T O P I C R E V I E W
audreytoo
Member # 58116
posted 01-20-2013 03:14 PM
Just took diflucan for my third yeast infection since November. My doctor suggested that my girlfriend also be treated so that we don't pass it back and forth. The problem is, her doctor won't prescribe her the medication in the absence of symptoms, and my gf has no itching and looked "normal" during an exam. My questions are: 1. Is it common to have an infection of this type with no symptoms? 2. Is it common that a doctor would not write the prescription in a case like this? Her doc (at Planned Parenthood) says it's "rare" for women to give each other yeast.
audreytoo
Member # 58116
posted 01-23-2013 11:06 PM
Also: is there anything I can put in the bathwater to soothe my irritated skin? Or should I avoid baths until I'm not itchy?
Heather
Member # 3
posted 01-24-2013 11:26 AM
With yeast, you generally want to avoid baths, as the heat of them can tend to make the yeast grow more. If your girlfriend's doc won't prescribe it for her, will yours? It's not unusual for someone's healthcare provider to write out a scrip for their partner with things like this. I agree with her doc, especially since no one can really "give" someone else a yeast infection, period. But what CAN happen is that when one partner (of any gender) has one, it can make it more likely the other partner will develop one. I know that might sound like it means the infection is being transmitted, but it's really not. Did her doctor also check her for thrush: a yeast infection of the mouth? But with or without a scrip for her, there are likely things the two of you can do to reduce the likelihood of, if she's got a yeast issue, you continuing to get them. For instance, do you two practice safer sex? Dams for oral sex, gloves for manual sex? Also, do you scissor often? If so, maybe try ditching that for a little while, at least until you break this yeast cycle. Did your doctor also talk to you about dietary changes you might make to make yeast infections less likely, like cutting back on or eliminating sugar, caffeine, alcohol, white flour?
audreytoo
Member # 58116
posted 01-25-2013 03:23 PM
"I agree with her doc, especially since no one can really "give" someone else a yeast infection, period. But what CAN happen is that when one partner (of any gender) has one, it can make it more likely the other partner will develop one. I know that might sound like it means the infection is being transmitted, but it's really not." Can you explain more how this works? I really don't understand! If it can't be sexually transmitted, how/why would one's partner be more likely to get it? In terms of diet, I practice moderation with alcohol and caffeine (ex: 1-2 glasses of wine and 1-2 cups of green tea per month). I used to eat lots of processed, refined white sugars, but my New Year's resolution was to eliminate those foods and I've been largely successful since Jan 1...I do eat lots of fruit though, and whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, oats, etc, which isn't something I am interested in stopping. I also eat lots of yogurt and garlic, and I take probiotics and CranActin. I wear cotton underwear, nothing at night, and don't douche or stay in wet bathing suits. I feel like I'm doing everything right....this whole thing is really frustrating for me.
Heather
Member # 3
posted 01-25-2013 03:53 PM
You know, I really can't explain it well, since it's the kind of deep science I'm just not so gifted with. But, the long and the short of it, as I understand it, is that if a partner has a yeast overgrowth, then we're exposed to more of that "bad" yeast, making us more inclined to have an overgrowth ourselves, if that works for you. If you've just only recently eliminating the white stuff (I don't know of any reason for concern with whole grains or fresh fruits), it might be you need more time to see a difference, but I, personally, would expect you to see one per the yeast. Are you seeing the same doc for this each time, who keeps prescribing the same thing? If so, is it possible for you to get a second opinion from another provider?