(no subject)

[holeinthedonut.livejournal.com]

Yet ANOTHER health issue.

I've had something like a yeast infection for almost TWO YEARS. I last went to a gyno in January, she said it was just a yeastie being stubborn. Whatever websites I can find are very vague, saying it may not be a yeastie and see your gynocologist.

Just wondering if anybody had an idea what else it COULD be?

It's interfering with my sex life, it usually smells fine, but there's an almost perpetual yeast-like excretion, and it's tangy!

Comments

[springstreet.livejournal.com]

I have had the same-ish problem. Mine would sometimes go away, or at least act like it went away, and then it would be back with a vengeance. Really annoying. I finally took the Diflucan or whatever it's called - the prescription antifungal - and the doctor prescribed me Orthotricyclen Lo(w). He said that for a very few women, the higher level of estrogen causes a yeast infection. Anyway it seems to be pretty much gone now. *knocks on wood*
I worry too that it could be something else, or signify something else - diabetes?? But I never have any other symptoms.

[gaiagurl.livejournal.com]

have heard it said by health nut types that it's possible to have a systemic yeast problem, and that one way to combat that is to cut way back on foods involving yeast--breads being the obvious one, but also cheeses and fermented drinks.

supposedly there are supplements that help too, like acidophilous, which is a type of friendly bacteria that chows down on yeast.

[tyrsalvia.livejournal.com]

Kefir is a yogurt-like drink that contains acidophilous, but also other beneficial bacteria. It's bacteria are so strong that they can totally repopulate your intenstinal tract. I suggest drinking a half cup to a cup of kefir every day while taking other precautions, should really help.

It comes in different flavors. It's very thick for a drink, so I like to thin it with some fruit juice or iced green tea or something.

[ruggrat.livejournal.com]

Where do you get it?

[tyrsalvia.livejournal.com]

I've had success finding it at natural grocery stores like Whole Foods.

This site (http://www.kefir.net/) has lots of good info on it. They suggest Helios Nutrition brand (which is the kind I've had, and it's good). The Helios Nutrition site (http://www.heliosnutrition.com/) says you can call them at 1-888-3-HELIOS to ask where their product is sold if you can't find a local store.

[holeinthedonut.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I'm hoping it's not diabetes, it's in my family and I need to cut back on sugar for one thing.

Birth control? Who'd have thought! Estrogen, interesting. Thanks a lot, this is very helpful, and it's comforting to know I"m not the only one.

[springstreet.livejournal.com]

Oh, I should've specified. He took me *off* regular Orthotricyclen and put me *on* Low. Oops.
Yogurt and/or kefir never helped me, but for a while I could get rid of it with tea tree oil. Lovely stuff, that.

[lildoggiesam.livejournal.com]

UTI maybe

[solsistr3.livejournal.com]

I had chronic yeast infections for over a year in college. It turned out to be my body trying to send me a message. I was stressed out, living with an awful boyfriend and it was time for a change. The day I decided to move out and change to a major that interested me, my situation improved. The symptoms cleared up entirely within a day or so. Gynos (and most doctors, I find) tend to be quick to hand you a tube of Vagisil or an RX for Diflucan while ignoring the big picture. It turned out that I didn't need a gyno, I needed a shrink. Who knew?

[holeinthedonut.livejournal.com]

WOW. I had suspicions it might be psychological because mine coincided with a bad relationship as well, and discontent with my career. I think things WILL improve when I get another job. Thank you!

[ourika.livejournal.com]

I'm sure you are probably already doing these things after two years, but here are a few other suggestions (to use in conjunction with whatever treatment regime you and y our doctor have worked out).

Cut back (or out) caffeine.
Cut back sugar.
Don't wear tight pants or pantyhose.
Don't wear thongs or tight underwear.
Wear cotton panties.
Sleep without any panties on.
Keep your genitals dry. If you workout or sweat, change right away. When you get out of the shower, make sure that your genitals are dry. Some women even use hair dryers (on low positioned 6-8 inches away from the body!) to ensure that they're dry.
Eat yogurt or take acidophilus every day.
You can even apply plain, unflavored yogurt to the vulva to help control itching and such.

[holeinthedonut.livejournal.com]

The cutting back on sugar part is a BIG one, I'm big on sugar.
And keeping it dry would be good too, thanks a lot!