Anyone had a yeast infection?

[jeepgirl]

Apparently, I've had one, of the candida variety. Went to the doctor, took some meds, it went away... and just recently has been "trying" to come back. I've been reading up on it, and what to do to prevent it from returning... just wondering if any of ya'll have suggestions? I really don't want to be in a cycle where I take meds for it, it goes away, comes back, I go to the doctor, etc.

From my understanding it basically has to do with body PH, right?

If you've had one, what do you do to prevent it from returning?

[Asha]

some things that will help prevent yeast infections...

acidopholous - found in yogurt
lower your sugar intake
exercise more
complete the entire cyle of the meds your dr. gave you

[Foley42]

jeepgirl I PM you :)

[SingleWhiteFemale]

I've been dealing with this for the past... almost 6 years. It bites, big time. Difflucan teamed up with Terazol 7 would get rid of it for a few days, then it would be right back. Yogurt didn't help, nor did cutting out sugar or any type of diet changes.

We're all kind of stumped! I dropped my antibiotic I always take for another condition on the advice of that doctor, but it hasn't helped at all. Right now, I'm trying something called AciGel. Same idea as the Terazol, but we're trying it on the basis of 2 times a week to help keep the pH in check. It appears to be working.

But just a warning, it may not be covered by insurance, but can require a prescription. I think it's around $40 for one tube. It requires a prescription at the state level, but not at the federal. Annoying as all heck. In addition, none of the pharmacies in my area carry it on a regular basis, so I have to wait 24-48 hours to get it in.

[jeepgirl]

Reb - I have tried to implement your suggestions. I do think they help... I guess my question is... how long do I have to cut out sugar? I should exercise more anyway, so I'll just try to keep at that no matter what. As for the acidopholus, how long should I try to "supplement" that? Most of the yogurts I like probably have sugar in it, so maybe I'll have to look for a kind I don't like and just, "grin and bare it" kinda thing?:D I completed my cycle of oral meds... but probably stopped the topical ones too soon after the most recent infection flared up. I need to ask my doctor about starting up and finishing up with my topical meds, although sometimes if you use that stuff for too long I don't think its good for you. The topical med I was prescribed was "Clotrimazole and Betamethasone Dipropionate (cream)."

Thank you Foley, I PM'd you back.


SWF - thanks for being willing to share your experience. If I continue to have this cycle, I will have to go talk to my doctor about it. I will try to remember to write down the med you suggested and ask her [my doctor] about it for my case. I sure do hope it gets worked out for you! You're so right... it DOES suck!!!:(

[DiscoDiva]

Haven't we all had yeast infections? Nothing like the joys of being a woman. :rolleyes: I also found that acidophilis works well, as it balances out the yeast in your body. You can eat yogurt to get it, or take it in a pill (vitamin) form.

[Hello Kitty]

You also may want to use barrier protection with your DH while you have a YI (if you still feel up to DTD now) because you can pass it to him, he can pass it back to you, etc... Not a very good cycle to get in.

[jeepgirl]

Disco - thanks. I've been trying to drink something similar to "nouriche" but in a soymilk form... it has a lot of "live cultures" in it.

Seb's Kitty - Thanks. Pretty much have that problem under control (I'm single!) but that's still good to know. ;)

[angel17]

Reb - I have tried to implement your suggestions. I do think they help... I guess my question is... how long do I have to cut out sugar? I should exercise more anyway, so I'll just try to keep at that no matter what. As for the acidopholus, how long should I try to "supplement" that? (

I didn't see that anyone answered this part of your question. Women's bodies are different. It could be a one time thing or it could be that your body chemistry will always overprocess sugar so you have to be mindful of what you eat. I'm one of those people - but I imagine if you were you would have been having ongoing problems for a while. Mine started when I was 13 LONG before I was even thinking about being sexually active and it was YEARS before they figured out what was wrong and what was causing it!

