Reoccuring Yeast infection

[mer23a]

I have had a reoccuring yeast infection but then I changed my pill and they stopped.  But Now I had one again but I think it is almost gone but I got burned rather badly on my arm...could that have been the cause? And when do I know if its okay to have sex again without the pain? And finally...does anybody know any tricks to keeping yeast infections away that dont involve yogurt?

[dana anne]

stop eating sugar.

[Christie2004]

I put a whole list of them down somewhere about a week or two ago under a similar question.

But--I'll repeat them:

Be SURE it is a yeast infection.  Many women call any sort of discharge a yeast infection.  See your doctor if you aren't 1000% positive.  The wrong treatment won't help, and some white discharge (non itchy) can be normal for many women.

Wear loose cotton panties and loose clothes.  Don't use pantiliners--change undies often instead.  Don't douche frequently--although sometimes a commercially prepared gentle vinegar and water douche can restore the natural pH of the vagina if used infrequently.   Don't use sprays or powders down below, just keep the area clean and dry.  
If you notice symptoms after receiving oral sex, be sure to start rinsing your outer parts off with a gentle vinegar and water wash right afterwards.  The human mouth is teeming with yeast organisms and this is a very common reason for frequent yeast imbalances.

Sometimes you will get a yeast infection if you are on antibiotics.  Treat it if you are SURE you have one.

There are lactobacillus capsules in some health food stores that might help restore your normal flora.

Hope these suggestions help.

[astros18]

If you keep getting yeast infections, you probably have a systemic yeast infection. Garden of Life Fungal Defense is the best yeast detox on the market in my opinion. One bottle is a 2 week detox. Just follow the directions and drinks LOTS of water.

[HHH,MD]

I know this is labeled as a lay persons' forum; so forgive a protessional intrusion.

I hate to disappoint anyone, but there is no such thing as "systemic yeast infection".

Sugar intake does not make vaginal yeast infections more likely nor does it make them worse or harder to treat.

Lactobacillus from health food stores never helped anybody; the lactobacillus species in them are not the kind that normally inhabit the vagina (although research is underway to prepare the proper kind of lactobacillus as an intravaginal preparation to see if it helps).  Further, some health food "lactobacillus" preparations have been found to be contaminated with potentially dangerous bacteria.

The oral sex comment is interesting.  There is no research linking cunnilingus with vaginal yeast infections, but enough stories from patients to make this an interesting idea that deserves research.  It is true that many people's mouths are colonized by Candida and other yeasts.  (On the other hand, it is clear that the large majority of yeast infections aren't due to new acquisiton of yeast--but rather the body's reaction to yeast that normally reside in the vagina, as they do in all women some of the time and some women all the time.)

The advice to be sure the problem is yeast is very important; and wearing loose-fitting underwear may (or may not) be helpful.

Cheers--  HHH, MD (from the STD Forum)

[tnt406]

AS TO YOUR COMMENT THAT THERE IS KNOW ORAL MEDICINE TO TAKE,TO STOP YEAST INFECTION.I HAVE TO DISAGREE.I WAS TOLD TO TAKE ACIOHPLUS PILLS TO PREVENT A YEAST INFECTION WHEN I WAS TAKING AUGMENTIN.BECAUSE AUGMENTIN CAUSES YEAST INFECTION, IT WAS RECOMMENDED BY MY PHARMACIST.ANY THING ELSE YOU DIDN'T KNOW?

[HHH,MD]

Re-read my post; I said nothinga bout oral medications to prevent yeast infections.  There is at least one that is effective for that purpose--not acidophilus, but fluconazole (Diflucan).  Very effective.

HH, MD

[tnt406]

MY PHARMACIST DID NOT RECOMMEND DIFLUCAN.BUT ACIDOPHILUS,IT WORKED NO YEAST INFECTION OCCURED.I AM VERY PRONED TO YEAST INFECTIONS.HE ALL SO RECOMMENDED EATING YOGURT,TO HELP LINE THE INTESTINES.I GO TO WAL-GREENS FOR MY PRESCRIPTIONS.THEY TAKE THE TIME TO ADVISE ME ON THE EFFECTS ON THE MEDICINES.NOT ONLY THAT THEY NO MORE ABOUT IT BECAUSE THAT IS THERE MAIN FIELD OF STUDY.JUST LIKE YOURS IS IN DOCTORING FIELD,THERE IS A DIFFERENCE.I AM NOT TRYING TO OFFEND YOU IN ANY WAY.I JUST KNOW THAT A PHARMACIST HAS MORE KNOWLEDGE OVER MEICINES.LIKE YOU DO ON TREATING "YOUR PATIENTS".TNT406

[dana anne]

Sugar may not "cause" the yeast infections but yeast definitely thrives on sugar.  Thus giving the right environment for the overgrowth of yeast.  Its called Candida Albicans.

