Do Urinary Antiseptics Work
Melissa: Okay sure. And what about Hiprex? Whats your opinion on that and do you ever use it in your practice?
Dr. Hlavinka: I like what we call the urinary antiseptics and the reason I like them is that they have a nifty little way of getting in the bladder and in the urine without causing any interactions in the bloodstream. So theyre inert in the bloodstream and in the kidney but in the urinary tract, on the lining layer, they go to town.
And so thats good because theyre also sort of a bacterial suppressant. Chemically, they inhibit the growth of the bacteria so it dies and to me thats very important because that keeps you having your full armamentarium of antibiotics. You dont create resistance that way. Now can patients become resistant? Sure. Sure they can, but thats through a different mechanism
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How Can We Support Recovery From Uti And Bv Or Yeast Infection
Melissa: Right, definitely. And thats kind of the next question: What can you do to support that recovery? But youre suggesting that you should really start that immediately, not wait until you start to have symptoms again.
Dr. Hlavinka: My patients, forgive me for interrupting, Melissa. My patients get a prescription for high-dose probiotics and specifically how to take them. With the same prescription they get a dietary handout that shows them what to avoid that may cause problems with the antibiotics.
Were very specific about how to take the antibiotics with other food, so you dont have an interaction or diminishment in absorption. How to take them with the timing with the probiotics.
What to do for vaginal health during that time. What you can do to support vaginal health during that time. All those things we send them out at the same time.
How Do You Treat Thrush
There are a few options for thrush treatment, and you can even use some of them at the same time to fight the infection and the symptoms at the same time.
The oral tablets normally contain the active ingredient fluconazole, an antifungal ingredient which works to clear the infection from the inside out.
The external creams, internal creams, and pessaries often use the active ingredient clotrimazole, another antifungal ingredient which helps to ease your symptoms while helping to cure the infection.
You can use both of these options at the same time, for a two-pronged approach thats really effective.
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Video 6 Transcript: Uti And Bv Yeast Infection And Other Risk Factors
Melissa: Maybe you can talk a little bit about breaking the cycle of a UTI, followed by antibiotics, followed by a yeast infection, followed by a UTI again. People just get stuck in this cycle and dont know how to treat what, and if they can ever break it.
Dr. Hlavinka: Thats a very good question and one for whom I find a very frequent source of referrals from all sorts of female health care providers.
And its because no one really wants to take the trouble to break that cycle. No one wants to take the trouble to just put the brakes on and see where you are. Stop everything and be able to kind of dial back and see what you really need.
And even in a young woman, particularly young women on oral contraceptives. We spoke about that last time the impact of the anti-estrogenic effects of oral contraceptives. Even in young women on oral contraceptives, many times you may have to do a vaginal estrogen supplementation.
How To Prevent Bv And Thrush
There are lifestyle changes you can make to help prevent BV and thrush, but if you do get a vaginal infection, you need to take your treatment if it is prescribed, to stop the infection from coming back. Some women are more likely to get thrush or BV again, which is known as a recurrent infection. Speak to your doctor if you get BV or thrush that keeps coming back.
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How To Prevent Bv
To help prevent BV and relieve its symptoms, you can:
- take showers instead of baths
- avoid using perfumed soaps, shower gel, shampoo, or bubble bath
- only use water and plain soap when washing your genital area
- avoid using strong washing detergents to wash your underwear
- avoid putting antiseptic liquids in your bath
- not use vaginal douches, washes, or deodorants
- avoid sex until you have finished treatment
Do You Have Bv Or Thrush
If youre not sure whether you have BV or thrush just from looking at lists of symptoms there are a couple of other things you can consider.
If youre feeling sore, itchy, or experience a burning sensation, you probably have thrush rather than BV.
BV doesnt typically cause any pain or irritation, whereas thrush is particularly noticeable because of those irritating symptoms.
If your vaginal discharge is greyish or watery youre probably dealing with BV, but if its white and looks a bit like cottage cheese youre dealing with thrush.
If youre noticing a strong fishy smell, then you probably have BV, as thrush rarely causes a strong smell.
No matter what youre dealing with, get yourself to a doctor for a formal diagnosis so you know that youre getting the right treatment for your infection.
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Antibiotics Are Used To Treat Bv
An antibiotic called metronidazole can be used to treat the infection. If your doctor prescribes metronidazole you will need to:
- Take the antibiotic twice a day for seven days.