I usually take acidopholus everyday - I'm used to it at this point as part of my daily regiment. I stop only if I've forgotten to pick up a bottle at GNC (or I'm trying to wait for the first week to get the member discount). :D

[jeepgirl]

Angel - Thank you so much for your answer. I am going to guess that my body does overprocess sugar... I have been concerned that my genes might "predispose" me to diabetes II if I'm not careful (my grandmother developed it later in her life). I have had yeast infection problems for a while, but the first time I think I developed it was after I was engaged to my ex-fiance about four years ago. I think it has been kinda "dormant" and then came back in "full force" earlier this year... UNFORTUNATELY.

So, Angel, my question is, by taking acidophilus, does it keep any yeast infections "at bay" for you???

[jeepgirl]

Found this article today. Thought it was interesting.

Vaginal Yeast Not Helped By Lactobacillus Pills or Inserts

Effect of lactobacillus in preventing post-antibiotic vulvovaginal candidiasis: a randomized controlled trial by Marie Pirotta in the September 4, 2004 issue of the British Medical Journal found that the use of oral or vaginal lactobacillus preparations had no effect on vaginal infections caused by a course of antibiotics.1 Women were instructed to use one or both preparations during the entire course of antibiotic therapy and to continue four days after the antibiotic was stopped. Of the 235 women treated with lactobacillus preparation or a placebo, 55 developed a vaginal infection, with yeast called candida. There was no difference in the infection rates between the two treatment groups. The authors were so confident with their findings that they said, “Further research on this subject is unlikely to be fruitful…” and that they (women) should use proven antifungal treatments if they developed yeast infections.

Comment: Inflammation of the vagina with itching and discharge can be caused by infections with microbes, such as parasites, bacteria, or yeast. Transmission by sexual relations is the usual means of contracting parasites and bacteria. Yeast (candida) naturally occurs all around us but its infectious potential is usually kept in balance, preventing an overgrowth that would cause vaginitis. Sometimes conditions tip this balance in favor of the yeast and it is allowed to grow out of control; for example, when the excess sugars from diabetes feed the yeast, or when antibiotics kill the “friendly” vaginal bacteria – which usually keep the yeast in check.

The theory behind using lactobacillus bacteria pills and vaginal inserts is that they are supposed to return the natural balances in the bacteria in the vagina and prevent or cure yeast infections. For years women have used yogurt (which contains lactobacillus), orally and vaginally, and recently this bacteria has been available in natural food stores sold as pills called “probiotics.” A recent thorough review of the literature failed to find convincing evidence for benefits.2 This article and the review should quell some of the enthusiasm for this “natural” approach to vaginitis.

My experience has been that women who follow a healthy diet, exercise, and as a result become fit and trim, have very little trouble with yeast infections. Most likely, the benefits are a direct result of an enhanced immune system and lower blood sugars (even if women are not truly diabetic, their blood sugar decreases to a healthier level). Furthermore, the best means for you to grow healthful bacteria in your bowel and vagina, thus inhibiting the growth of yeast, is for you to eat vegetables and fruits. These healthful bacteria thrive off the partially digested remnants of healthy plant foods. I also recommend women with vaginal yeast infections use over-the-counter creams, such as miconazole (Monistat) or clotrimazole (Gyne-Lotrimin), when they have obvious discharge due to candida.

1) Pirotta M, Gunn J, Chondros P, Grover S, O'Malley P, Hurley S, Garland S. Effect of lactobacillus in preventing post-antibiotic vulvovaginal candidiasis: a randomised controlled trial. BMJ. 2004 Sep 4;329(7465):548.

2) Jeavons HS. Prevention and treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis using exogenous Lactobacillus. J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs. 2003 May-Jun;32(3):287-96.

Echinacea Fails Again – What Am I Going to Do during Cold Season?

Echinacea purpurea therapy for the treatment of the common cold: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial by Steven Yale in the June 14, 2004 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine found that Echinacea did not effectively reduce the symptoms and duration of the common cold. This conclusion was reached after studying 128 patients enrolled within 24 hours of cold symptom onset who were treated with 100 mg of an Echinacea preparation of freeze-dried pressed juice from the aerial portion of the plant, and compared with a placebo.1

Comment: This is the third major study in the past five years that has failed to find benefits from this supposedly immune-system-enhancing herb.2,3 (But I still have a bottle on my medicine shelf next to my Vitamin C for use when I think I am getting a cold – I am hoping for placebo effect at least.)

