How Can I Prevent Vaginal Yeast Infections
You often can prevent vaginal yeast infections by making a few lifestyle changes. These changes can include:
- Not douchingdouching can kill bacteria that actually controls fungus.
- Avoiding the use of feminine deodorants.
- Not using deodorant tampons or pads.
- Changing out of wet clothing, especially bathing suits, as soon as you can.
- Using water-based sexual lubricants.
If you have diabetes, it is important to keep your blood sugar level as close to normal as possible. Controlling your diabetes can help prevent vaginal yeast infections.
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.
You May Be At Risk For Cervical Cancer
Abnormal vaginal bleeding is one of the earliest indicators of cervical cancer.
HPV the leading cause of cervical cancer can cause mutations in the cells in the lining of the cervix. These abnormal cervical cells can cause you to bleed after sex.
“If someone presents with the complaint of postcoital, or post-sex, bleeding, one of the first things we do is check their pap smear history and make sure they are up to date with cervical cancer screening,” says Bowman.
Quick tip: Most people with vaginas should get a pap smear every 3 to 5 years once they turn 21.
Heres What To Do If You Experience Bleeding During A Yeast Infection
Vaginal yeast infections are unpleasant, to say the least. The most common symptoms of a yeast infection are itching, burning, and a white discharge thats often compared to cottage cheese. According to Tejumola Adegoke, MD MPH, assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the Boston University School of Medicine, some people also experience swelling and redness around the vulva, vaginal dryness, and discomfort during sex. But what about bleeding? Is it common to bleed during a yeast infection, and at what point does it become cause for concern? POPSUGAR asked the experts.
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It’s A Birth Control Side Effect
One of the main perks of hormonal birth control is its ability to regulate your cycle. But “any type of hormonal contraceptive can lead to spotting after intercourse,” says Dr. Mahnert. Typically, you’d notice this when you start a new pill, for example it can take a few months for your body to adjust to it.
Vaginal Bleeding With A Yeast Infection
By | Submitted On August 05, 2009
When you have symptoms of excessive yeast in your body, Yeast infection bleeding can occur. Yeast is actually a fungus that is located in the body of humans – and is produced naturally. When yeast increases and multiplies, this causes an imbalance in the body. Ways that yeast can get out of control in the body include the overuse of steroids or antibiotics – both drugs that destroy ‘good bacteria’ that work to keep the body in a natural balance. When the yeast is not in balance, it multiplies and wreaks havoc on your body.
If you are experiencing vaginal bleeding due to a yeast infection, you should change the current candida infection treatment that you are using. Opt to use natural remedies that do not aggravate the sores and blisters, instead of potentially harsh creams and solutions.
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You Have Bacterial Vaginosis Or A Yeast Infection
These two infections are so common it’s estimated that three out of four women will experience at least one in her lifetime. “Any kind of infection can cause inflammation and irritation, which can result in bleeding” during sex, says Dr. Mahnert.
That said, bleeding isn’t the most common symptom with bacterial vaginosis or a yeast infection. They’re typically characterized by changes in the color or odor of vaginal discharge as well as vaginal discomfort like prolonged itching, she explains. “But if the cervix is infected and becomes inflamed , there could be some small amounts of blood seen after sex, due to the rubbing,” says Dr. Gersh.
Can I Use Over
Sometimes you can treat a vaginal yeast infection with over-the-counter medicines. However, you may want to avoid this if you arent completely sure that its actually a yeast infection. It is usually best to talk to your healthcare provider and make sure you are getting the right treatment for the condition.
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It’s A Sign Of A Fibroid
Your uterus is made up of glandular and muscular tissue, and a fibroid is a benign overgrowth of that muscular tissue. A fibroid can be as small as a pea or larger than a grapefruit, and it typically grows out of the uterine wall from a stalk. “More than 75% of women will have fibroids at some point in their reproductive years,” says Dr. Mahnert. Most women will never even know if they have one, though. And if one is diagnosed, most of the time, no treatment is necessary.
Problems can arise if a fibroid grows too large. Should that happen, your doctor may want to discuss treatment options, like removing it during surgery. Where exactly the fibroid is also plays a role in triggering bleeding. “Fibroids can cause bleeding when they are all or partially within the uterine cavity,” says Dr. Gersh. “They have a lot of blood to them and with the bouncing movements of sex, they can begin to bleed.”
Preventing Bleeding During A Yeast Infection
Preventing irritation and bleeding from yeast infections involves avoiding the initial infection in the first place.
