Resistant Yeast Infection

[Colleen1]

I've had a yeast infection for 6 months (candida glabrata).  I've tried over the counter medications, yogurt, and prescriptions.  I've been on Terconazole (2 wks) twice and oral fluconazole.  I'm now starting oral ketoconazole for 2 wks.  

Does anyone have any experience with this or know what I can try next?  I've been tested for diabetes and HIV.  I'm negative.

Thanks!

Colleen

[Sunshine912]

My question to you is are you eating things that have way to much yeast in them. White breads Ect. Ect. Heavy yeast in food can cause you to have recurrent infections. Also heavy antibiotics. You can take medicine for them to clear but if you are not avoiding things with yeast or antibiotics, you will have them again and again. I am not a Dr but I would search the web to see what causes them instead of how you can treat them.

[dandeelyon]

White breads, etc.. are not typcal causes for recurrent yeast infections.  It's a different type of yeast than what is found in the vaginal cavity.  There is no proven evidence that beer, bread etc.  causes yeast infections.

Are you sexually active?  If so, has your partner been treated for the infection?  My husband and I passed one back and forth for a couple of months before I finally called the dr. who prescribed Diflucan for both of us.

Birth control is another cause for recurrent yeast infections.  Also, chronic antibiotic therapy can also be a risk factor for recurrent yeast infections.  

Sometimes combining the prescription therapy with the over the counter topical cream will clear up the infection.

I really feel for you.  Two months of a yeast infection was enough to drive me crazy.  I can't imagine having one for six months.  I really hope it clears up soon.

[Sunshine912]

Actually you are wrong because from the time I was 10 years old, all I did was have yeast infections. My mother took me to numerous Dr's. I am now 31. You can tell me that food with yeast do not cause this. They told my mother and me also when I was older that antibiotic, food with yeast and if you wipe the wrong direction or if you where a certain type of underware which is not cotton that all this causes yeast infections. Do not tell me that my comment is not correct. I know the heck what I am talking about because of what I have went through since I was a young child. Do not tell a person they are wrong.

[monkeyflower]

I wasn't familiar with candida glabrata, so I looked it up. It seems it's a relatively drug-resistant strain that requires heavy-duty, longer term treatment. I think you should consider working closely with your doctor to treat this, because it might require a combination of medications. It sounds miserable - I hope you feel better soon!

[Sunshine912]

I am sorry for my above comment with the other posting. I let my feelings get in the way. I hope everything does work out with you and that you get to feeling better.

[AndiJ.78]

I know it seems silly, considering all that I have been readin gon this (wow, talk about some tough stuff, I sincerely feel for you) Have you tried adding acidophilis supplementation to your diet? There are many forms (tablet, liquid, powder) available and many have seen excellent results.

I am not typically one that supports unconventional therapies, but it is a natural way to help treat yeast. It can't hurt to add it, in fact it is highly recommended for anyone using antibiotics to help prevent yeast infections from forming.

As with ANYTHING always clear it with your doctor before trying it or modifying any treatment plan. I did see on website that it advised against pregnant women using it, though I am not sure why.

Good luck, man I hope they get it all cleared up. That has to be absolutely miserable!

Andi

[dandeelyon]

I will stick by my statement.  She mentioned a specific type of yeast infection.  I apparently should have made it more clear that I was speaking of that particular infection she was asking about.  I am sorry you were offended.  However, in the particular strain she has, food is not a typical cause.

For the original poster, this link is very informative about the specific strain you have.  It's published by the American Society for Microbiology.  

http://cmr.asm.org/cgi/content/full/12/1/80

I really hope you are able to find some releif soon.

[JoAnnaRF]

I went to pick up a script once for an antibiotic for something not Gyno related.. My Pharmacist told me to stay away from yogurt while taking the antibiotic as it could easily cause a severe yeast infection. I have found my Pharmacist to be a great source of information, and they know SO much about the affects of meds and foods, and side affects etc.. So you seriously could give the pharmacist a call and bend their ear.. Maybe get some good info since they know what meds you have taken etc.. Pharmacists are VERY educated and offer a wealth of knowledge. Most people don't think to use them in that capacity, but in all actuallity, they have as much if not more education than your physician, and most welcome questions.
Just a suggestion. I sure hope you get some relief soon!
--J

[lovelamb]

Pardon my blunt response but a clove of garlic put inside of the vagina works miracles on a yeast infection.
Garlic has an anti-fungal property that will clear you up in an instant, no more gross medication. Clean all of the paper fro a clove, remember you'll need to push it back out again when the time comes.
Next time you feel an infection coming, or next time you take antibiotics use garlic to head off an infection.
Also make stick-less yogurt pops and put it in your vagina.
It's cold but actually very soothing, and relief is all we really want right?

[Sunshine912]

I am sorry I got so jumpy. It was not right in the way I answered the comment. No hard feelings I hope.

[Colleen1]

Thanks for your ideas everyone.  I believe the hardest thing about having this resistant strain is getting the doctors to listen to me!  I've read alot about it and therapies to use, but the doctors have it in their minds what should be done.  It's not working. I'm on my second set of gynecologists.  Ugh.

