Stopping The Oral Thrush Cycle
Like the genital area, Candida is naturally occurring inside your mouth. But if Candida levels get out of control, you may develop thrush.
Symptoms include thick, white lesions that grow on the insides of the cheeks, tongue, and back of the throat. You may also have an uncomfortable feeling of fullness in your mouth. This can cause difficulty eating and swallowing.
Oral thrush tends to be more common in people with weakened immune systems, such as:
- people who have an autoimmune disorder
Wearing dentures or taking antibiotics can also lead to Candida overgrowth in your mouth.
Oral thrush is easily treatable. It involves taking antifungal medication taken by mouth.
Poor oral hygiene can lead to recurring thrush infections. Chronic oral thrush can also occur in babies who need to continue breastfeeding.
Ways to cut down on chronic oral thrush include the following:
- Replace your toothbrush or any mouth gear after an active oral thrush infection so you dont re-infect yourself.
- Clean and sterilize retainers and other dental gear like dentures, mouthguards, and water flossers. Consider consulting a dentist or doctor for tips.
- For babies with oral thrush, both mom and baby need to receive treatment. Having the household take preventive measures at the same time is also important.
Its also possible to develop a throat and esophageal yeast infection. Mucocutaneous candidiasis is behind this type of yeast infection. It affects the mucous membranes in the throat and esophagus.
Why Do I Get Yeast Infections Around My Period
You may be more susceptible to yeast infections before, during, or after your period because of hormonal fluctuation. Sometimes, when estrogen levels go back down during menstruation, the yeast infection will clear up. Since hormonal balance can affect the likelihood of getting a yeast infection, its less likely though still possible to get a yeast infection before puberty or after menopause. Risk factors that can lead to a yeast infection include:
- Diabetes and blood sugar levels that are poorly managed
- Higher concentrations of estrogen
- Weakened immune system
- Douching and vaginal sprays
Another Cause Of Yeast Infection Is Stress
This is also very common among women.
When we are stressed, our bodies are more likely to produce certain hormones that are needed for our health.
However, when these hormones start causing infections, you will have a more difficult time fighting off the infection.
These two cases of the infection, stress, and hormones, are both present in women.
They are just two of the many causes of yeast infection.
You will need to look into other causes to help you figure out which ones you should avoid.
One thing that you can look into is whether or not you are allergic to foods that are known to cause infections.
While not all foods will cause an infection, some do.
Some examples of these foods are cheese, most grains, peanuts, and even onions.
There are also some oral drugs that cause yeast infections, especially birth control pills.
These drugs contain synthetic estrogens.
Because the women in these drugs are already having an infection, the infection that is caused by the drugs is worse than the one that you already have.
Once you realize that you have a cause for the infection, you can try and figure out which one is causing it.
For example, did you get stressed before you had your period?
Did you take birth control pills before your period?
All of these factors can cause different issues for your body.
Its important to remember that you shouldnt take things for granted.
You shouldnt think that you are being careless.
Recommended Reading: Does Amoxicillin Help With A Sinus Infection
Prevention Tips For Yeast Infection:
Making a few lifestyle modifications can typically avoid vaginal yeast infections. These modifications may include:
- Do not douchedouching can kill the germs that regulate the fungus.
- Use feminine deodorants as little as possible.
- Using deodorant tampons or pads is not recommended.
- Changing off damp clothing as soon as possible is especially important for bathing suits.
- Using sexual water-based sexual lubricants.
- If you have diabetes, its critical to keep your blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible. Diabetes management can aid in the prevention of vaginal yeast infections.
- A vaginal yeast infection has symptoms that are similar to those of other illnesses. A physical examination by your healthcare professional will answer any queries you may have.
How To Treat Yeast Infection Due To Period
Can I treat a yeast infection during my period? Of course, you can! You dont have to writhe in pain and discomfort when you can easily get rid of the problem with medications.
- You can take over-the-counter medications for yeast infections at home, but most OTC medications are made for treating Candida albicans. If you have some other kind of bacteria, the OTC might prove ineffective.
- Your doctor would recommend some anti-fungal cream, ointments, oral medications, etc.
- Your medications could include:
Also Check: What Helps Infected Tooth Pain
Yeast Infection Treatment: Why Dont Medications Always Help
There is a wide range of creams, suppositories, vaginal pills, and oral medications available for yeast infections.
Many of them are available over the counter. However, despite the availability of treatment options, some people cant get rid of a yeast infection permanently. It may become chronic and recur several times a year.
Here are the most common causes of chronic yeast infection:
- Using medication to eliminate itching and burning that doesnt have an antifungal effect. When buying medications, check the label.
- The antifungal agent is not strong enough, or the fungus species may be resistant to the drug being taken.
- The dosage is not sufficient.
- The infection is secondary to another condition. For example, the vaginal flora hasnt recovered after taking antibiotics.
Therefore, treatment should be carefully selected by a health care provider. This will reduce the risk of chronic infection.
