advice and help.  Thank you!
Helpful - 0
4851940 tn?1515694593
This is a classic form of Thrush which is caused by the Candidiasis fungus.

When the body's pH level is not right the fungus gets out of control.  Sometimes with Thrush there is not always a discharge, just an itch.

Do not use any soap or shower gel to wash down below.  This will aggravate the condition more.  Only wear cotton undergarments (pants) and no tights or tight trousers.  

Although you can get this from sex, you have got yours from having had the antibiotic.  If in the future you get given an antibiotic from you doctor, ask also for a prescription against Thrush, like Fluconazole 150mg which is a one dose oral capsule.  There are also lower doses of this medication that can be taken for 7 days in  row.

Seeing your general GP is fine.  Do not feel worried and anxious about seeing him/her.  You will not have been the first patient with this kind of problem, so they are used to it, albeit being embarrassing for you.

The doctor does not always examine the area, and can just go by the symptoms that you present to him.  Sometimes a swab may be taken so that the correct medication can be prescribed if the condition is suspected that it may be a bacterial rather than a fungal problem.

Although the creams mentioned by the above posters may be fine, you may need to have a pessary that you insert into the vagina as well as a cream.  You can purchase a combi pack from the pharmacy.  I am in the UK so the medications where you are may be called different.  But the pharmacist can also advise you with regard to which one to have, but these will not be as strong as the doctor prescribes.

There is also an oral medication that you can purchase from the pharmacy without a prescription.  Fluconazole 150mg is a single oral capsule and the symptoms can take up to a week to settle.  This is quite expensive £10 in the UK.  

As a home remedy, after you have washed (with water only) and dried yourself gently, you can apply lots of natural set yogurt to your private area.  This will cool down the uncomfortable hot, itchy and inflamed skin.

Eating natural yogurt will also help.  If you have a sugary diet, cutting out or cutting down on those types of food and drinks will also help.  Thrush is quite common with people who have diabetes.

Make that appointment with your doctor and get seen to.  The sooner you get the treatment, the sooner you will get better.

Best wishes.
Helpful - 0
7863591 tn?1394854019
Antibiotics can cause yeast infections. I would go see your primary doctor first and see what they say. There is what I call a miracle pill called diflucan which you just swallow the pill and you feel better over the next day or 2. or You can buy monistat over the counter for about $20.The monisat will come with a cream to help with the exterior itch. Use the monistat at night right before you lay down for bed and wear panties to bed. Some of the cream will come out.

You should go see a gyno just to make sure everything is ok down there but your primary doctor is good enough for this right now. Don't be nervous about asking them, I imagine they get asked worse questions all the time.

Good luck!
Helpful - 0
7855550 tn?1394937643
Hi, it's ok, first just slow down, I will help , :)
You said you just took a 10 day supply of antibiotics?
I already know what it more than problaby is. it happens to be from taking the oral antibiotics, it messes with a females  p' levels, and can rec havoc down south, and yes cause that - what you have been going thru , down there. Its called Thrush , babies -lil kids often get it in their  mouth for the same reason's , but it hurts, a and actually I can honestly say IT DOES, @ 26 I had tonsil surgery & came home infected with it, we all did that day- every patient . , awesome hey?! So anyways :

what I strongely suggest for you is :
Yes call n set up a Gyno Pap & Phsycial, it is way better easier , safer & logical  for Us woman , now more then ever, best detection for Breast & cervical caner too.. Also, run to drugstore, Walmart , whatever u have , u are goinh to want to get  over the counter vaginal itch crème for that, like Monitstat, but the  generic brand works just as good & like 20 $ cheaper- till u see that dr, u might need prescription strength , which is y u need to g0...**warning , NO SEX, u can give it to ur partner, it is an infection , not an std , but still an infection, its just curtisty lol , , ask the pharmacist for help if yiu need it, u should be goof to go, keep it clean, dry , use fushable wipes & medicine  :-) hope that helps hun , BNest Wishes, Betty
Helpful - 0
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