So with cold and flu season approaching what can you do?

Prevention is the best approach, like avoiding sick people. Hand washing is highly effective – do this whenever you have a chance. Too much exercise suppresses your immune system and increases colds and flu. Fish/flaxseed (omega-3), and other vegetable oils, can reduce your immune function and encourage infectious illnesses (and probably cancer). Animal foods, including fish, also impair your disease-fighting abilities. A healthy, low-fat, plant-based diet enhances immune function. You also might consider a flu shot (vaccination) – although there is much controversy about the benefits and risks, I usually get one.

Once you are ill, raising your body temperature by submersion in a hot bath may help. During your illness, you can benefit from medications that relieve the symptoms, such as cough syrups with dextromethorphan, nasal sprays for congestion and sneezing, and aspirin. (See my October 2003 Newsletter article: “Surviving the Cold Season” for more information and references for the above statements.)

1) Yale SH, Liu K. Echinacea purpurea therapy for the treatment of the common cold: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Arch Intern Med. 2004 Jun 14;164(11):1237-41.

2) Barrett BP, Brown RL, Locken K, Maberry R, Bobula JA, D'Alessio D. Treatment of the common cold with unrefined echinacea. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Ann Intern Med. 2002 Dec 17;137(12):939-46.

3) Grimm W, Muller HH. A randomized controlled trial of the effect of fluid extract of Echinacea purpurea on the incidence and severity of colds and respiratory infections. Am J Med. 1999 Feb;106(2):138-43.

[If you want to check out the link, go here http://www.nealhendrickson.com/mcdougall/2004nl/040900.htm and then click on "Complete Article Here" under the title "My Favorite Five Articles Found in Recent Medical Journals."]

[angel17]

Angel - Thank you so much for your answer. I am going to guess that my body does overprocess sugar... I have been concerned that my genes might "predispose" me to diabetes II if I'm not careful (my grandmother developed it later in her life). I have had yeast infection problems for a while, but the first time I think I developed it was after I was engaged to my ex-fiance about four years ago. I think it has been kinda "dormant" and then came back in "full force" earlier this year... UNFORTUNATELY.

So, Angel, my question is, by taking acidophilus, does it keep any yeast infections "at bay" for you???

For the most part yes for the vaginal infections but its not a "one size fit all" kind of thing. It took years for me to get it under control and figure out what worked for me and what didn't. In addition to working out regularly I also have to keep my stress levels down. When I let things get out of balance the pills alone will not suffice. I actually had a very bad yeast infection at the end of the summer and in hindsight it was totally my fault - I got things back in order and haven't had one since (& really hadn't had one in years so it caught me off guard).

I didn't get this from my primary doctor(who is very old school and will only dispense a prescription in a minute and wasn't receptive to my pleas for an allergy test or preventive plan.) I had to see an alternate doctor who helped me figure out that I could manage this by being mindful of this balance and he suggested that I take the acidophilus. While he initially wanted to have me take a bunch of health related pills I had to make him understand I HATE taking pills so I just needed the bare minimum.

Eventually I would like to get a full workup that would help me figure out exactly what I can or can't eat (because I also am prone to get a rash that in essence is a yeast infection on my skin-its under control with medication also but I'm sure there HAS to be something that if I just stopped eating it would completely go away). Talk to your doctor/gyn and see what they say with regards to your specific type of infection. It could be addressed by adjusting your diet but as the article you posted above states not all women are receptive to the "common" treatments.

Just be dilligent and you'll eventually find what works for you.

[ellidew]

I have my first yeast infection and i have a couple of questions...

