Yeast infections and UTIs

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-08-2004
Yeast infections and UTIs
3
Wed, 07-21-2004 - 6:21pm

I'm new to being sexually active and in a long distance relationship.  My first time I got a yeast infection.  The doctor said it was from getting irritated down there.  My best friend's first time she got a UTI which led to her mom finding out.  How common is it for this to happen and can I do anything to prevent it?  Also does lubrication or spermicide increase your chances?  I haven't tried either of those yet.  Honestly, my parents are going to get really suspicious if I keep needing to go to the gyn after my trips :)


Thanks!


CL for Acne

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Wed, 07-21-2004 - 10:02pm
Hi ariane05, Welcome to the Sexual Health board!

Anything that is inserted into the vagina can affect the normally acidic ph and possibly contribute to a YI. Even oral contraceptives have been known to make some users more susceptible to YIs. If you are getting irritated make sure that you both are well lubed. It’s fine to use an intimate lube and plenty of it. I use Astroglide when we need a little something extra and it works well for me.

UTIs (sometimes known as honeymoon cystitis) can be fairly common when first becoming sexually active. What has worked very well for me in minimizing the possibility of a UTI is to stay well hydrated and urinate before and especially immediately after intercourse. Urinating afterward will flush out any bacteria that get into the urethra during sex. Another thing that helps is to drink unsweetened cranberry juice or take cranberry extract pills. Thanks for stopping by. Let us know how you’re doing, ok?

Good luck,

      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-08-2004
Thu, 07-22-2004 - 12:08pm
Thanks, Jill!


CL for Acne

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-17-2003
Thu, 07-22-2004 - 8:09pm

Hi Ariane,


To add to Jill's response, we do have a board that deals with the UTI topic:


http://messageboards.ivillage.com/iv-bhcystitis


Article links:


http://www.ivillage.com/topics/health/0,10707,166107,00.html


Yeast Infection or UTI:


http://www.ivillagehealth.com/experts/womens/qas/0,,166107_127947,00.html


Yeast infection topics:


http://www.ivillage.com/topics/health/0,,166053,00.html


Yeast infection overview:


http://www.ivillagehealth.com/library/nwh/content/0,,215912_227431,00.html

IVHealth Ruth Ann
Assistant Community Moderator/Health Librarian
rjohnson@mail.ivillage.com

IVHealth Ruth Ann
Community Leader/Ask the Health Librarian