Yeast Infection Every Two Weeks

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Transmitting The Infection Back And Forth

Candida infections can happen on other areas of skin and in the mouth. They can spread via skin-to-skin contact. This is most common between breastfeeding moms and their babies.

The key to prevent recurring transmissions is to make sure both mom and baby are completely cured of yeast infections. You may have to pump your breast milk and bottle-feed while the infections clear up.

Chronic Yeast Infections: Causes Treatments & Prevention Options

Anyone whos experienced the itching, swelling, and vaginal pain of a yeast infection will tell you: One infection is more than enough! Yet some unfortunate individuals experience vaginal yeast infections at least four times a year. Called chronic yeast infection, this womens health condition is not only uncomfortable and may cause embarrassment, it can also make you miss out on life.

Luckily, once you identify whats causing your yeast infections to keep coming back, you can take action to prevent them and return to a fuller, more comfortable life.

In this article, Ill explain what chronic yeast infections are, what causes them, and how to treat and prevent recurring yeast infections. Ill also share when to see a doctor rather than trying to manage the condition yourself.

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Is Having Sex With A Yeast Infection Painful

Yeast infections can be painful. Some women report no pain during sex, but others report that its extremely painful to the point of being unbearable. The amount of discomfort you experience during intercourse depends on how much discharge you have and how much itching, burning and/or irritation you experience. If there is a lot of , if you are experiencing significant itching in your genital area or if there is redness around the vaginal opening, then these symptoms are more likely to cause pain during sexual intercourse.

What can cause recurrent yeast infections and what are some ways to prevent it from reoccurring after sex?

If you have frequent yeast infections, you can help prevent them by taking the following steps:

• Eat a well-balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables.
• Avoid alcohol, sugar and refined carbohydrates.
• Practice good hygiene. This includes regular bathing or showering with a mild soap.
• Changing your undergarments daily and not wearing damp clothes for long periods of time .
• Take probiotics regularly if prescribed by your doctor or pharmacist these are available at most pharmacies without prescription under brand names like Culturelle or Florastor.

Stages Of Healing For Yeast Infections

In most cases, the primary treatment for a yeast infection is an over-the-counter antifungal medication. These are available in oral form or as topical creams, ointments, or suppositories.

An OTC antifungal treatment should begin working within a few days. The symptoms should slowly improve over the course of a week.

Some people may experience recurrent yeast infections, which experts define as more than two yeast infections within a 6-month period. People who experience recurrent infections may need to continue taking antifungal medication for up to 6 months.

For people with a history of recurrent yeast infections, it is important to begin treating the infection as soon as it appears. This will help prevent it from getting worse.

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When To See A Provider

Most yeast infections after sex are easy to treat and do not cause major problems. However, you should talk to your provider if:

• You think you have a yeast infection but youre not sure
• You have a yeast infection for the first time
• Your yeast infection symptoms are not getting better using over-the-counter antifungal medications
• You have three or more yeast infections in less than a year

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.

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How To Stop Recurring Yeast Infections

Management of chronic yeast infections takes a little will-power and perseverance. Lifestyle changes may be warranted, especially if the infection is due to sexual activity or uncontrolled diabetes. Avoiding sexual intercourse while experiencing the symptoms of a yeast infection, and good blood sugar control, may stop recurring yeast infections if these are contributing factors. Homeostasis of healthy bacteria in the vaginal tract may also assist in stopping recurring vulvovaginal candidiasis research suggests that ingestion of probiotics like Lactobacillus rhamnosus can help restore urogenital flora. Other considerations to prevent recurring yeast infections include:

• Complete the full indicated course of medication when treating a yeast infection
• Wear breathable fabrics, like cotton, that wick moisture away from the body to prevent an environment that allows yeast growth to thrive
• Practice good genital hygiene, which includes use of mild and unscented soaps to keep the vaginal area clean while avoiding douches and perfumed sprays, powders, or tampons
• Avoid a diet high in sugar
• Consider addition of probiotics, either in the form of supplementation or by eating yogurt with live bacterial cultures or fermented foods
• Consult with a healthcare provider at the first signs of persistent or recurrent symptoms to rule out alternative diagnoses or design an induction and maintenance regimen

What Are The Symptoms Of A Yeast Infection

The main symptom of a yeast infection is an intense itching and irritation around the vulva and vaginal areas. Other symptoms include:

• Burning pain during intercourse
• A red and swollen vulva
• Stinging or burning while urinating
• Vaginal discharge that resembles cottage cheese
• Vaginal soreness

In some women, particularly those with recurrent infections, the symptoms can be much more severe, causing itching and swelling so intense that it causes sores or tears.