Treating a yeast infection results in relief of symptoms and negative cultures among 8090 percent of patients after treatment is completed, whether administered orally or intravaginally.
If your symptoms are severe, then they may require a long-term antifungal treatment regimen.
Vaginal Ph And Thrush
Some women say that their thrush is the worst when they have their period, or shortly after. This is believed to be related to the change of the pH value within the vaginal cells during menstruation. The pH level is a measure of how acidic or alkaline a substance is with 7 being neutral, less being acidic and more being alkaline.
The normal vaginal pH is maintained in the acidic range around 3.5 â 4.5. Evidence suggests that this low vaginal pH inhibits the growth of Candida, and therefore increases in pH are likely to promote its growth.8
Donât Miss: Is It Normal For My Period To Be Late
You May Like: Does Urgent Care Do Yeast Infections
What Is The Risk Of Yeast Infection From Using A Period Cup Compared To Other Period Products
There are no current studies that have directly compared rates of yeast infection in period cup users compared to tampon or sanitary pad users. However, womens health providers and scientists who study the vaginal ecosystem have a hunch that menstrual cups might keep the vaginal microbiome healthier. Yes, there really are people whose lifes work is studying the vaginal microbiome.
Menstrual cups may be less likely to disrupt the healthy mix of bacteria in your vaginal microbiome. We know that using tampons, especially scented ones, changes that mix of bacteria. The same is true of menstrual sanitary pads but less so. This is because absorbent tampons suck up your good bacteria and pads dont.
Amy Harris is a certified nurse-midwife with more than a decade of clinical experience in reproductive health clinics, hospitals, and private OB/GYN practices. Amy holds a Masters of Science in Maternal and Child Health from Harvard School of Public Health and completed her nursing and midwifery training at Yale School of Nursing and Boston University School of Public Health. Passionate about empowering women through health education, Amy puts her public health training to work as a dedicated womens health writer.
Can The Morning After Pill Cause Thrush
Levonelle and ellaOne 2 types of emergency contraceptive pill both contain progesterone, a synthetic form of the naturally occurring hormone progestin. Whilst research suggests exposure to oestrogen may be a risk factor for thrush, the morning after pill doesnt contain this hormone.
Hormonal changes, such as those experienced during pregnancy, may result in thrush. But as for the possibility of the morning after pill causing thrush? The evidence just isnt there yet.
Recommended Reading: How Long Does Take To Get Rid Of Yeast Infection
Recommended Reading: Can A Yeast Infection Go Away In A Day
How Can I Reduce My Risk Of A Yeast Infection
You can often prevent vaginal yeast infections by making a few lifestyle changes. These changes can include:
- Not douching douching can kill bacteria that actually control fungus.
- Avoiding the use of feminine deodorants.
- Not using scented tampons or pads.
- Changing out of wet clothing, like bathing suits or gym clothes, as soon as you can.
- Wearing cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothes.
- Using water-based sexual lubricants.
- Keeping your blood sugar levels in a normal range if you have diabetes.
The symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection are similar to other conditions. If you have any questions, a physical exam by your healthcare provider will help.
Related: 7 Things Your Ob
The bottom line: Yeast infections are super common and announce themselves with a few distinctive signs. But bacterial vaginosis could easily be mistaken for a yeast infection, as could trichomoniasis, symptoms of which include itching, irritation, and white discharge. If you have a vaginal complaint, its always better to check in with a doctor if you can, rather than seek an internet diagnosis. Thats true whether youre menstruating or not.
You May Like: Urinary Tract Infection Antibiotic Macrobid
Q: Ive Been Getting Recurrent Yeast Infections Usually After My Period Each Month Why Is This Happening And What Can I Do
To help minimize the frequency of your yeast infections , stick to cotton underwear, and stop using products that have been known to cause irritation down there, like perfumed soap, vaginal douches, bath oils, and colored toilet paper. Youâre also a lot more likely to get a yeast infection while using certain antibiotics. If thatâs the case, the infections should subside when you stop taking the medication.
Copyright 2009
Reasons Why You Might Get Recurring Utis
Many women who get a urinary tract infection may get one again at some point in their lives. In fact, one in five women experience recurrent UTIsan infection that occurs two times or more within six months or at least three times in a year. Men can get recurrent UTIs too, but it is not as common and is often due to some type of urinary tract blockage.
You May Like: What Cause Urinary Tract Infection In Male
You May Like: Otc Antibiotics For Tooth Infection
Do Guys Get Yeast Infections
Guys who are not circumcised need to take extra care to clean properly beneath their foreskins. The warm, moist folds of the foreskin are the perfect environment for yeast to thrive. Keeping the area clean and dry may help prevent an infection. If symptoms do show up, a doctor can treat the infection.
How My Uti Story Applies To You
Although I recovered from recurrent urinary tract infections to the point where I no longer had to take medication or supplements to manage my symptoms , this isnt a story about a miracle cure.