- Take the tablets after meals this can reduce the nausea and upset stomach that is sometimes associated with metronidazole.
- Avoid drinking alcohol during treatment.
When Is It Time To See Your Medical Professional
Its important to contact your doctor at the first sign of unusual symptoms. Some things to look out for include any strange discharge , any strange odors , and any vaginal redness, itching, irritation, or burning. Since BV isnt always symptomatic, its a good idea to have a positive, supportive relationship with your doctor of choice to ensure youre getting the regular vaginal care you need.
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Do I Have Bv Or A Yeast Infection
Bacterial vaginosis and vaginal yeast infections are the most common forms of vaginitis affecting women on a regular basis. The symptoms can be similar, so its often hard to tell the difference, but it is important to know which one you have. Why? Because the two infections are caused by different things, and have different treatments.Thats right: Medicine that works for BV wont clear a yeast infection, and medicine that works for a yeast infection wont touch BV. Many women who try to self-diagnose wind up treating the wrong thing and allowing the real infection to get worse. If you have any kind of vaginitis, your best bet is to go to your doctor and let them help you pinpoint what you really have and how to treat it.
Can You Have Bv And Thrush At The Same Time
Yes, you can have BV and thrush at the same time. Your doctor will review your symptoms, which can determine which infection you have. If they are not sure, they can recommend a vaginal swab test, which can be tested for BV and thrush. It is uncommon to have both infections at the same time, but if you do, you can be treated for both.
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Yeast Infectionsymptoms In Women
Although many women wonder if they are carrying a yeast infection, there is no doubt that they feel its presence.
Yeast infections are difficult to diagnose.
Because its very easy to overhype the symptoms and mistake them for something else.
However, there are some yeast infection symptoms that are generally present in most cases of yeast infections.
Women who are diagnosed with a vaginal infection or candidiasis often have to contend with a host of other bacterial vaginosis-related symptoms.
However, the majority of women report that sexual intercourse helps to alleviate the symptoms.
Its also important to note that if a woman has no indication that she has an infection, the symptoms often do not present themselves and are considered to be a sign of something else entirely.
BV vs Yeast Infection
Vaginal Discharge
Women often complain of a white cheesy or yeasty discharge.
Most women describe it as having a sour smell and do not have a consistency of any kind.
The discharge will appear within two weeks after a yeast infection begins and last about four to six weeks.
BV vs Yeast Infection
Most women report having extremely uncomfortable itching during the first few days of their infection.
They also report that the pain is sharp and severe.
However, many women find that once they return to their normal level of activity, the itching subsides.
And they can continue with their daily activities.
And discuss whether or not there is a need for further testing or evaluation.
How Do I Know If I Have Bv Or A Yeast Infection
BV can be confused for a yeast infection. But while its true that they are similar below-the-belt issues, theyre ultimately different conditions with slightly different symptoms. First, lets talk discharge: BV causes a watery grayish discharge while a yeast infection causes a white, thick discharge. Odor is also really critical, Dr. Streicher says. There is a very specific fishy odor that generally goes along with BV. You might notice a slight odor with a yeast infection, she says, but its not foul like the one that accompanies BV.
So, if your discharge is watery as opposed to white and thick, and smells like Pike Place Market on an August afternoon, its probably BV, and not a yeast infection. But you know what we always say, Dr. Streicher says. If youre not sure, you should go to the doctor.
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Can You Treat Bv And Yeast Infection At Same Time
Learning how to treat BV and a yeast infection at the same time can make all the difference in the world.
This is because if you do not treat the problem at the same time you run the risk of your infection from returning.
So learning how to treat BV and a yeast infection at the same time will keep the problem at bay.
And make sure that you dont have to deal with it again for some time.
The first thing you want to try is what we call the yogurt approach.
bv vsYeast infection
This is where you take one or two drops of yogurt and apply them directly to the area that you have a yeast infection.
It should have a healing effect in its own right on the area.
And you will be able to see the progress of the infection slowing down and in turn, it will be easier to manage it.
Another way to help treat BV and a yeast infection at the same time is to use an
Take a cup of apple cider vinegarand place it in a warm bath for fifteen minutes.
Make sure to get out of the bath at the end of the time.
After the ten minutes up just rinse your body with warm water and pat dry.
A fourth tip on how to treat BV and a yeast infection at the same time is to always use an anti-fungal cream as a preventative measure.
This is because the cream prevents the growth of the fungi.
And if you already have one it can help you get rid of it.