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Stopping The Cycle Of Genital Yeast Infections

The genital area naturally contains Candida. Once this balance is disrupted, though, Candida overgrowth can happen.

For some people, being prone to yeast infections is simply hereditary. Overgrowth of yeast can also happen as a result of:

Genital yeast infections are also more common in people with compromised immune systems and who have diabetes. Sexual activity and high estrogen levels are other risk factors.

There are also studies suggesting chronic yeast infections may be due to hypersensitivity to Candida.

A genital yeast infection can cause burning and itching sensations. You may also notice a red rash, especially around the vulva or anywhere . When you urinate, you may see a cottage cheese-like discharge and feel burning on the surrounding skin.

Over-the-counter suppository medications can usually treat vaginal yeast infections. However, if this is your first yeast infection or first recurring yeast infection, you may want to see your doctor. They can rule out the possibility of other infections.

Once treated, you can help keep genital yeast infections from returning by keeping good hygiene habits and promoting normal vaginal bacterial balance. Here are some tips:

• Wear cotton underwear and loose clothing.
• Take daily showers.

We Offer Complete Gynecological Care During All Stages Of Your Life

Weve treated young women undergoing their first pelvic exam and older women who have entered menopause. Whether youre trying to get pregnant or need help for painful, irregular periods, we consider it a privilege to treat you we have a full scope of gynecological services available to treat you. Weve provided the highest level of care for generations of women. We invite you to see why they have entrusted their care to our wonderful team of compassionate professionals. Contact us to schedule an appointment.

For more than 40 years, Chapel Hill OBGYN has served women in the Triangle area, sharing the joy of little miracles and supporting them during challenges. Our board-certified physicians and certified nurse midwives bring together the personal experience and convenience of a private practice with the state-of-the-art resources found at larger organizations. To schedule an appointment, please contact us for more information.

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When To See A Healthcare Provider

If youre unsure of the symptoms or have never had a yeast infection before, you should definitely see your healthcare provider. This is because many symptoms of a yeast infection overlap with those of other conditions. You should also go to your healthcare provider if you are pregnant and suspect a yeast infection.

Typically, mild yeast infections will clear up within a few days, but some severe cases may take up to two weeks to resolve. If you have mild symptoms of a yeast infection and it is not clearing up after a few weeks of treatment or your symptoms are getting worse, its time to see your healthcare provider.

How To Prevent Yeast Infection

Some ways to prevent yeast infection are:

• taking a balanced diet
• including yogurt in your diet or supplements containing Lactobacillus
• wearing undergarments made with cotton or linen
• washing undergarments in hot water
• avoid wearing tight undergarments
• do not use feminine products that are scented
• avoid wearing wet undergarments
• stay away from taking hot baths regularly

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Heres When You Should See A Doctor

First, in general, you should see a doctor if this is your first time experiencing yeast infection symptoms, if youre not sure you have a yeast infection, or if your symptoms arent going away with the typical over-the-counter antifungal vaginal creams or suppositories that have treated your yeast infections in the past, per the Mayo Clinic.

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Beyond that, if youre dealing with chronic yeast infectionsfour or more a yearits definitely worth talking to your gynecologist so they can help you figure out what might be going on. Like we mentioned earlier, one reason you might be getting recurrent yeast infections could be that yours are caused by an atypical type of fungus, which could require a different type of treatment.

To see whats going on, your doctor will likely take a sample of your vaginal fluid and get it tested to figure out which fungus is to blame for your yeast infections, according to the Mayo Clinic. IDing the fungus is critical because it can help them prescribe more effective treatment so you can kick your chronic yeast infections for good.

What Causes A Yeast Infection

There are several possible causes of a yeast infection, but most are caused by a specific type of fungus called candida albicans. .

In addition, there are situations that put you at greater risk for developing a yeast infection. These include:

• Using antibiotics
• Having a compromised immune system
• Failing to control diabetes
• Increasing estrogen levels, which may be caused by oral contraceptives or hormone therapy
• Being pregnant.

While infections caused by candida albicans are common and generally easy to treat, recurring infections are sometimes caused by a less common fungus, which means well need to provide a more specialized, long-term treatment.