There is rarely such a thing when it comes to recurrent UTI. I promise I will provide more insight into what worked for me, but I do want to say this:
Thinking one persons approach will work for everyone else is like saying youve found a single pair of jeans that fits everyone perfectly.
But before you jump to the next blog post promising a 24 hour cure, Ill tell you why this story may apply to you. Its about finding the root cause of your recurrent UTIs, and addressing it.
Only by addressing the root cause of frequent UTIs can you hope to break the cycle of symptoms and treatment. Breaking the cycle will likely mean sacrifices, and this is a story about permanent change for the better.
If there is one piece of advice I will freely give to other recurrent UTI sufferers, its that knowledge is the key to recovery.
Learn everything you can about why UTIs can become recurrent, other causes of lower urinary tract symptoms, and how your overall health can prevent you from getting well. Hopefully, my story will help.
Recommended Reading: What Antibiotic Is Prescribed For Ear Infection
At A Glance: Facts About The Iud
- When inserted correctly, IUDs are more than 99% effective.
- An IUD works as soon as its put in and lasts for 5 to 10 years, depending on the type.
- It can be put in at any time during your menstrual cycle, as long as youre not pregnant.
- It can be taken out at any time by a specially trained doctor or nurse. Its then possible to get pregnant straight away.
- Your periods can be heavier, longer or more painful in the first 3 to 6 months after an IUD is put in. You might get spotting or bleeding between periods.
- Theres a small risk of getting an infection after its been fitted.
- Theres a small risk that your body may push out the IUD or it may move. Your doctor or nurse will teach you how to check its in place.
- It can be uncomfortable when the IUD is put in, but you can take painkillers after, if you need to.
- It may not be suitable if you have had previous pelvic infections.
- It does not protect against sexually transmitted infections , so you may need to use condoms as well.
Im Getting Yeast Infections Every Month Before My Period: Whats The Deal
Not-so-fun fact: Some people are just more prone to yeast infections.
If youre getting them monthly or even every other month, talk with your healthcare provider. Theyll likely perform a pelvic exam and ask about your medical history .
They might also take a swab of vaginal fluid to figure out what strain of fungus is causing your infection. This can seem a bit invasive, but its all part of determining the best treatment plan for you.
Recommended Reading: What Will A Doctor Prescribe For A Sinus Infection
How Can I Treat A Yeast Infection If Im On My Period
Menstruation can sometimes clear up the yeast infection because it raises vaginal pH. Higher vaginal pH can decrease the number of yeast cells. Anti-fungal medication takes many forms, including using a cream or suppository thats applied directly, or you can take a pill orally. You can usually find these medications over-the-counter. You can treat your yeast infection from home with Stix 3-Day Yeast Infection Treatment, which includes 3 vaginal suppositories to treat the infection and external vulvar cream to relieve itching and irritation.yeast-infection-complete-combo
You can choose to adjust your use of sanitary pads, tampons, or menstrual cups while treating a yeast infection. Pads and tampons may not be the underlying cause of your yeast infection, but they can trap extra moisture, contributing to an environment that helps yeast thrive. You can decrease the possibility of a menstrual cup causing infection if you wash your hands before handling the menstrual cup and make sure to sanitize the cup before and after use. It may also be beneficial to change your sanitary product more frequently when you have a yeast infection during your menstrual period.Its not uncommon for yeast infections to be more uncomfortable and harder to manage during your period.
How Is A Yeast Infection Treated
Yeast infections are usually treated with antifungal medicine. See your doctor or nurse to make sure that you have a vaginal yeast infection and not another type of infection.
Your doctor or nurse can also give you a single dose of antifungal medicine taken by mouth, such as fluconazole . If you get more than four vaginal yeast infections a year, or if your yeast infection doesn’t go away after using over-the-counter treatment, you may need to take regular doses of antifungal medicine for up to six months.
Recommended Reading: Wisdom Teeth Removal Infection Symptoms
Treatment Hasnt Fully Cleared The Infection
Treating thrush can clear thrush fully and get rid of any symptoms. Occasionally the infection hasnt completely gone and some of the bacteria that caused the symptoms remain. This can lead to another outbreak.
The infection can live on in the bladder or under nails. From here it can spread to other parts of the body. This can result in recurrent thrush. Thats why its important to wash your hands regularly, watch our hand washing video to find out more.
What Is A Yeast Infection
Yeast infection refers to the excessive growth of a fungus called candida. This fungus is typically found in small amount in the female repductive organ. During a change in the pH, it overgrows leading to an imbalance hence an infection.
- You are most likely to experience a yeast infection before or after your menstruation.
- There are several types of candida fungus the most common causative of yeast infection is called Candida albicans.
A yeast infection is not an STI but is contagious meaning it can be transmitted from one person to another through sex. Additionally, sex may lead to one persons genital fluids reacting with another persons leading to yeast growth.
A yeast infection in the mouth is referred to as thrush. In most cases, oral sex is the culprit for this kind of mouth infection. However, with small children, a yeast infection could be resulting from general reduced body immunity.
Also Check: Does Amoxicillin Treat Kidney Infection