Preventive measures may include:
- Wearing underwear made with breathable materials such as cotton, especially during the hotter months
- Not wearing tight clothing, especially trousers, shorts and leggings
- Properly rinsing intimate areas after using the toilet
- Properly wiping yourself dry after using the toilet
- Keeping your blood sugar and urinary sugar at healthy levels
- Avoiding the use of perfumed or chemically formulated vaginal sprays, wipes and douches
Take note, however, that not all methods of prevention may be successful, depending on your anatomy, the general state of your health and your personal hygiene habits.
Doctors caution against self-diagnosis. King said yeast infections may be confused with other vaginal infections, such as bacterial vaginosis, when self-diagnosis occurs, and the treatments are very different. The sooner treatment takes place, the sooner symptoms can resolve.
“Occasionally, I’ve seen women present with a more extreme clinical presentation that includes spotting. The spotting in and of itself is simply a sequela of the yeast infection. The main concern is ensuring that the patient is treated and, ultimately, has symptom relief,” King said.
The most important action you can take is to call your doctor and set up an appointment. They can prescribe treatment that will have you feeling better in no time.
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Defining A Yeast Infection
Infections can arise when there is a disruption in vaginal pH or a shift in the vaginal flora, according to Kiarra King, M.D., an OB-GYN in Chicago. In general, thankfully, yeast infections are easy to diagnose.
Given how fungus multiplies in hot, moist areas, yeast infections are more common during the warmer months. But they may also be caused by any of the following:
- Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during menstruation, pregnancy and the menopausal transition
- Being on a regimen of antibiotics, steroids or other medications
- Having type 1 or type 2 diabetes
- Having a weakened immune system
- As a natural reaction to another person’s physical chemistry during intercourse
Vaginal Acetic And Lactic Acid
Treatment with acetic and lactic acid gels aims to keep the vaginal pH at less than 4.5, to encourage lactobacilli to grow, and to discourage anaerobic bacteria from growing. Some studies have suggested that long-term use of vaginal acidifiers of this type reduces recurrences of BV. However, other studies suggest that this treatment, whilst harmless, is not effective.
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How Are Vaginal Yeast Infections Diagnosed
If your daughter has any symptoms of a yeast infection like itchiness or abnormal vaginal discharge she should see her doctor or gynecologist. Other infections can cause similar symptoms but require different treatments.
The doctor might take a urine sample to rule out a urinary tract infection and swab some vaginal discharge to examine under a microscope.
Menopause And Hormone Replacement Therapy
Menopause is when you permanently stop getting your period, but it doesnât happen overnight. You may have symptoms for years. A common one is light, irregular bleeding, which might seem like bloody discharge.
Thereâs another reason why women in the early stages of menopause often have unusual vaginal bleeding. Some of them take hormone replacement therapy to control their symptoms. HRT is a common cause of uterine bleeding.
Donât assume that any blood you see is due to changes in your body as you near menopause or any medicine you take. Itâs better to play it safe and call your doctor, especially since endometrial and uterine cancer are more common in older women than younger ones.
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Antibiotics For Bacterial Vaginosis
Oral antibiotics are the first-choice treatment in pregnant women with BV.
Metronidazole tabletsA full course of metronidazole tablets is the common treatment. Metronidazole is an antibiotic. This clears BV in most cases. It is important to read the leaflet that comes with these tablets for the full list of possible side-effects and cautions. The main points to note about metronidazole include:
- The usual dose is 400-500 mg twice a day for 5-7 days. A single dose of 2 grams of metronidazole is an alternative, although this may be less effective and may cause more side-effects. It is important to finish the course you have been prescribed, and not to miss any tablets.
- Some people feel sick or may be sick when they take metronidazole. This is less likely to occur if you take the tablets straight after food. A metallic taste is also a common side-effect.
- Do not drink any alcohol while taking metronidazole, nor for 48 hours after stopping treatment. The interaction of metronidazole with alcohol can cause severe sickness and vomiting, and may also cause flushing and an increased pulse rate.
- Metronidazole can get into breast milk in small amounts but will not harm your baby, although it may make the milk taste different. The manufacturer recommends that if you are breastfeeding you should take the 5- to 7-day lower dose course of metronidazole rather than the single large dose.
Is There A Test For Bacterial Vaginosis
If you are in a stable, long-term relationship, your doctor or nurse may be happy to diagnose BV just by its typical symptoms.
The typical discharge and its characteristic fishy smell make BV likely. When your doctor examines you they may be able to identify BV from the appearance of the discharge.
There are some tests that can help to confirm the diagnosis. Also, if you are pregnant, it is important to make an accurate diagnosis of any unusual vaginal discharge so that any infection can be treated effectively. The tests include:
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You Have A Yeast Infection
A yeast infection can cause bleeding from your vaginal wall and mingle with the white stuff to create pink discharge.
