Recurring yeast infections

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-03-2003
Recurring yeast infections
9
Thu, 09-11-2003 - 10:44am
I would appreciate any suggestions or advice anyone might have on dealing with recurring yeast infections. I started getting them when I went on birth control pills and now I get them all the time, at least once a month or more! Even when I went off the pill, the yeast infections kept happening.

My doctor prescribed Diflucan, but it does nothing to help. I've tried over-the-counter cream, that didn't help either. I have been taking acidophilis and black walnut extract as supplements, and it helped to keep the infection in check for a while, but now I am back where I was before.

At this point I will try anything.



iVillage Member
Registered: 05-14-2003
Thu, 09-11-2003 - 11:26am
I feel your pain. I've been there as well. My recurrent infections were caused from the pill too. It took me a good 6-7 months for my body to readjust after being off the pill.

I started to take garlic supplements and noticed a difference immediately. Have you tried that? I read somewhere that garlic and acidophilus shoud not be taken at the same time. They counteract each other. You can take one in the morning and one at night. Just not at the same time.

Another suggestion is to have your doctor find out what type of yeast you have. That might help in figuring out which medications will help you. Diflucan didn't help me either. But, the over the counter ones did.

Are you watching your diet as well? Low to no sugar and watch your alcohol intake. I notice things would be worse for me the day after I had a couple drinks.

Have you read The Yeast Connection? It's pretty informative and if you can, pick up a copy.

I hope that helps a little. If you have any other questions, please ask!

Kristin

 


 


Photobucket

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-02-2003
Thu, 09-11-2003 - 1:36pm
WARNING WARNING

This could be offensive to some people if you don't like graphic or vulgar language. I find that this is worded in the same way most people I know speak. It is non-medical in language and treatments.

http://www.msu.edu/user/eisthen/yeast/



Love Missie, Davey 10/12/97 hosp birth 1 mo early, Lainie 01/15/02 hosp birth 3 days late and Ella 06/10/03 unassisted birth on time- cord prolapse I love Unassisted Childbirth :) http://pages.ivillage.com/hafpint_74
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-03-2003
Thu, 09-11-2003 - 2:33pm
Thank you so much for posting that link. I found it not only very informative, but also very humorous... and I could definitely use some humor right now, 'cause what's going on 'down there' just ain't funny.

I never heard of using garlic as a natural remedy for yeast infections. Definitely will try as soon as I get home!

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-24-2003
Wed, 09-24-2003 - 10:51am
I had this same problem after starting on the pill, and when I discussed it with with my doctor she suggested that I switch (from ortho-cyclen) to another brand of pill (demulen) because it might be a reaction to the specific pill. However, I did this at the same time that I started having a serving of yogurt everyday, so I don't really know which one worked, but perhaps switching to some other kind of pill might be something for you to consider if nothing else is working...


Edited 9/24/2003 11:09:48 AM ET by asterkin
Avatar for yasicht
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Thu, 09-25-2003 - 3:13pm
I too had recurring YI's. I started taking Yeast Fighters from Twinlab in January and I haven't had one since. I buy them from Webvitamins.com or Drugstore.com (they have Yeast Raiders, same thing). During the first month or two that I started taking them, I only ate meat, steamed veggies, cut out all alcoholic drinks, and ate little to no processed foods or carbs.

I can now eat whatever I like and I can also drink without having to worry about the yeast. It is now under control!! I still take them every couple of days for prevention.

I also bought a new lube called Liquid Silk (no glycerin in it). It causes no irritation and feels luxurious.

Hope this helps!!




Edited 9/25/2003 3:33:02 PM ET by yasicht

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-31-2004
Wed, 03-31-2004 - 11:14am
I just found your postings last night and It's been so supportive. I was feeling as if I was the only person that suffers from "continuous" YI's. At any rate, I have a question for you. I have been suffering of this for nearly 4 years now. Every GYN I have seen, says "this is only common in older women. you're a young girl, it can't be possible." then they throw their hands in the air and move on. it seems that no doctor wants to deal with it. I am only 21. How can I get the doctors to take me seriously??

Also, I my mother is allergic to bakers and brewers yeast. If she cuts those types of yeast out of her diet then she does not suffer from YI's. Has anyone seen an allergist concerning this problem?

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-15-2003
Wed, 03-31-2004 - 4:50pm
Thanks for that reference. I was especially interested in this paragraph as it related to my experience:

clothing: crotch yeasties flourish in non-cotton, tight, or dirty clothes that trap heat and moisture. no doubt Xena, Warrior Princess, gets infections all the time from that leather underwear. your absolutely best bet is to wear a skirt with no underwear or tights, and definitely avoid pantyhose. if you've ever had an urge to go for that sexy thigh-high stocking look but have been too shy, here's the excuse you've been looking for.

I thought my gyno was a little off her rocker when she insisted my frequent yeast infections might be caused by my (all cotton) thong underwear. She persuaded me to try wearing only skirts over a chemise with NO UNDERPANTS AT ALL (like she does herself) for a couple of weeks or so - it took some getting used to, of course. She was absolutely right in my case. I now wear skirts without panties most of the time and haven't had a yeast problem or even an itch for about three months - a record for me.

Anyone willing to try ANYTHING should definitely seriously consider this idea.

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-14-2004
Wed, 04-14-2004 - 1:46am
I can understand completely where you are coming from. Here is my quick story. I was taking Ortho-Tricyclen from the age of 17 to around 20, then i quit taking them completely. Not long after I quit taking the pill, I got a yeast infection. My gynocologist gave me medicine to take. Ok. Yeast is gone, then Bacterial Vaginosis decides to rear its ugly head. I go back to doctor & take the medicine that he prescribes for it. Well, to make a long story short, I have been sufferring from yeast infections & bacterial vaginosis (BV) back & forth for almost 8 years. I am now almost 28 years old. I just recently contacted the fine people at Ortho to tell them my problems. I wonder if I go back on the pill, will it regualate my hormones & I will not get these reoccurring infections. I don't know. My gyno does not know. Orhto said that they will look into to see if the pills caused my problems or not, because I have never had any diseases. I was perfectly healthly until 'after' I quit taking the pill. Did the same senerio happen to you about the pill or no? I have heard the same thing about bread, but I do not know. Maybe you should go to a different gyno & get a different opinion from him/her. Tell him/her the problems you are having & how no one seems to care & you need help. Matter of fact, I need to make another appointment myself. Please keep in touch on this board for support for all of us suffering & tell me your outcome with your doctor. Good Luck. Tonya
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-23-2003
Wed, 04-14-2004 - 12:04pm
The antibiotics (oral or vaginal) that you take for BV could be giving you yeast. That's what happens to me. I wish I knew the answer -- how to treat BV w/o antibiotics....anyone??


Edited 4/14/2004 12:07 pm ET ET by jb60634