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If I Get A Yeast Infection When Will It Go Away

Mild yeast infections may clear up in as few as three days. Sometimes, they dont even require treatment. However, moderate to severe infections may take one to two weeks to clear.

Over-the-counter treatments and home remedies are often effective for mild infections, but they arent as powerful as prescription options. If you are experiencing any of the scenarios weve listed below, its important to visit your doctor or our AFC center for treatment.

Symptoms Of Vaginal Yeast Infections

Some of the most common symptoms of vaginal yeast infections include:

• itching in the vaginal area
• a burning sensation while peeing or having sex
• pain while having sex
• a rash in the vaginal area

Apart from these, those women that have a yeast infection are also most likely to experience vaginal discharge that is white-grey and looks chunky like cottage cheese. At the same time, some women might also experience vaginal discharge that is more on the watery side.

The symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection are more likely to worsen as time passes that is why immediate medical attention is very important.

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When Should I Contact My Doctor

If you are experiencing the symptoms described in this article, call your doctor now. Yeast infections have similar symptoms of other infections, such as STDs. Proper diagnosis every time you experience these symptoms is vital for the most effective, immediate treatment, or your condition may worsen/not go away.If you see no improvement within three days, or if symptoms worsen or come back after treatment, you should contact your healthcare provider again.

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How To Avoid Frequent Yeast Infections

Yeast infections are not only annoying, they are very common. Three out of four women will have a yeast infection at some point in their lives, and most women experience at least two infections. Those with recurrent infections may experience as many as four or more a year.

Most yeast infections are easily treated. However, for some women, recurrent problems require a more specialized plan of care. In these cases, itching can become so severe that it causes swelling and sores. Weve been very successful at treating these chronic infections and helping women avoid them, said Dr. Anne Martinelli.

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Getting Rid Of The Yeast Infection For Good

Do your yeast infections keep coming back? Have you tried to treat them but it didn’t work? Have you had more than four yeast infections in the last year? If so, don’t try to fight the infections alone! Ask your doctor for help.

Your doctor can help you get rid of stubborn or frequent yeast infections. The first step is to get a proper diagnosis. This is important because what you think is a yeast infection may, in fact, be something else, requiring a different treatment. Some studies showed that over half of women with vaginal irritation misdiagnosed themselves! Or, you might be infected with a particularly stubborn yeast that requires stronger treatment. To diagnose your infection, the doctor will do a physical examination and take a sample of your discharge. Your doctor will also need to know about any medications you may be taking and any health conditions you may have, as these may be increasing your risk of yeast infections.

If your doctor confirms that your current symptoms are due to a yeast infection, the doctor will recommend a medication to get rid of the infection. If you have been having frequent infections, your doctor may recommend that you follow a “maintenance treatment” to prevent the infections from coming back.

Should I Call My Doctor Or Nurse If I Think I Have A Yeast Infection

Yes. Seeing your doctor or nurse is the only way to know for sure if you have a yeast infection and not a more serious type of infection.

The signs and symptoms of a yeast infection are a lot like symptoms of other more serious infections, such as STIs and bacterial vaginosis . If left untreated, STIs and BV raise your risk of getting other STIs, including HIV, and can lead to problems getting pregnant. BV can also lead to problems during pregnancy, such as premature delivery.

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Treatment Of Vaginal Yeast Infections

Treatment of a yeast infection is decided by the doctor based on how severe the symptoms are. Not all yeast infections are the same that is why the doctor might suggest a different treatment for different types of it.

• SIMPLE YEAST INFECTIONS

For simple yeast infections, the doctor might suggest ointments, creams suppositories or pills with antifungal properties. These might be prescribed for 1 to 3 days. Some common medicines for treating simple yeast infections are:

In the case of simple yeast infections, women need to go for follow-ups as well. A follow-up is also necessary if the signs have come back within the period of 2 months. For those that do not want to see a doctor can also go for over the counter medications.

• COMPLICATED YEAST INFECTIONS

Sometimes yeast infections can also be complicated with severe symptoms like:

• if a woman has had four yeast infection in a year
• Candida albicans is responsible for most yeast infections, and if it is not caused by it then it can be termed as complicated
• diabetes that is not controlled
• a weakened immune system
• if it occurs in someone that has HIV or is pregnant

Treatment for complicated yeast infections include:

• antifungal suppository, cream, ointment for a period of two weeks
• doses of fluconazole for two to three times
• fluconazole as a long term treatment method usually recommended for six weeks
• topical application of antifungal medicines again for long term use