[oceans3]

with all due respect dr. while you were "righting everyones wrongs" you forgot to answer the poor girls questions. (mer23a)

[dana anne]

Ain't it the truth.  That's a doctor for you.

[HHH,MD]

Careful with assumptions. Take a look at my responses to questions on the STD forum and see if you still think the snide remark was justified.   An apology is due--and cheerfully accepted when offered.

HHH, MD

[dana anne]

I don't need to go to another forum to find out how you answered questions over there.  You didn't answer them here so I won't bother.  I believe we need answers over here on this forum not criticisms and a holier than thou attitude.

[oceans3]

hi dr. i waltzed on over to the STD forum like you suggested but i really dont know what i was looking for? i saw your comments but are we to "assume" that the origional woman who posted has an STD? i feel that all the people who posted under this question gave sensible, helpful responses. you, being a genuine dr.,would expect more answers as opposed to comments.
one last thing... the STD forum scares me and im staying here.

[dana anne]

Exactly.  Personally I think the Doc (supposed) should stick to what he knows best : STD'S.  Leave this forum to the big boys.

[oceans3]

you crack me up! seriously though, that STD forum is a whole nother world! i guess ive been cooped up at home too long w. my little one to even know whats going on out there. massage parlors where they masturbate in front of each other and have oral sex (then post how terrified they are of catching something),escorts, prostitutes, cheating while married with babies on the way and terrified they may have aids.. its VERY scarry! i go every now and then to get a massage but its nothing like the places i was reading about. where do these people live? i understand there are many people who are indeed very careful out there and end up getting an std and people do make mistakes. in addition,it is great (if this stuff is going on out there) to be able to go to the forum to turn to. i just wish that the dr. was able to provide some answers because the origional poster is not the only one with this problem.

[dana anne]

Im scared to go over there too.  Sounds like a freak show.  I have enough problems over at the ovarian forum where im at most of the time.  I came over here to check this one out and be helpful if i can.  This is a good one too.  Notice the poor original poster hasn't been back?  Too bad the doc (since he HAD to come over here) couldn't be more helpful to her.  Instead he chose to take "corrective" action with the rest of us who tried to offer help to her.  What an ego.

[oceans3]

yes, i did notice the origional poster did not come back and where did christie go? she frequents this forum. hope she didnt get offended and pack up. we need her here. i dont know enough about the ovaries to be any help so i better not go there. ta ta.

[oceans3]

hey...where did ya go? how are you doing? i would think that the changes in the pill may cause hormonal upset? also, burning your arm really wouldnt have anything to do w. it. is that what you meant? as for sex, id wait until it clears up. it usually burns and will most likely get irritated if you have intercourse. if you are 100% it is a yeast infection then what about monistat? go w. the 7 day treatment because i have found myself (and heard) from other woman that the one day, even the 3 day treatment doesnt work and the yeast infection comes back. some woman also get yest infections right before their period as well. lucky us.

[Med Help]

We read some of your comments to Dr. Handsfield and are disappointed by them.  Dr. Handsfield is one of the world's foremost authorities on sexually transmitted diseases. He is board certified in both Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases and is a Professor of Medicine at the University of Washington School of Medicine.  

Quite frankly all he was trying to do was correct some of the bad information being given out by some visitors and he recommended that this woman first see her doctor to make sure that she has a yeast infection.

Again, we are very disappointed by some of the comments posted in this forum.  Everyone is welcome in Med Help's forums - even highly qualified and respected physicians such as Dr. Handsfield.  Next time try extending your hands in friendship rather than caustic comments!

Cindy Thompson
Med Help International

[tnt406]

CINDY I DO NOT FEEL I OFFENDED THE DOCTOR IN ANY WAY.I SIMPLY POSTED A COMMENT TO HIM.HE POSTED BACK,I WROTE ANOTHER POST I WAS NOT BEING RUDE TO TO HIM IN ANY WAY.I TOLD HIM THAT APHARMACIST NEW MORE ABOUT MEDICINES WHICH THEY DO.A DOCTOR KNOWS ABOUT HOW TO TREAT PATIENTS LIKE HE DOES.IF YOU FEEL I HAVE OFFENDED HIM IN ANY WAY TELL ME IN WHAT WAY I DID. THANK YOU TNT406

[dana anne]

shes referring to my posts.  I received a personal email from them.  Apparantly i was snippy.  I apologize if i was. Just a little too much sarcastic humor.  I'll try to tone it down. Im from New York.  :)