I went to the doctor on Weds for a colposcopy (cervical biopsy). Tuesday late afternoon was when i started to get really itchy. I couldn't sleep it itched so bad so i asked the ob prior to the procedure. She said it was a yeast infection. She prescribed a pill for it. It was a 1 time use pill and the packaging said that it starts to relieve symptoms within 24 hours. (don't think so!) How long does it reasonably take to work? It feels like it's just as bad if not worse. I took the pill 36 hours ago. Also, is it normal to hurt like hell when you urinate? I cried a little while ago. I tried the squirt bottle of water from after my ds was born but that didn't lessen the pain. I took ibuprofren... it hasn't helped yet. Can a yeast infection cause a urinary tract infection? I honestly don't know how this all works. Could this be caused by the new birth control I'm taking? I was on Ortho Tri Lo for years before we started ttc. I am now on Seasonique. I started it 9 days before I began to notice symptoms. If it's the cause and I continue to take it will the yeast infection even clear up? I tried using Vagisil. The first time it burned so bad i wiped it off almost immediately. Out of desperation i tried it again but the relief is quite temporary. Does anyone know what else can relieve this pain? The itching and pain is reaching unbearable at this point. The doctors office doesn't open for several hours. I wish i could take a bath but i'm on strict orders not to because of the colposcopy. HELP!

[Asha]

How long does it reasonably take to work?
prescription yeast infection meds seem to work almost immediately for me.

Also, is it normal to hurt like hell when you urinate?
i think it would burn a little, but your "hurt like hell" description makes me think you have a uti. your doc can do a simple urine test. some docs will just prescribe you over the phone when you describe your symptoms.

Can a yeast infection cause a urinary tract infection?
i don't know about that. i know that yeast infections sometimes follow uti's bc the antbiotics prescribed for uti's increase your chance of yeast infections. i have had them at the same time, but i think that i had the uti before the yeast infection.

Could this be caused by the new birth control I'm taking?
i don't know. you could look at the side effects section of the handout your pharmacist gives you with the meds. it may also be caused by a change of sexual activity bc you are now on birth control.

[littlemia]

Ellidew- the OTC treatments like Monistat usually have an external cream that should help with your pain/itching. I'm not sure if you can buy it separate or if you have to buy the complete treatment. Do you think the urination pain is due to stinging from broken skin? I would think the peri bottle would help with that, though. Sorry, can't answer all of your questions but I hope you get relief soon.

[ellidew]

Do you think the urination pain is due to stinging from broken skin?
Very possible i suppose. It didn't hurt like this when i went to bed so i would've had to be itching in my sleep. If this is the cause i'm guessing i'm up a creek for awhile!

the OTC treatments like Monistat usually have an external cream that should help with your pain/itching.

Is the ointment that comes with the otc treatments different than Vagisil?

prescription yeast infection meds seem to work almost immediately for me.
Ugh, i wish!

I'm going to take a shower and see if it relieves anything.

[jeepgirl]

The medication my doctor gave me for it worked in 2-3 days. My yeast infection did not include burning on urination, but it is a symptom for some people. I'm not sure if a yeast infection can cause a UTI. Is there blood in your urine?

I'm not sure if birth control could cause a yeast infection, but in theory, I think it could contribute to it since it changes your hormone levels.

The only thing that helped me with the itching was allergy medication. Zyrtec worked the best for me with no side effects. Claritin you can buy over the counter though.

I hope this helps a little. I'm SO SORRY you're going through this!!!!

[ellidew]

Thanks jeepgirl. I didn't even think to take allergy meds! I have Zyrtec but i can't spend the day sleeping ;) (that stuff knocks me out and i'm dead to the world when i take it. I don't think ds would appreciate that!) so i will have to get a different kind that will hopefully stop the itching!

I can't WAIT for the doctors office to open!

[littlemia]

I don't think Vagisil contains an anti-fungal, which is what Monistat is.

[EuropeBride]

I haven't had many yeast infections (knock on wood!), but I have found that inserting a tampon dipped in plain yoghurt really helps me. I know this is contrary to the article that was posted, but it's worked for me. It helps with the itching beause it's cool and after doing this three times a day, the infection usually went away after 2-3 days.

[ellidew]

Thanks for all the help. The shower seemed to make things a little bit better. I even fell asleep with my ds and we slept until 9:40! We're usually up by 7! Works out good since dh and I went out last night without him for the first time since he was born. lol.

