chronic yeast infections

[worriedaboutoral]

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!

[Keith Downing, MD]

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

[bip]

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......

[dlhigh]

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.

[worriedaboutoral]

Thanks, my 3 month test came back negative! Whatever it is its not HIV! Thanks!

[worriedaboutoral]

Do  you believe a 3 month test is conclusive?

[worriedaboutoral]

do  you feel a 3 month test is conclusive?

[Gigi1913]

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

[minitigertoes]

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 =(

[keysbecca]

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!!

[mn201]

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.

[tinchu]

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 from anal penatration to vagina during sexal intercourse.  the anal bacteria carried back into the vagina will give you a yeast infection every time. even if your partner doesn't have one.     let me know if you have tried this or when you do how it worked for you

[jp813]

Try going to your local health food store and getting something called Fem-dophilus.  It is made by Jarrow.  It will be in the refrigerated section.  Google it and see what you think.   I've been taking it after having trouble with recurrent BV.  So far, it seems to be helping!  I think its better than some of the age old remedies because these can actually live through the digestive process!

Good Luck.  I know its really frustrating to have recurrent issues down there!

[idontknow22122]

i have a yeast infection right now and my boyfriend is coming back after being away for over 3 months. i was wondering if he could get my yeast infection if he performs oral sex on me or if we have vaginal sex.

[AnnaC20]

I have had a yeast infection every couple of weeks it seems for the past year.  I have also had Bacterial Vaginosis.  I am so frustrated and I do not know what else to do.  I have been treated with the pills and the creams finally the cream didnt seem to be working anymore.  I went homeopathic and heard about Grapefruite seed extract in liquid form.  I would put 15 drops into water into a ****** and did that 3 times a day and it went away.  But still a week or 2 later it keeps coming back.  Someone else told me that HPV could cause chronic yeast infections.  Is that true?  I have googled it online but have not found anything to support that

[free spirit]

No. HPV can not cause chronic yeast infections.      Also,  anal to vaginal sex may cause a yeast infection (from transfer of yeast) or a bacterial infection, but it's not because of the bacteria.  Yeast is a different organism.

If you have chronic or recurring yeast infections, you might want to look at your diet. Some women find that they are glucose intolerant. If you have a lot of sugar in your diet or drink a lot of alcohol, these can help feed yeast.  Yeast loves sugar and alcohol.

Also,  bcp can contribute to chronic yeast.  Yeast also love the extra  estrogen in the pills.  Tight pants or pantyhose, nylon underwear can also contribute to yeast infections.  Thongs are bad. They are a highway to infection.

You might not have yeast.  You may be having a reaction to your soap, laundry detergent, the dye in your underwear or what ever type of pad or tampon you use.  Always pads are KNOWN to cause reactions.  There are all natural cotton alternatives.  Do not use baby powder or any other 'feminine' product on yourself. They are all evil!

Do not clean yourself with soap. Use water and your fingers. Excessive cleaning can irritate your tissues.

You shouldn't just keep treating for yeast. It may not be yeast. Have your doc send a sample out to be cultured. If you keep treating with over the counter meds, you may very well end up with a severe reaction from it.  Those chemicals are very harsh.  If you do use them, don't use the 1 or 3 day treatments.  The lower dose over a longer period of time is much easier on you.

Boric acid suppositories should help as a pretty friendly treatment.  If your doc says there is nothing that they can do since they have tried everything, find another doctor.  

I hope some of this helps.

[CLN1]

I agree with the advice of free spirit.  I would like to ad thought that HPV can cause chronic yeast infections and herpes is an even bigger contributor. If you have either of these you will most likely suffer from yeast infections if the virus flares up.  But there are many causes of yeast infections, it can even be an allergy.

Also try cleaning out your colon and intestinal track with a natural cleanse as this is where yeast is most likely to develop first.

You can also purchase yogurt in a capsule (Acidophilus) at the health food store and insert it vaginally in place of regular yogurt.  But, check with your Doctor first before trying.

[kitan]

Probitotic is what I did to combat my regular yeast infections.  I had them all the time.  Between yeast infections and bladder infections i was constantly taking antibiotics.  One day I ent to see my drug store and spoke with the pharmasist.  He suggested Probitiotic and cranberry juice.  Believe it or not I have been yeast free and no bladder problems for 3months.  regular yougert with no fruit is another good source of probiotic.  You can buy it at any drug store or herbal outlets.

[babigirl87]

A related discussion, Yeast Infection was started.