[tnt406]

HI I RECIEVED ONE ALL SO,YOUR NOT THE ONLY ONE.I GUESS WE DID OVER STEP OUR BOUNDARIES.IF WE WANT THIS FORUM KEPT OPEN WE HAD WATCH OUR STEP.TAKE CARE OF YOUR SELF.TNT406

[dana anne]

yeah  just agree with all the docs and people that run this thing and we'll be coolio.   :)

[oceans3]

then theres me too...i also recieved an email but i was trying to be respectful at the same time voice my opinion. however, the medhelp email said he was just trying to correct "bad advice" i again, have to respectfully disagree. sorry to all who were offended!

[Med Help]

Good grief!  No one said that you have to agree with the doctors and Med Help administrators.  

What we are saying is please show respect for all comments and don't accuse people of things they haven't done. Someone accused Dr. Handsfield of saying there is no oral medication for yeast infections....he never said that, yet a number of people continued on with insulting remarks.  Then several of you began criticizing our STD Forum calling it a "freak show".  

Consider this a little constructive criticism and we hope you can accept it and move on.  Please do not post any further comments about this issue in the forum.

Cindy Thompson
Med Help International

[dana anne]

Amen.

[CR00]

I used to have the same problem.  What I do to keep my body in balance and freshen up is take vinegar baths.  You may want to do it once a week in the beginning and then as needed.  Add about 1 to 2 cups of white vinegar to shallow bath water, you just need enough water to cover your "important" parts.  Sit in the bath for about 5 mins.  It's much more healthy than douching and the vinegar balances out your ph levels.  If you feel like you have a yeast infection coming on, you start feeling irritation or noticing more discharge, take a vinegar bath right away.  Also, be sure to avoid heavy soaps when you shower.  Use Dove to wash your private area.

[FaramirDW]

Did anyone know that it is common for people with diabetes to have reaccurring yeast infections. Did anyone know that people with HIV have reaccurring yeast infections. Did anyone know eating lots of pickles & pretzels can make a yeast infection worse,because they are high in yeast content themselves and breed bacteria found in reaccuring  yeast infections. Did anyone know that taking antibiotics for any kind of infection will sometimes give u a yeast infection. Did anyone know that yogurt with live active yeast cultures will help ease a yeast infection by directly putting plain yogurt on the genital area, where it will replace the natural bacteria that should be in the vagina but was killed off by antibiotics or bacteria killing antibodies found in the body.  Did anyone know there are lots of reasons why a female will get yeast infections. My brother is an OB-GYN.

[Just love me!]

WOW! Lots of info to take in. I too have had re-occuring yeast infections. I stopped taking the pill and they stopped. After I gave birth to my daughter (c-section), they have started up again. I have been searching for a way to  prevent them and found nothing seems to work! My doctor told me to stop using soaps down there. He said that water and a gentle rub is a sufficiant cleaning. I was grossed out at this at first because...well, obviously things happen down there that you think would require soap but nope...he said to stop using it and I did. Although I still get yeast infections on occasion, they aren't every month like they were and they aren't nearly as bad. I've heard about the vinager thing...has anyone ever really tried it? My aunt said she used to get them all the time and that's what she would do. I haven't tried it cause it just sounds wrong...lol...but if someone else has actually tried it, I will too :)

[egny]

I too have been plagued with this problem since January!!!  I have been to the doc's dozens of times, it got to the point that the area between my vagina and anus and the crack between my rear end cheeks was so irritated and raw that I had open sores and skin cracks.  (this was after being to my doc 3 times that it progressed this far).  I saw different doc's in the practice and it wasn't until I called one day crying because it hurt so bad that I saw a PA who made a difference.  While my doc was busy scary the **** out of me and testing me for Herpes (which came back negative)and jock itch,  the PA did a basic pH paper test and yeast test, telling me that both were off.  She explained that this is probably what was causing the reoccurant yeast infection and my discomfort.  She suggest diet changes to help even out my pH and then told me that every person was different and it could take a while to get my body back in check.  She gave me Gynozol (2 doses, one the first day and one the 5th) which did help.  But it didn't completely clear it up and it seems like I've been on a roller coaster ever since, with never getting to 100% before I get another "bad" case and call them up for another script of Gynozol.  Soooooooo....not that it is starting to get bad again I decided to do some research of my own.  

Ok....I read this, did a little more research online last night and then tried somethings....

