yeast infections-this is embarrassing, but I need help!

[Heidi]

Oh, I hate even typing this out, but I don't really have anyone IRL I want to ask.

I think I might have a yeast infection. I say *think*, because I really don't know. My only other experience was when I had my annual exam a few years back. On the report my PCP sent back to me it said I had traces of a yeast infection on the tests they did. He said to treat it if bothersome. I treated it with an over-the-counter because I was nervous about it, not because I had symptoms, because I didn't.

Now I have been itchy and REALLY bothered for the past 3 days, and oh, I hate writing this, but my discharge has changed too. I am just SO uncomfortable. I have found it more comfortable to just not wear undies, as those seem to cause more discomfort :eek:

I am trying to decide if I should call the doctor? If so, do I have to tell the receptionist what I am coming in for? I know her quite well personally, and would rather she not know me quite this well :o . Or should I just go get an over-the-counter? I would really like to know if this really is a yeast infection, or if it is something else. For those of you who have had them - do my symptoms sound like yours?

[rene']

This does sound like a yeast infection to me. I would just try something over the counter, that should help.

[laurenc]

i agree with rene, it does sound like a yeast infection, but you may feel more comfortable going to your doctor anyhow just to confirm your suspicion and to rule out other causes (i.e., BV).

re: the receptionist: if you are asked, you may make things more uncomfortable and awkward if you refuse to answer (depending on the extent of your personal relationship). so, it might be your best bet to just act very light about it. if you're asked why you are coming in to see the doctor, maybe something like, "oh, i just have a question for the doctor, just a womanly issue, i'm sure you understand." something like that. i don't see why she would need more information than that to do her job...

[Heidi]

Thanks for the suggestions rene and laurenc. I think I will go to the doctor's this time, just so I can be sure that is what it is. Really, I should not be embarrassed about calling the doctor, I mean they must deal with worse than this everyday, but still...it is nothing I really want to admit I have LOL!

[tenofcups]

It does sound just like a yeast infection. Since I don't have the best experiences with doctors, I like to self-treat when I can and when it makes sense. Personally, I'd buy a one-day yeast infection treatment, give it a few days to see if it clears up on that way, and then go to your doctor if you're still having problems.

ETA--Oops, didn't see that you'd already posted that you *are* going to the doctor. Certainly can't hurt to go...

[Heidi]

Okay...so I called the doctor's office this morning and the woman told me to buy an over the counter treatment and if that didn't clear it up to call again. I guess that is what I will do now. Any recommendations for a good treatment?
Thanks for all of your suggestions!

[Angelfish]

My doctor recommends Canestan 6-day, but I don't know if it's available in the US.

[longislandlolita]

I have always used the Monistat 3-day or whatever. They also have topical creams that can "put out the fire" while you wait for the longer-term stuff to work. Boy, I love being a woman . . . :rolleyes:

[Heidi]

longislandlolita - LOL - put out the fire!

Seriously, this feminine stuff just sucks. period.
What about the 1 day things - do you think they work better or the same? I just want this over with asap!

[off2skl]

I always recommend the 3 day OTC treatments. One day isn't always long enough and 7 days is too cumbersome (not to mention who wants to deal with it for 7 days).

[PinkGirl]

I have called my gyno before and asked to speak to the nurse and the receptionist always puts me through w/out asking why I'm calling. At my new gyno, I can choose the "medical advice" line and speak directly to a nurse. Maybe your office has something similar?

[bookworm]

I hope it has cleared up by now, but for future reference (or anyone reading along), I'd ask your doctor for a prescription for Diflucan. One pill, one day, and it clears it right up. And none of the mess of the OTC stuff.

[sublime311]

I hope it has cleared up by now, but for future reference (or anyone reading along), I'd ask your doctor for a prescription for Diflucan. One pill, one day, and it clears it right up. And none of the mess of the OTC stuff.
A side note to this: My doc was hesitant to rx this for me when I asked because she said there haven't been enough studies done on the liver side-effects attributed to the drug. She said the OTC stuff does the trick without the potential of liver damage... She did give me an rx "just in case" I didn't get relief from OTC tx.

[Heidi]

*UPDATE*

I went and got a 1 day treatment (sorry off2skl, I read your post after purchasing!) And things seem fine now. And 2 days after I did the treatment I got AF, it has just been a great 2 weeks!

I wondered about why the nurse in the office (who answered my call) told me to get an over the counter. In my head I thought, just give me the pill to get this over with! But what Sublime said makes sense.
I appreciate all of your help and will know exactly how to treat next time, but hopefully there won't be a next time!