[ADiaz21]

putting yogurt into the vagina is a myth, you're only suppose to consume it.  and, if you put garlic directly into your vagina you could get a really bad burning sensation.  try inserting vitamin A 8000IU right into the vagina everyday, also start taking acidophilus made with bio flora with atleast 1 billion live organisms per tablet.  chronic yeast infections are becoming an epidemic and docs aren't realizing that just putting someone on a medication for yeast infections could make everything worse, which is why he/she told you that your condition is related to resisting the meds.  try this: in the morning before brushing your teeth or drinking anything, spit into a clear glass of water. if your spit sinks to the bottom or if you see strings going downward, then it does have something to do with what you're eating.  healthy spit will float on the top of the water.  nowadays, if you look at the labels you will notice that a lot more items than just bread have yeast in them.  so stop eating anything with yeast, sugar (because it feeds the yeast), fruits (because they have sugars), dairy (because it has lactose which basically converts into sugar).

[Kryci]

Wow! From your comment, basically what you're saying is to NOT eat anything healthy again because you run the risk of getting a yeast infection... first of all... that's silly. I don't mean to offend you at all, but you should really get your facts straight before you speak of these so-called yeast infections.
Secondly, it depends on the TYPE of yeast one has. Every yeast infection has a source of how it started. Some are the result in what kinds of foods they've consumed, others are because they're not wearing cotton panties (they don't breath which in turn keeps moisture close to the body... the result? - A yeast infection.)
I'm not saying at all that you shouldn't watch what you eat, but rather eat sugars in moderation.
Another reason for some yeast growth is bathing for long periods. The longer you're laying in the warm tub (and frequency) the higher your chances of getting yeast. Also, SEX. Sex is a big common reason for getting yeast infection. Not saying at all that it has to do with someone "cheating" on one another, because that doesn't have to be the case. However, after intercourse, make sure to wash with a mild soap (the most mild soap out there) and also make sure to rinse very very well. This will most definitely help keep any yeast from ever growing out of control. This can be tough at times (late night, early morning spur of the moment things) but if you take that extra few moments to get up and go to the bathroom, wash well with soap and water and rinse extra well, then I guarantee that you'll have fewer yeast infections.
I really hope this information helps all you ladies out there that are battling with re-current or stubborn yeast infections.

One more thing... yogurt with active live cultures and/or with probiotics WILL help ease discomfort when applied directly to the infection. Just get a maxi pad, place about 2 tbls of plain (sugarless - because it only feeds yeast) yogurt onto the pad and wear it for about an hour. I know this sounds gross, but it does help. (1) it's cold which offers relief. (2) it contains probiotics and active live cultures which helps aid in curing the yeast.... you can also get yogurt to eat (again, make sure to get it with probiotics and/or active live cultures).

Again, hope this helps.

Good luck to all!

[Kryci]

One more thing.. when you wear the maxi pad with the plain sugarless yogurt, make sure to only wear it for about an hour. Make sure to wash the area extra well, dry extra well and then if necessary, re-apply. Remember:  Although the yogurt has it's good effects when places directly to the source, it's always best to not over do-it. If you keep the pad on longer then 1 hour, you're likely to have the opposite effect - meaning, it will cause more itching and irritation. So, be sure to clean well after an hour and re-apply if desired..... You can do this throughout the entire day.

Good luck!

[mincey]

Hi I really need to fix this problem as its wrecking my relationship!
PLEASE HELP!!!...

First of all im 18.. i have been sexually active since i was 15 i have slept with 3 people one being my boyfriend (now) of 1yr.. i am on the birth control pill i have been for since i was 16. In about september/ October of 2006 it started to hurt after sex, My vaginal lips woud get swollen and quite tender, and a bit red, we used to have sex once a day tho this changed to twice a week.. I skipped my period for 2 months in november and december. In between those two months i started to get really itchy down below, stinging a bit, a swallen vagina and really watery discharge with occasional cheesey lumps it was a creamy light yellowy/ greeny colour it was really painful and irritating.. i told my mum and she said it might be thrush and to get canasten cream at the pharmacy.. he gave me a 6 day treatment to which i used an applicator to put the tablet like things inserted in  my vagina.. i only used 3 because it cleared up.  about a month later i started to get the same thing again so i used the other three. now its gone.. i had my first period just frinsh since the time i skkipped it.. and last night i had sex with my bf for the first time in a while and it hurt me but i didnt want to say anything because hes getting angry, and its now a day later and im still quite swollen and i have 2 tears near my vaginal opening between that and my anus.. its really tender and stings.. and afterwards i have sex it burns
Any ideas whats worng??
i am sick of not being able to have sex like i used to and enjoy it!
i have never had a papsmear
and my partner doesnt wear a condom..