I called the doctor when i woke up. She called in a prescription for a cream but i have to be careful using it because of the colposcopy. She doesn't want me putting the applicator all the way up and suggested just rubbing the cream on the outside where needed. She said sometimes the pill doesn't work but it's easier than the creams so they like to try it first. She doesn't think there is a link to the birth control. I guess we'll see. If this becomes a recurring problem then i'll trying a different bcp just to rule it out. Even go back to Ortho Lo. (i was looking forward to only having a period every 3 months though!)

Europebride- Interesting suggestion. I'd normally try anything but i can't insert anything until a week after the colposcopy. This yeast infection really came at an inopportune time!

[EuropeBride]

ellidew - maybe you could try patting a bit of yoghurt on the outside area and just inside your vagina to ease the itching a bit? It really is very soothing and does help!

[tlew12778]

There is certainly a link btwn BC and YIs (see here (http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/396_yst.html)). Once I stopped hormonal BC, I stopped getting YIs. I had a YIs for FOUR years. I went back and forth btwn YIs and UTIs.

The pill your dr. gave you was probably diflucan.

Honestly if it burns that much when you urinate, it's probably a UTI. Do you feel the need to pee constantly? Try drinking LOTS of water to flush out your system. But you will need an antibiotic to get rid of it if it is indeed a UTI.

[ellidew]

OMG tlew, i can't imagine! It's been just over a week and i'm ready to kill myself from the itching! I can't imagine battling them for that amount of time.

Well, after NO change i finally stopped taking the birth control pill on Sunday. I'd taken it for 13 days and started getting itchy after 9 days. I looked up the side effects of the active ingredient and it did say that yeast infections were one of them. By Sunday night i was already feeling better and by Monday it wasn't nearly as bad as it had been. On Monday night i used a monistat 1 day treatment but didn't insert the applicator all the way because of the colposcopy. However, I'm still itchy and uncomfortable.

How long after using a medication like Monistat should the symptoms go away? Now that it's been over a week since the colposcopy and i am not restricted anymore should i do another monistat treatment? If i don't, will it just get bad again?

I seriously can go the rest of my life never having another one of these and be just fine. I honestly never imagined a yeast infection being so awful. I told my dh several times that i'd rather go through child birth again and again compared to the pain, itching, inflammation, etc... Now if i can just get rid of the residual itching i'll be in good shape! I have to make a decision about birth control pill now too. I've been on several of them in the past, probably 4-6 different brands over the last 10 years and i've never had a problem. I'm scared that if i try another one that this will happen again!

UTI- (TMI?) I don't think it was a UTI. Obviously, since it seems to have gone away without meds. I would cry every time i had to urinate. The water bottle didn't do anything. I think it was just cut and scratched skin or maybe the medication for the yi caused a reaction. Also, i had a weird stabbing pain on the exterior of the vagina, i have no idea why but when i would stress that muscle to urinate it would cause a sharp stabbing pain up. I finally figured out that if i pressed the toilet paper against that area while i urinated that the pain wouldn't occur.

Europebride- I'm assumming we're talking just plain yogurt, right? I might try this tonight to ease the itching.

[ellidew]

Okay, how damn persistent can these things be?! I had a couple of days where i felt alright... a little itchy but not unbearable. Now today i'm really itchy again and it hurts to urinate again. I guess it's the urethra (?) that is sore to the touch and there's a slight consistent pain and itch and then it hurts when i urinate. The area around it seems swollen... i'm not sure it ever wasn't swollen but it wasn't bothersome for several days. The labia isn't swollen like it was before. The pain is similar to what i posted in the post right before this.

I've taken the oral yeast infection med and 2 rounds of monistat. I've also used the monistat on the exterior (trying to stear clear of the urethra).

So, what gives? Could it be something else? Can the urethra get infected? I don't think it's a UTI because i've had them before and i even looked up the symptoms to make sure there weren't similar symptoms that i've just never had before. I didn't find anything similar to what i'm feeling for a UTI.