You can also use boric acid tablets to treat the symptoms of yeast infection.
They are antifungal and have been used for a long time and are very effective.
You Can Prevent Or Minimize Yeast Overgrowth Via Lifestyle Changes
The more we know about the relationships between yeast and bacteria, the more were aware that lifestyle can play a huge part. Women who eat more processed foods and/or sugary foods are more likely to experience yeast infections because yeast love sugar too!
Similarly, women who have been on antibiotics or use anti-bacterial soap may suffer from yeast blooms more frequently because these products kill the good bacteria as well as the bad, making it easy for the yeast to take over. Dont take an antibiotic unless you absolutely need it, and minimize the use of antibacterial products. In most cases, warm water and regular soap works just fine.
Other things that can help prevent yeast infections and vaginal irritation:
- Minimizing fragranced or perfumed body products, soaps and detergents
- Wearing no underwear or underwear that is 100% cotton for breathability
- Minimizing time spent in tight fitting garments
- Consuming food products that contain probiotics, like yogurt, kefir, naturally fermented foods, kombucha tea, organic apple cider vinegar.
- Be mindful of the connection between new products and vaginal itchiness because sometimes its as simple as an allergy or sensitivity to certain product ingredients.
Read our post on , which includes additional tips that can prevent yeast infections or general vaginal discomfort.
Think you might be suffering from a yeast infection? Schedule a visit with us here at Overlake so we can confirm it and get you back to comfort!
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Management Of Sex Partners
Data from earlier clinical trials indicate that a womans response to therapy and the likelihood of relapse or recurrence are not affected by treatment of her sex partner . Therefore, routine treatment of sex partners is not recommended. However, a pilot study reported that male partner treatment of women with recurrent BV had an immediate and sustained effect on the composition of the vaginal microbiota, with an overall decrease in bacterial diversity at day 28 . Male partner treatment also had an immediate effect on the composition of the penile microbiota however, this was not as pronounced at day 28, compared with that among women. A phase 3 multicenter randomized double-blinded trial evaluating the efficacy of a 7-day oral metronidazole regimen versus placebo for treatment of male sex partners of women with recurrent BV did not find that male partner treatment reduced BV recurrence in female partners, although women whose male partners adhered to multidose metronidazole were less likely to experience treatment failure .
Ways To Naturally Treat And Prevent Bv And Yeast Infections
Over the years Ive seen many patients who get recurrent BV Infections and/or Yeast Infections. BV is actually much more common, making up the majority of all vaginal infections. It can be asymptomatic in many cases, but can also result in unusual discharge or a fishy odor. Yeast Infections are an overgrowth of Candida albicans yeast. They make up only 33% of all vaginal infections. The major symptoms are clumpy white discharge, itching, pain and irritation during sex. It is very important that neither type of infection go untreated- both can lead to PID , increased susceptibility to STDs, and in pregnancy, untreated BV can result in pre-term birth and low birth weight.
Prevention and Maintenance of Health:
Why Do These Infections Happen?
The Vicious Cycle
What do I do About it?
Treatment Options:
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Can A Yeast Infection Go Away On Its Own
The chances for a yeast infection going away on its own is very slim.
And likewise dangerous to your health.
Couple with the fact that the time and pain that one goes through before it goes does not worth it.
Compare to it been treated on time.
Although condition varies, depending on how severe the infection is.
This could be either be mild, moderate or chronic.
But in general, most yeast infection goes away within one week if properly treated and curbed from returning.
So, for mild yeast infection, it may go away on its own due to immune balances.
But if left untreated it will make the carrier to be uncomfortable.
And can cause discharge and burning, but the most case does not cause permanent damage.
And let me drop a sound warning here to expectant women who want to get pregnant and are infected.
Please make sure you treat your yeast infection because it can delay or prevent pregnancy.
Reason being that it affects the pH of the vaginal secretions.
Whats The Difference Between A Yeast Infection And Bacterial Vaginosis
Infectious Diseases, Women’s Health
Sometimes vaginitisor vaginal inflammationcan be so mild you may not think anything out of the norm is happening. Other times, vaginitis is accompanied by pain and discomfort, which may point to a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis.
The problem? Both issues share common symptoms, which can make it hard to distinguish which one you are experiencing.
Rachel Urrutia, MD, an OB-GYN at UNC Medical Center and assistant professor at the UNC School of Medicine, explains the difference between the two and when you should see a doctor.
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