[Kryci]

First of all... go to the Dr. Sounds to me like you have an infection called Chlamydia. It's a sexually transmitted disease which causes painful intercourse, greenish/yellow discharge not to mention cause swelling and irritation. If left untreated, the infection will eventually travel from your vagina, up through your cervix, uterus, and into your fallopian tubes which will cause you to not be able to have babies. This is also known as PID - pelvic inflammatory disease... trust me on these symptoms cause I know first hand. You need to see your Dr. ASAP because the longer you wait, the worst shape you're going to be in. He/she will give you antibiotics and then re-test you once you're done them. Sometimes, not always, but sometimes a second course of antibiotics are needed. Also,  Chlamydia is a reportable disease. Meaning, the Dr. will have to inform your partner (or possibly any other previous partners if you've had symptoms which have lasted longer then your current partner). Your partner will also have to be treated for the infection as he's likely to have it as well.... does he have an discharge from his penis that is unusual in color or odor? If so, he needs to get in to the Dr. ASAP also. Even if he doesn't have symptoms, he'll still need to get in there and get either tested/treated. Also, if he has the infection, then the tip of his penis will also be quite red and irritated. Again, not all men have symptoms right away... but it will do the same thing to him - stop him from making babies.

Hope this helps. Don't be scared either. Just know that this isn't a laughing matter and that you need to get your butt into the Dr. as soon as possible... for your own health.

Oh, make sure to tell your Dr. that you've never had a pap smear done and that your partner doesn't wear condoms. He/she will need to know as much as possible about your situation in order to take the right precautions and appropriate actions to help you. Don't forget to mention that you're on Birth control pills and what kind they are.

Good luck.

[S_O_S]

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[S_O_S]

I NEeD HeLP!

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[barbiegirl787]

I had this problem before, and did not know why it kept coming back, but a pharmisist told me it could be from using Ivory or Dial bar soap or Dial body wash down there...There is something in those soaps that irritate and give you a yeast infection...

[mincey]

hey i only just got ur reply then..
since me writing this i went to the doc - she thinks its a yeast infection took a sample of my discharge she also gave me medication to fix it i have finished the med and everything is fine now.. but i still need to go to the docs to get my results.. do u still think its Chlamydia?????

thankyou so much for responding!!!!!

[mincey]

hey i only just got ur reply then..
since me writing this i went to the doc - she thinks its a yeast infection took a sample of my discharge she also gave me medication to fix it i have finished the med and everything is fine now.. but i still need to go to the docs to get my results.. do u still think its Chlamydia?????

thankyou so much for responding!!!!!

[mincey]

hey i only just got ur reply then..
since me writing this i went to the doc - she thinks its a yeast infection took a sample of my discharge she also gave me medication to fix it i have finished the med and everything is fine now.. but i still need to go to the docs to get my results.. do u still think its Chlamydia?????

thankyou so much for responding!!!!!

[Kryci]

Did your Dr. take a swab only for a yeast infection? Reason I ask is because to check for Chlamyida it is a seperate swab. Also, just because the infection seemed to clear up with the meds you were given, doesn't always mean that another infection isn't still present. (ex., Chlamydia) Did you ask if it could be anything else other then a yeast infection? Did your Dr. offer any other reasons for your discharge other then a yeast infection - such as a possible STD?? Did you make sure to inform your Dr. that you aren't using condoms and that you've never had a pap smear? All these things are important to talk about. Sometimes Dr.'s don't always offer information. Some Dr.'s would rather wait until questions have surfaced or have been brought to their attention from the patient. Doesn't mean that they're incompetent mainly because it's difficult to treat a patient accordingly who hasn't told the Dr. everything there is to know (ex., no condoms, no pap smear, etc). My advice is to make sure that you mention to your Dr. the next time you go in (results day) about your sexual history, or any concerns you might have regarding STD's (unless you've already told all of the above). If so, and your Dr. still just suspects a yeast infection, then I would be more comfortable in saying that's all it is. Just be sure to give all the facts, no matter how silly, embarressing or unimportant you think it is. In some cases, the smallest, most minor detail turns out to be the most important. Remember that.

Please don't assume all Dr.'s are the same and that their expertise are on the same levels. That's not the case. All Dr.'s are different in their experience so if you're not satisfied with an answer you've been given, go to another Dr. for a second opinion. There's no harm in that, infact, it sometimes proves to be in the best interest of the patient.

I hope this information has helped you. Stay in touch.

[mincey]

Hello, i went back to the doc before i got ur reply because i also have a throat infection so i got my results while i was their.. she said it came bacck that i had a really bad case of yest infection.. i had finished my meds for it and ask if i could have a papsmear.. so she did that ( this was all on friday the 1st feb) and she said she couldnt see any discharge.. but then yesterday the (3rd sunday) i started getting cheesey discharge again.. and  today its quite irritating and sore.. mum is going to get me some cream for it again and ill start the 6 day treatment tonight.. do u think i shouldgo back? maybe because she said it was a really bad case that it has just come back??
plus after i finished my first treatment for the thrush and felt fine i had sex with my boyfriend a couple of nights after, is that bad? how long should i wait to have intercourse with him? and should he be treated? (he isnt showing any signs for it, discharge, red swollen tip etc)
DO guys have to show symptopms? could he have it and just keep giving it back to me? im going to start using condoms all the time with him now to see if that helps?

Thanks again so much, please reply :)