First, I scrubbed the tub with bleach cleaners (just to make sure I wasn't introducing anything that might complicate things)...then I drew a bath with nice warm/hot water and 3 cups white vinegar.  Most of the research calls for apple cider vinegar which I'll be picking up at the store today, but some called for white and I figured after trying everything over-the-counter that exists it wouldn't hurt.  I sat in the bath for 30 minutes and have to say, it helped.  I was given relief while in the bath and after.  

Once done I used a vinegar & water ****** (just be sure if you are trying this that it is just vinegar and water, maybe boric acid....Summer's Eve seemed to be a good brand and only cost a couple bucks at WalMart for 4 of them.  I have read differing suggestions on how often to ******...they mainly seem to range from max of every 4 days to max of once a week.  I'm hoping that once does the trick, lol.  

After the ****** I tried the RepHresh Vaginal Gel....got that at WalMart too.  It claims to be clinically proven to maintain a healthy vaginal pH.  Since the last time I was in to the doc's complaining about this issue the PA I saw told me my pH was on the high side.  I figured this couldn't hurt.  

I dried off good and just put on a t-shirt for the rest of the evening/night.  This morning, so far so good....still dry (no ucky discharge and no discomfort other than the skin that was already irritated).  I'm resisting the urge to put a hypoallergenic lotion on the irritated skin, just cause I want to see if keeping the area dry will do the trick.  

But I would recommend a nice vinegar bath for anyone....it is supposed to help kill the bad little spores and balance pH and did seem to help with my comfort at least.  I am going to get the apple cider vinegar to do the next bath.  

[krissy444]

Hi, I have been having yeast infections since june 06. So a long time. too long to be comfertable. At first it got a little intense. I tried to do the apple vinager thing and it kindof worked. It definately made the symptoms less. Since I am researching this all the time, I found that having sex when your boyfriend is ejackulating inside you without a condom can lower your ph a lot. Now, this is not for all women but some men and some women can be not that compatable ph wise. There is something in mens cumb. I forget the name, but i guess its like some men  are more potent than others. So I tried using condoms and that helped a lot. With reoccuring infections like this (once a month) you can stop by your Whole Foods Grocery store. Or any health store. I do that now. I go and get probiotics for ph help (50 billion) and then I do a yeast cleanse. 10 day cleans. Garlic is also a anti fungal and I get Garlicin there. $10. It has a high alicin count which goes into your intestant and keeps yeast from overgrowing. I take 3 in the morning and 3 at night. Aalso, a good way of keeping this away is to get a tincture of yeastaway and drop a couple drops on a tampon and insert it in you.  Since perscriptions dont help so many woman I do Yeast arrest, which is a suppository with natural  ingredients and 600 mg of boric acid which clears up 90% of women with reoccuring yeast infections. All that I mentioned, you can get at whole foods store. Alll ranging in 10-20 dollars per treatment. This works best. I tried treating myself with medicine that the dr. gave me for a year and nothing helped. It was like I had the same yeast infection for a year. That stuff is not good for you and can even make your body immune to it so it depends on western medicine instead of your bodies natural defenses. With reoccuring yeast infections you will most likely have to treat yourself for at least 6 months. But do it. and be faithful to it. your body needs this. With these infections it can throw off your entire system, so I would do a body clense too. This is happening to so many women and I dont understand why there is not more research and cures for women who keep getting this. Im only 23 and I feel like I dont understand why this is happening. I am a healthy young woman. I will post more later.
Hope this helps someone.
Good luck girls.

[rahni26]

This forum has been very helpful for me, because I am going through this reoccuring yeast infection befere my menses. I did have a PA tell me to dip a tampon into peroxide for three night and leave in for no more than 3 minutes and it shall restore the PH balance.

[ECCRD]

I have always been very prone to infections.  I can pretty much predict when i'm going to get one though.  

-antibiotics
-using any new body soaps, even sensitive skin ones as one dr. recommended.
-after being in a bathingsuit for a while
-after lots of sex
-anything perfumey such as pads or tampons
-wearing tight clothes/jeans when its hot thereby getting damp in the vaginal area
-wearing silk pjamas, probably same if i wore silk underwear as its non-breathable

I try to eat yogurt regularly and take accidulpus if I'm going to be in a situation that could cause an infection such as a summer vacation or taking antiobotics, but everyone once in a while i slip and for example use a new soap say in the shower at the gym and presto.  I feel that my body is becoming resistant to the oral antibiotic too that used to work like gold to me as i seem to be allergic to the drugstore remedies such as monostat or cannesten.  Regarding soap though, if i use nothing but water i'm find and i seem to have done well using my daughters ph balanced baby soap, as much as we don't truely need soap i feel a little cleaner when i can us it :)

I notice some comments up above about oral sex as well and i have to admit ive had my suspicions on that one too.  To the point that my husband removed his tounge ring be cause i felt that maybe bacteria was building up in the hole since the mouth is such a dirty place, and it seemed to make a difference as well.   I agree with the MD that maybe some research needs to be done in this area.   And i have read enough over the years and have had one dr. and one pharmacist mention the yogurt directly on the affected area, and I may start to give this enough credit to try it next time as well.  

