Anyone else here suffer from recurrent yeast infections?

[SCRUBDASHRUB]

I mean every freaking month?!

I swear to G-d, it's like clockwork. Doctor's put me on Diflucan...didn't help, so then he had me on some stuff for BV (bacterial vaginosis, as he thought maybe I was misdiagnosed...long story) (some sort of high powered antibiotic, which makes me think this has something to do with it, though it seemed to clear that infection up. That was last month. Then, this month the yeast infection is here again. I'm on birth control pills and had a sinus infection earlier in the month, so it was back on antibiotics. I had bloodwork done recently for something else where they also did a urine test; I've heard yeast infections can be a symptom of diabetes and HIV. Negative for both. It's driving me nuts! Grrr....

[Dora]

1. Are you taking acidophilus/probiotics ?

If not, I strongly recommend you try it. With as many antibiotics as you've been on, your yeast infection may be systemic. I've had a year just lousy with sinus infections, six prescriptions for antibiotics in six months.

Taking a good acidophilus supplement can help eliminate the yeast overpopulation in your body. These supplements are also marketed as "probiotics." One of the more expensive brands is Culturelle, but you can also get cheaper brands.

One trick I discovered: On my last round of antibiotics, I began to feel that dreaded early itching and inflammation. I hate taking Diflucan (it gives me a stomachache), and I was tired of taking so many medications. As an experiment, I used my cheaper brand acidophilus softgels as a vaginal suppository, and the itching and inflammation went away - FAST. I also took them internally, 1-2 at a time, several times a day.

Good luck!

[SCRUBDASHRUB]

2. Interesting...thanks for the tip.

[Nikia]

3. I did for a while

After I got the first one after antibiotics. I eat yogurt with active cultures which seemed to help.
Also, if you haven't already, wash everything that might come in contact with that area in hot water to make sure that you don't reinfect yourself that way. If you have have a sex partner, you might want to refrain or use condomns because people, including men can carry it but not have symptoms and you could get reinfected that way.

[mzteris]

4. not anymore

but I used to years and years ago (before the really good meds for it). I mean CHRONICALLY. Heck, I had to have CRYOSURGERY as it was "embedded in my cervix" or something. (I don't know if that's an option or not. Yuck. But still it helped for a very long time.) I get them only occasionally now - but heck I'm going through menopause so I hope there are SOME perks to the change!

So - here's a couple of things:

I see some have already suggested yogurt and/or acidopholus. Go to the healthfood store and get the live culture kind - (you have to keep it refrigerated) ...... In addition to taking orally, you can insert vaginally or do a yogurt douche (though whether you can buy yogurt without all the additives anymore, I don't know..... just plain plain plain yogurt....) You should also boost your Vit C intake.

The other thing I used to use was boric acid (I couldn't afford Monistat every month - AND the doctors visit to get the prescription for it. This was pre OTC days!). Go get empty capsules from your pharmacist and fill them with boric acid and insert vaginally at the very first sign! (DO NOT TAKE ORALLY!!!!!!!!) Do this before bedtime preferably. And use a pantiliner or other small pad as this produces a lot of "water"...

Also, if you have a regular partner - maybe he should see his doctor - he can harbor yeast and keep retransmitting it. Or wash VERY well- maybe even a yogurt wash.... (I know, sounds weird.)

Ditch the nylon panties and panty hose. Wear COTTON underwear. Don't wear ANY if you don't have to. (Like at night.)

DON'T sit around in a wet bathing suit or "sweaty or otherwise damp" underwear. Use panty liners and change frequently if you are the damp kind.

(I hope this info wasn't too graphic, but I dunno how else to convey.)

Oh - one other thing - you could try a DIFFERENT medication - like if you usually use Monistat - use a different brand (one with a different "active ingredient" - I'm sorry, I can't remember what those are anymore, but read the labels) - whatever is in Monistat does NOT help me at all now. I always have to get a different med (but I always forget and get the wrong kind first (sigh). It sucks getting old. x( )

[SCRUBDASHRUB]

5. Nothing is too graphic for me, believe me. Thanks for the good

advice everyone.

Nylon panties...forget it. Even if they have cotton lining...I start to itch. It's Hanes Her Way for me. LOL! TMI, I know.

Embedded in your cervix? Yikes! I imagine that showed up on a Pap smear?

[mzteris]

6. **showed up on

a Pap smear**

I don't remember. This was back in 1978/79, I think . . .

[The empressof all]

7. You may want to consult with a nutritionist versed in this area

Candida is serious and can sometimes be triggered by certain foods. You may consider keeping a food diary to identify any triggers. You may need to change your diet temporarily in conjunction with the meds to get it out of your system.