Our ins ran out yesterday for the next 30 days. Dh is switching jobs. I guess if i have to go to the doctor i'll have to fork out the cobra costs for 30 days.

[diam124]

I think you should definitely see a doctor - you could see if there is a walk-in type place near you (like a Patient First). I've had several YIs and a couple times I had UTIs at the same time, but I never had such a difficult time getting rid of them and I never had the swelling/pain that you mention. Usually 1 diflucan will do the trick within a few days.

I could be totally wrong, but I think there is a different strain of yeast (not candida) that can cause yeast infections that don't respond as well to the typical treatments. Or it could be BV - although that doesn't typically have the same itchiness, it can cause a lot of irritation and I have had itchiness from it. I was able to tell it was BV and not a YI because there wasn't the typical discharge.

[diam124]

By the way, when I was having trouble with persistent BV, my dr. recommended that I use this OTC stuff called Rephresh. It's a suppository (similar to YI treatment) and it is supposed to balance your ph. I don't know that it can necessarily cure BV, but I sometimes take it if I feel out of whack and it seems to help.

If you do try Rephresh - it basically sloughs off the lining in your vagina, so there is discharge that actually does look like a YI discharge. It can be kind of confusing!

[bookworm]

I agree it's time to call the doctor. (And definitely get the COBRA! Even if this one visit would be cheaper than paying the month, heaven forbid something else happens...) It may not be a yeast infection--I'm thinking of that Sex and the City episode where Charlotte thought she had one but it turned out to be vulvodynia (http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vulvodynia/DS00159) (link is to the Mayo Clinic--may not be work appropriate due to content, but it's clearly medical).

[ellidew]

Thanks ladies. I made ab ob appt for tomorrow morning. My doctor is out of town so i have to see the male doctor in the practice. He's not too empathetic so we'll see how it goes. I hated having to see him while i was pg.

We have 45 days to make a payment on the cobra insurance. So, we can let some time pass and then decide if we want to pay the doctor out of pocket or the cobra out of pocket. I just wish the symptoms had reappeared yesterday rather than today when i still had insurance!

[ambula704]

Oh Ellidew, I am so sorry you are suffering! But I just had to add in case anyone else is wondering, changing my BC definitely helped my recurrent YI's! I was on Ortho Tri Cyclen and Yasmin and had YI's all the time. Now that I am on the Nuvaring I havent had one in a long time (knock on wood!) I truly beleive its because of the BC, because nothing else has changed. Anyway, just wanted to share!

[ellidew]

Thanks ambula. I actually stopped taking the new bcp i had started 9 days before i had really noticeable symptoms. I was fine on Ortho Tri Lo for the 2 months after my son's birth but switched to try a new one. *Beats head against wall*

[IrishEyes]

Having a YI for two days is bad enough. I don't know how you've survived this long!

I remember that I had one that didn't respond to OTC treatment, but it turns out I bought a generic one with clotrimazole as the active ingredient, and my doctor told me that she sees some clotrimazole-resistant YIs. She recommended the ingredient in Monistat. Using that product, even the one day treatment, generally works for me.

I find if it's bad, it can affect the whole external area and cause burning issues with urination. Usually I catch it before then.

[jeepgirl]

Okay, how damn persistent can these things be?!

In my experience, they can be very persistent. Lately mine seems to be so so so much better. I think its because I've been less stressed the last couple of weeks, actually getting more sleep and I've been avoiding sugar, which seems to make mine flare up. For me, medications only help temporarily. I also just started on the nuva ring. My doctor seemed to think that might help. So far so good, but I haven't been on it long enough to be for sure.

I so hope yours goes away for good!

[ellidew]

Hola! I just got back from the doctor and it seems that i have a bacteria infection AND a cut right next to the urethra. So, the persistent itching is the bacteria and the pain is the cut. He compared it to a paper cut and then said that the acid from the urine causes the stinging. He said he'd imagine it hurts :) lol. So, i have an antibiotic for the bacteria and an estrogen cream for the cut. Oy! I'm just glad to know it's not all in my head. He said to give it a week and hopefully they're both cleared up otherwise i should go back in. Fingers crossed!