***** to be a woman some times !!!!!

[altoptionRbest]

when i have an all out itchy irritated yeast infections, i apply plain yogurt directly to the affected area for about 3 days. the symptoms disappear completely. OR when i feel that i'm getting an infection or my discharge becomes thick, i apply plain yogurt overnight to ward off a full on infection. good luck girls. the healthy alternatives work best for me. i tried diflucan and wound up getting bacterial vaginosis.... will never do that again.

[pepprmnt]

I get yeast infections constantly and they seem to be coming more frequently. I've talked to my dr. about this and all they do is test for diabetes and hiv. Negative on both. Then perscribe a perscription such as diflucan which helps but they always come back and I feel I'm constantly going in to be treated. It's annoying. Reading this forum gives me hope however and makes me feel better that I am not alone. I'm going to try Krissy444's remedies... I hope they work. Thanks for all the info everyone!

[Sweetvelocity]

wow what a bunch of children. A doctor comes on here free of charge and gives his educated, experienced thought and you guys spit in his face practically. What happened to "Thank You"?

I for one am grateful to this doctor that offered up this info and I am embarrassed that anyone would treat a doctor that is just trying to help with such disrespect. Just because you are on the internet does not give you the right to act like a bunch of disrespectful, rude children.  

[pushpins]

just because the online handle sais HHH, MD doesent mean there really a doctor. this is the internet welcome to the world wide web of bull ****. But said Doctor does know there stuff.

[StressedFemale]

I NEED HELP. i've had this yeast infection for weeks.. i've tried everything. I will never use monistat.. theres not much discharge at all.. just an odor.. and my fiance wont have sex with me. i'm so frustrated. I'm eating yogurt.. i'm keeping extra clean. i change my underwear constantly.. i dont know what to do. i've been to a doctor and all she did was give me a prescription and told me to eat yogurt.. then my OUTRAGEOUS hospital bill because i dont have insurance at this point. somebody pleaseee pleassse help. i'm so stressed out.

[bflyrn]

Thank everyone for the info. I do not think anyone should be disrespectful to the doctor; I do however believe the issue was that someone questioned his information. (hey, I'm a nurse, it's my job to question) I understand the frustration, though, dealing w/ reoccuring yeast infections. My doctor is insisting that I must have an immune issue or an std ( I have neither).  Oh, and by her confirmation and the new OTC test kit, they are strictly yeast infections. She keeps blaming mine on stress, and if that's the case, being a nurse, I'm going to have a VERY LONG MISERABLE LIFE!!!  I keep my hopes high to change her mind and to try that vinegar bath. At this point I would try almost anything to stop the itching and burning!!  P.S. According to my personal experience and education, the Dr. is right. The problem is individuals respond to treatment as individuals: differently. That includes homeopathic and drugs.

[bflyrn]

I feel like I'm wasting my time but...
Did the doctor say you had a yeast infection?
What prescription did the doctor give you and are you using it?
Why don't you want to use monistat?
You can go to planned parenthood/community health center for and exam and not pay as much-ER is always going to be more expensive because its meant for emergencies. Talk to the billing department at the hospital and see if you can get on a payment plan or financial assistance.

[sandra347]

I started drinking home made lemonade with out sugar and it helped me a lot. Also it helps for
digestion too. It is very important what you eat, to get rid of yeast infection, after every time your
meal, just drink a cup of home made lemonade no sugar.

[ariel51]

Just saw this forum and read the thread.   Mainstream medicine will tell you that there is no such thing as a systemic yeast infection, but integrative medicine believes there is.  Even my own mainstream doc knew that the reason you get vaginal yeast infections is that it is coming down from the intestinal tract where candida overgrowth occurs, and gets into the genital area in general (via rectum).  There are antibody tests for yeast infections in the bloodstream, altho mainstream medicine will tell you this is false.   Please, those with recurring infections, do the no-sugar diet, careful with carbs and gluten, try to get on Nystatin or Diflucan, and, if you can, see an integrative doc.   Not saying all recurring infections need the "big guns" of treatment, but these infections are not taken seriously enough by mainstream medicine in my opinion.  Treat the symptoms in the gut, not just the vag area.  From much experience and successful treatment by an integrative doc.  Best wishes to all.