Vaginal yeast infections strike most women at some point. These irritating fungal infections bring intense itching, burning sensations, pain during sex and urination, and thick, clumpy white discharge. While over-the-counter medications provide relief, yeast infections have a nasty habit of recurring. What is it about our vaginas that yeast loves so much? How can we persuade our nether regions to resist instead of welcoming these microscopic fungi back again and again?
What’s Going on Down There? How Do Yeast Infections Develop?
Several factors set the stage for yeast to stake its claim and multiply out of control in vulnerable vaginas:
Killing off good bacteria. When we take antibiotics to treat illnesses, the drugs can wipe out beneficial lactobacilli bacteria that normally keep vaginal environments balanced. This allows yeast that naturally occurs in smaller amounts to capitalize and grow unchecked into infection territory. New babies delivered via C-section miss out on beneficial vaginal bacteria from mothers too, increasing their risk of yeast infections.
Hormonal havoc. monthly periods, pregnancy and childbirth, menopause, even emotional stress all cause hormone levels to fluctuate. These hormonal shifts can reduce immunity down there, allowing yeasts to gather their yeasty forces and gear up for invasion. Synthetic estrogens from hormonal birth control tricks or other meds also inadvertently throw off the natural flora balance between yeast and vagina.
Traitorous workout wear and trusty jeans. Snug-fitting yoga pants, sweaty gym leggings, and too-tight non-breathable jeans all create heat and trapped moisture—the perfect dim, damp environment yeasts adore. Switching to loose, cotton underwear and clothes with some Lycra goes a long way towards preventing recurrent infections for some women prone to them.
So in essence, anything that alters the vagina’s natural pH, bacteria and yeast balance, blood flow, or introduces foreign objects like tampons has the potential for instigating a yeast infection.
When A Yeasty Beastie Makes Itself at Home: Recognizing Infection Symptoms
The signs and sensations of a yeast infection seem designed expressly to drive women to the brink of insanity. Here are some of the ways our vaginas signal serious yeasty displeasure and that we should call our doctors, stat:
- Raging vaginal itching, irritation, redness and swelling
- Burning and stinging around the vulva and vaginal opening; pain when peeing or having intercourse – as if peeing on a sunburn
- Watery yet often white, clumpy cottage cheese-like discharge – yes it’s just as dreadful as it sounds
- Pain or discomfort that sticks around long after other symptoms resolve
Studies show over 50% of women misdiagnose themselves and try to self-treat something other than a yeast infection. So don’t just grab an over-the-counter antifungal cream at first itch or weird discharge! Make an appointment for an evaluation instead.
Testing, 1-2-3: Getting A Correct Yeast Infection Diagnosis
Since symptoms could indicate another type of infection like bacterial vaginosis or even a sexually-transmitted disease, getting an exam by a practitioner is critical for both diagnosis and proper treatment. Here’s what to expect:
- After asking about your symptoms, history, activities, the doctor visually examines external vulva and vagina for inflammation, warts, lesions etc.
- Next come the fun pap smear and sample swabs! These get sent to the lab to detect unhealthy bacteria or yeast levels under the microscope. Cultures help pinpoint if candida albicans or another species causes infections.
- Blood tests check for HIV, diabetes or other conditions that could influence recurrent infections
- pH tests determine if enough healthy lactobacilli bacteria tolerate the vaginal acidity – critical for preventing overgrowth of yeast
Don’t tough it out at home with over-the-counter creams more than a day or two if symptoms don’t dramatically improve. Book an appointment and investigate further!
Kicking Recurrent Yeast Infections to the Curb
Once diagnosed, prompt medical treatment knocks a yeast infection out cold along with prescription or natural proactive remedies to prevent their return. We’ve got multiple weapons in the battle against yeast!
- Medications like over-the-counter miconazole (Monistat) or prescription fluconazole pills. Suppositories and creams containing miconazole, clotrimazole, tioconazole or other antifungals directly treat infection sites.
- Probiotics restore friendly lactobacilli bacteria levels. Eating yogurt with live cultures daily keeps populations up. Pop probiotic supplements as needed when antibiotic use is unavoidable.
- Diet slashes sugar that yeasts covet. Cut back on simple carbs, alcohol, refined foods. Balance blood sugar if diabetic.
- Clothing choices – breathable cotton underwear, avoid pantyhose and tight yoga pants
- Vulva/vagina hygiene means daily showers only, avoid aggressive scrubbing.
See your practitioner again if symptoms return after treatment to explore other possibilities – another infection, dermatitis reaction, etc behind your discomfort. Review any medications being taken as well since yeast opportunistically springs up here due to hormonal oral contraceptives, hormone therapy drugs and more.
Recurrent Yeast Infection SOS: Long-Term Prevention Tactics
Despite stellar personal hygiene, smart fabric choices, a healthy diet and probiotic yogurt habit, some women still struggle with regular repeat yeast infections. Tips to break the cycle for good:
Consider hormonal factors. Constant yeast flare-ups that coincide with your menstrual period every month suggest sensitivity to normal cyclic hormone changes. Altering birth control methods or adjusting estrogen formulations during perimenopause/menopause could provide relief.
Get blood sugar and immunity checked. Uncontrolled blood glucose gives yeasts a sweet environment for rapid reproduction. Also have immunoglobulin levels tested to identify any deficits unable to keep vaginal yeast in check.
Minimize lifestyle stress. High stress depletes immune functioning in the vagina. Prioritize quality sleep, regular exercise, relaxation techniques. Reduce pressured responsibilities if possible.
Try boric acid vaginal suppositories. These capsules used nightly or twice weekly acidify the vagina for stabilization. They don’t eliminate existing infections however, so see your doctor first.
Track infections and symptoms. Noting dates, activities, diet, clothing and emotional stress around the time of infections can reveal individual triggers. Review logs with your practitioner periodically to uncover and address patterns unique to you.
Alternative therapies. Some women find relief combining traditional medications with natural remedies like tea tree suppositories, oregano oil or probiotic douches. Ask your doctor about safety and efficacy before attempting.
The battle against recurrent yeast will rage on for most women lifelong. But with vigilance, tracking our vaginal health closely and having an empowered conversation with health providers, we can gain control and sway the balance to keep unruly yeasts underfoot for good! Here’s to healthy, balanced, infection-free vaginas.
