Yeast Infection/Vaginitis

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-09-2006
Yeast Infection/Vaginitis
5
Fri, 12-05-2008 - 6:21pm

 


Ever since I had my baby, it seems like every time I treat a yeast infection it comes back within a few weeks. I think before the baby I would get it 3 or 4 times a year.


I am not on antibiotics and don't wear tight underwear or anything like that.


Why am I having this recurrent condition? When I asked my doctor she just said there are so many factors. Is there something I could do to prevent this? I'm just annoyed and tired of being preoccupied with this problem.


Thanks much. 

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-26-2006
Sat, 12-06-2008 - 3:33am

Hi there,

I just posted to someone else in another message about this. You might want to read the thread:

http://messageboards.ivillage.com/iv-bhgynconcern/?msg=17077.1

Just a couple questions:

Are you on any form of hormonal birth control?
Have you had regular periods since your baby was born (sometimes a hormone imbalance can cause infections?

 

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-09-2006
Sat, 12-06-2008 - 11:07am

Hello & thanks for your response.


No, I don't use hormonal birth control and yes I've had regular periods before and after the baby.


I'm seeing lots of tips on how to get rid of it, but I would wish to know how to prevent it.


Thanks so much for your help!

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-26-2006
Sat, 12-06-2008 - 5:04pm

Hi there,

It is difficult to prevent them. A pH vaginal gel will help keep the pH levels up in the vagina to help prevent them from taking hold. Daily use of a probiotic will help also, and perhaps the tea that the other poster suggested in the other thread. Keep your sugar intake to a minimum, since it gives yeast something to feed on and grow. And it may also help to see if your hormones are in balance, since an imbalance can make it easier for an infection to develop.

Finally, diabetes is a real risk factor for regular yeast infections, so if you have a family history of it, do your best to prevent the onset of diabetes developing.

 

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-09-2006
Sat, 12-06-2008 - 6:57pm

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-26-2006
Sat, 12-06-2008 - 7:05pm

Hi again,

Lack of sleep is not at all good for your immune system, and stress can cause upsets to your hormones, so it's very possible that these issues are partly why you can't keep the infections at bay. I hope that things begin to settle down for you soon so you can see if things improve or not!