posted
So I have had three yeast infections this summer. Before I went on the pill, I had never had one before, and I think that might be part of the reason I've been getting them. This most recent one, though, is from using condoms with spermicide I think though. I told my boyfriend after using them that we shouldn't use them again, and he felt really bad that he didn't know about women's sensitivity to spermicide. Anyway, Monistat 3 has worked for me for the past 2 yeast infections, but I used it last week and my yeast infection is still present. I'm at the beach on a big vacation, so it's not really getting better what with the amount of time I've spent in bathing suits and in water. I'm just not really sure what to do, it's not getting worse but it's also not getting better.
Posts: 61 | From: MA | Registered: Jun 2009
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posted
Have you had any of these infections diagnosed by a healthcare provider?
-------------------- Heather Corinna, Executive Director & Founder, Scarleteen About Me • Get our book! Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. - Margaret Mead Posts: 63686 | From: An island near Seattle | Registered: May 2000
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posted
Yes, the two before were both diagnosed and they told me to try an over-the-counter medication. Both times, that worked. One of the times it didn't work right away so I was given a prescription for an anti-fungal to use if my infection continued, but it went away within a few days so I didn't need the prescription and I no longer have it.
Posts: 61 | From: MA | Registered: Jun 2009
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posted
Just for future reference, I still would have gone ahead and used the anti-fungal.
I'd get in and get seen one more time. Was that a general physical you saw or an OB/GYN? I'd see the latter if you can, and be clear that this has been chronic.
The pill can increase yeast infections for some women, so I'd ask about that, too. If you like being on it otherwise, you may not need to go off of it, but may find you need to make some other adjustments (like dietary changes) to make it work when it comes to avoiding the infections.
Spermicides, for the record, aren't going to cause yeast infections. They can irritate the genitals, for sure, and make any infection more irritating or create a genital climate where developing an infection can be easier, but won't be an actual cause, since they can't change the balance of good and bad bacteria in your vagina or stomach/colon (which, believe it or not, is where a lot of yeast infections have a root)
-------------------- Heather Corinna, Executive Director & Founder, Scarleteen About Me • Get our book! Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. - Margaret Mead Posts: 63686 | From: An island near Seattle | Registered: May 2000
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Ok, well just for right now I'm on vacation for like a week and can't really see a doctor until I get back. It was a general physical, and I am going to try and get in with an OB/GYN when I get home.
Should I get a cream or something, like vagisil? Just for the time being?
Posts: 61 | From: MA | Registered: Jun 2009
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posted
It was sounding like that's what it was, given the suggestion to just buy something over-the-counter. Especially twice.
In the meantime, what I'd personally suggest is a couple things. If you have access to a tub, if you can put a half cup or so of vinegar into the tub and soak in it, that should give you some relief. An external cream to help with your itching is also fine, I'd just not use a yeast infection treatment for the infection itself at this point.
I'd also watch what you eat: try and ditch simple sugars and starches, and drink plenty of water. Also, make sure you're wearing loose, comfortable clothes and undergarments made of breathable, natural fibers. Avoid thongs if you do those at all.
-------------------- Heather Corinna, Executive Director & Founder, Scarleteen About Me • Get our book! Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. - Margaret Mead Posts: 63686 | From: An island near Seattle | Registered: May 2000
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posted
alright so the infection went away then returned.
i'm going to go the doctor ASAP but i'm also getting my wisdom teeth out tomorrow morning which will get in the way for sure.
i read a little bit about inserting plain yogurt? i have plain greek yogurt would that be okay to insert?
Posts: 61 | From: MA | Registered: Jun 2009
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I've tried the yogurt route when I had a yeast infection. I dipped a tampon in plain yogurt (make sure it has no sugar in it-- that will just exacerbate the problem) and inserted it into my vagina. It was messy, but the cool yogurt did soothe the itching. I wouldn't necessarily recommend it, though, because it didn't get rid of my infection. I eventually had to go back to my OB/GYN for medication.
-------------------- Vanessa
I believe in the radical possibilities of pleasure, babe... I do, I do, I do. Posts: 140 | From: Montreal | Registered: Jul 2009
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