The takeaway? If your pink discharge is not what’s normal for you, it’s best to speak to your GP, especially if you don’t think you fall into any of the categories above or if youve also been experiencing pain during sex, lower back pain, an increased need to wee or blood in your urine or poo.
Can Bacterial Vaginosis Be Prevented
The following are thought to help prevent some episodes of BV. The logic behind these tips is to try not to upset the normal balance of germs in the vagina:
- Do not add bath oils, antiseptics, scented soaps, perfumed bubble bath, shampoos, etc, to bath water.
- Do not use strong detergents to wash your underwear.
- Don’t use perfumed ‘intimate hygiene’ products.
- Using a condom and/or a water-based lubricant during intercourse may help protect you.
- Avoid thongs and tight nylon tights.
- Have showers rather than baths.
- Lighter periods seem to make BV less likely to return, so if you have heavy periods and were considering seeking treatment, this might be another reason to do so.
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Bleeding During A Yeast Infection
It is important to note that candidiasis is an inflammatory condition that can lead to pain, swelling and a small amount of bleeding. While it’s not one of the more common symptoms of candidiasis, minor bleeding does occur in some cases. It usually happens because of minute cuts, tears or even sores in the vaginal tissue resulting from the infection. In addition, minor bleeding typically happens in women who frequently suffer yeast infections.
“Many women will experience vaginal itching or burning, clumpy, white discharge and, occasionally, vaginal spotting,” King said. “For some, yeast can cause cervicitis, or irritation of the cervix. This can lead to spotting or light vaginal bleeding. Spotting may also be due to vulvar irritation as a result of scratching.”
Should you worry about bleeding? The answer largely depends on how much bleeding you’re experiencing.
Most gynecologists agree that seeing very small amounts of blood after wiping shouldn’t worry you. Faint streaks or spots should not cause any alarm, confirmed Laura Downing, M.D., an OB-GYN in Austin, Texas.
However, if the bleeding is significantly heaviersay, period levels of bloodyou should immediately consult your gynecologist to check if the yeast infection has worsened or if the bleeding is from a different condition.
Can A Yeast Infection Cause Bleeding During Pregnancy
During Pregnancy the changes occur in our body may create a very horrible threat in our mind, the severe threat is cramping and bleeding. During the early stages of pregnancy, it is possible that a woman will have an episode or two of light spotting or bleeding, and this may be accompanied by mild menstrual-type cramping pain. Beyond this, however, menstrual-type cramps during pregnancy are not generally considered normal and can be a sign of a problem.
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Ask The Doctor: Can I Get A Yeast Infection After Menopause
Q.I am 65 and recently developed a yeast infection. Aren’t these infections unusual in postmenopausal women?
A. Vaginal yeast infection occurs at least once in about 75% of women. You are correct that yeast infections are not as common after menopause, but they still account for some cases of vaginitis . An overgrowth of the microorganism Candida albicans is usually responsible.
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What Do Yeast Infection Sores Look Like
Blisters and sores are both possible symptoms of a yeast infection. A sore is defined as a raw or painful spot. A blister is defined as small bubble of skin thats filled with either fluid or air. You can determine which you have by examining the area closely.
Yeast infection sores can look extremely similar to sores from other conditions such as herpes. A yeast infection sore is usually accompanied by a rash and redness of your skin. These sores may appear anywhere.
If the sores are only located in the genital area, you should consult a doctor to check if you may have a sexually transmitted infection .
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It Could Be A Sign Of Miscarriage
This is unlikely, but it’s important to be aware. Not all miscarriages present themselves in the form of heavy bleeding, and, according to Dr Datta, for some women, one could look more like pink discharge underlining the importance of always making the time to get checked out during pregnancy if you’re worried about any new signs or sensations. If you are concerned, contact your midwife or doctor.
Does Yogurt Prevent Or Treat Yeast Infections
Maybe. Studies suggest that eating eight ounces of yogurt with “live cultures” daily or taking Lactobacillus acidophilus capsules can help prevent infection.4,5
But, more research still needs to be done to say for sure if yogurt with Lactobacillus or other probiotics can prevent or treat vaginal yeast infections. If you think you have a yeast infection, see your doctor or nurse to make sure before taking any over-the-counter medicine.
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Can Medications Cause Vaginal Bleeding
Some medications, such as anticoagulants can make you more likely to bleed. If you are taking an anticoagulant and are experiencing vaginal bleeding, you should speak to your doctor right away. Do not stop taking any prescribed medication unless instructed to do so by your doctor.
Hormone replacement therapy after menopause can sometimes cause irregular bleeding. This is not a cause for concern and should settle down after several months.
Abnormal vaginal bleeding is also common when you start using hormonal contraception . If it does not go away or is bothering you, talk to your doctor.
Abnormal bleeding can also occur when you change or stop your hormonal contraception.