Yeast infections are common and almost every woman will have at least one or two in her lifetime. However, some women are plagued by recurring – or chronic – yeast infections. Besides being extremely uncomfortable, chronic yeast infections deserve immediate attention because they signal an imbalance in your vaginal chemistry – specifically yeast (candida) versus bacteria.
Healthy bodies depend on a balance between bacteria and yeast (a fungus called candida). Any imbalances cause problems and the vagina is particularly sensitive. Yeast infections are diagnosed when candida populations outgrow the levels of healthy bacteria.
Always contact your OB/GYN if you think you have a yeast infection so we can discuss your next steps. If you’ve had more than two infections over the course of three months, or multiple infections over the course of a year, chances are you’re dealing with chronic yeast infections, and it’s time to figure it out.
Here are seven of the most common reasons women keep getting yeast infections:
1. It is not a yeast infection
Symptoms such as vaginal itching, excessive discharge, or stinging/burning when urinating can be a yeast infection, but not always. If you’ve suspected you have a yeast infection but haven’t seen a doctor, it’s time for an official diagnosis.
Bacterial vaginitis occurs when populations of bacteria grow out of control from candida. So if you’re dealing with a bacterial infection like a yeast infection, things will get worse because you’re killing the exact fungus you need to keep the bacteria in check. There is also the possibility that you have some other type of infection. Regardless, an official diagnosis is the best way to clear things up and get your nether regions feeling normal again.
2. Your male partner has a yeast infection
Men also get vaginal yeast infections, but they don’t always know it. In fact, yeast infections in men they are much more common than people think. If your partner has an infection and is relatively asymptomatic, they will continue to re-infect you because candida added to your candida equals too much candida in your personal space.
Talk to your gynecologist or have him check with his doctor He may need to use an OTC yeast infection cream for seven to 10 days to clear everything up. During this time, you should abstain from sex… even a condom may not cover all the yeast blooms that live on the skin of his penis.
3. You’re not using the right yeast infection treatment
Some of the OTC options advertise one or three day options. However, this is not enough for a serious yeast infection. We recommend using the seven-day versions of the suppositories to get started. Follow the directions exactly and don’t skip days or stop taking it after symptoms disappear. You must complete the course of medication in the same way as you must complete the course of antibiotics.
If you don’t feel significant relief after the first three days, call your OB/GYN. You may have a drug-resistant strain of yeast and we will prescribe a different antifungal medication.
4. You are pregnant
Fluctuations in pregnancy hormones make pregnant women more likely to experience yeast infections. It is one of the most common discomforts of pregnancy. Most of the time, the combination of over-the-counter yeast infection suppositories will do the trick, and then you’ll be less likely to continue taking them once the baby is born.
5. Urinary incontinence (including mild stress incontinence)
Yeast prefers a warm, moist environment, which is why the vagina is an ideal candida habitat. If you are prone to incontinence, including minor stress incontinence (peeing when you sneeze, cough, jump/run, laugh too loudly, etc.), you are at higher risk for yeast infections.
First, let your OB/GYN know that you are experiencing incontinence so we can treat it. No woman should live with incontinence if she doesn’t have to. In the meantime, using pads and frequent underwear changes will help keep your crotch and vagina dry between episodes.
6. Your body provides a candida-friendly environment
In addition to a warm, moist environment, yeast loves sugar. If your blood sugar levels tend to be high, you may need to start using your diet to control candida. First, we recommend that you adhere to a Candida Cleansing Diet for at least three to six weeks. This significantly lowers the sugar in your system, which starves the candida.
Once you have completed the candida cleanse diet, focus on an anti-inflammatory diet which cuts down on sugars and processed foods in the long run. The good news is that this type of diet has been shown to reduce the symptoms and occurrence of multiple diseases and medical diagnoses, such as endometriosis or PCOS.
7. Your vagina doesn’t stay dry enough
Vaginal hygiene is essential to support a healthy bacteria/yeast balance. The longer you can keep your vagina clean and dry the better. Douching is NOT the answer. Instead, we recommend that you:
- DO NOT use antibacterial soaps in the shower because they kill healthy bacteria.
- Wear underwear that is 100% cotton so it doesn’t trap moisture.
- Be diligent about changing pads/period underwear/tampons so your period doesn’t contribute to excess moisture.
- Wear loose pants and workout clothes so your parts have room to breathe.
- Take a shower or sponge bath after sex and dry off thoroughly.
- You change your underwear every day.
- Leave underwear at home when wearing a robe, long t-shirt or skirt/dress for more breathability (as long as you feel safe and comfortable doing so).
Contact your women’s health care provider if you suffer from recurring yeast infections
Do you suffer from chronic yeast infections or vaginal itching? This is not normal, and you deserve to be itch-free as soon as possible. Contact Women’s Health Associates to schedule an appointment. We will discuss your symptoms and then figure out the root cause. Once we create your treatment plan, it should be the end of recurring yeast infections once and for all.
