How Yeast Infection Can Affect Your Periods
Vaginal yeast infection is a fungal infection that can cause a delay in the period due to hormonal imbalances in the womans body. When the period does not arrive on the expected day and, in addition, you suffer from this type of vaginal infection, it is common to think that this condition may be responsible for the delay and to find the appropriate response, it is first essential to pay attention to the symptoms that are presented and, second, assess whether the menstrual delay may be due to pregnancy or another cause since these can be very diverse. In this FastlyHealarticle, we explain the symptoms of vaginal yeast infections and how they should be treated and answer the question: can yeast infection delay menstruation?
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
Yeast Infection And Menstruation
Candidiasis may erupt during menstruation. In this case, it is essential to use the most breathable underwear as well as see to adequate hygiene. However, the lower end must not be washed and scrubbed too much, so washing with water or a mild detergent with a pH less than 7 is good to remember. Often, however, plain water is best.
During infection, the use of menstrual pads and panty liners should be avoided, because they do not breathe, and thus poach the lower end promoting the growth of yeast. The cup is the best menstrual protection with the yeast infection, as it allows the lower end to breathe and does not disturb the natural moisture balance.
If the infection is internal and the yeast medicine cannot be orally taken or a vaginal suppository in addition to the pill has been prescribed, it should be used in the evenings. In this case, the use of a tampon or cup is not recommended but as menstrual protection cotton pads can be used since they protect and allow the bottom end to breathe. A yeast infection can also affect a man, so if there is a yeast infection going on, it is recommended to use condoms when having sex.
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The Symptoms And The Cause Of A Yeast Infection
Since the symptoms of yeast infection are also similar to many other diseases, such as sexually transmitted diseases or infections, over-the-counter medication should be carefully considered, especially if the yeast infection occurs for the first time. Also, people under 16 and over 60 years of age should see a doctor in case of symptoms.
What Are Its Symptoms
Usually, the symptoms associated with a yeast infection may not be present in everyone, and they may overlap with those of other illnesses. You should visit your doctor for an accurate diagnosis if you experience any signs of it. Self-treating a yeast infection may be the easy way out, but if your symptoms are linked with another ailment, self-treating might cause more harm than good.
Symptoms of a yeast infection include:
- Inflammation and itching in the vaginal region
- Burning sensations during sexual intercourse or urination
- A thick white discharge
- A rash on or inside the vaginal canal.
- Vaginal discomfort or pain
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How To Know If You Have A Yeast Infection: What Else Could It Be
If youve recently been on antibiotics, chances are that your clumpy discharge, itching, and burning is a yeast infection. But if you have symptoms and you dont have a classic cause, you should see your health care professional for a definite diagnosis.
There are other conditions that cause similar symptoms:
- Vulval dermatitis Caused by an allergic reaction or an irritant, symptoms include chronic itching and a rash.
- Genital herpes A sexually transmitted infection, it can cause blistering and ulceration of the skin and be itchy and painful.
- Bacterial vaginosis This is the most common vaginal infection, and its caused by a bacterium rather than a fungus. The main symptom is a strong-smelling grayish, thin vaginal discharge.
- Lichen sclerosis Most common in postmenopausal people, this is a skin condition, not an infection, that can cause itching, redness, and pain.
- Urinary tract infections Symptoms include pelvic pain and a frequent need to urinate. The burning sensation with urination may be similar to a yeast infection.
- Lichen simplex chronicus This is caused by persistent itching and scratching unrelated to an infection. Scratching can make itching worse, and over time, the skin can become chronically irritated, red, swollen, and itchy.
All of these conditions can and should be treated so whether its a yeast infection or something else, you owe it to yourself to get the right diagnosis and medication.
Why Yeast Infections Are Common Following Your Period
The same research review above showed that hormone fluctuations can also disrupt the delicate balance of your vaginal microbiome. Thats why some folks are at a higher risk for yeast infections. Some factors that raise your risk, include:
- taking hormonal birth control with higher estrogen
- receiving postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy
Cyclical yeast infections occur when estrogen surges between ovulation and menstruation. Then, the symptoms resolve when the period starts. But people have their unique microbiomes, and hormonal imbalance could be a perfect environment for yeast overgrowth following your period.
Theres one more reason a yeast infection is more likely to occur after your period. One study showed that douching after your period could throw your vag out of whack and trigger a yeast infection.
FYI Recurrent yeast infections are associated with yeast strains that are resistant to common antifungals .
A general practitioner or OB-GYN can diagnose a yeast infection . Prepare to give them a rundown of your symptoms.
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How To Prevent And Treat Yeast Infections
If youâve never had a yeast infection before or your over-the-counter treatment doesnât improve your symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor. Also, a heads up: While you can find a million and one natural remedies out there, such as coconut oil, garlic, and even tea tree cream, you should definitely talk to your doctor before trying anything of the sort. The same goes for essential oils, which can be super-irritating to some skin types, especially if theyâre not diluted correctly. They arenât nearly as effective or reliable as the standard, doc-approved treatments for yeast infections, if at all – and if you donât actually have a yeast infection, then they definitely wonât help.
In the meantime, you can prevent yeast infections in a few ways:
- If you have vaginal discharge thatâs not related to your period, donât use a tampon to absorb it. A pantyliner is your best bet.
- Wear cotton underwear, which helps with air circulation and can help keep vaginal yeast from over-growing.
- Stay away from scented soaps and bath salts, as they could irritate the sensitive vaginal tissue.
- Donât use vaginal washes or douches, since theyâre not supposed to be used when you have an infection.
- Change out of wet or sweaty clothes once youâre done swimming or working out, since moisture can aid yeast growth. Thanks, but no thanks.
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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.
Can A Yeast Infection Delay My Period
Asked by Melbug18
Can A Yeast Infection Delay My Period?
I am on Tri-Nesa 28 for birth control. I always start my period the Monday after the active pills run out. I developed a yeast infection and am now two days late. Is it common for an active yeast infection to delay or stop my period? I’ve already taken a pregnancy test that was negative, but I heard they are not always accurate that soon.
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Heres How To Help Prevent Yeast Infections
- Change out of wet swimsuits and exercise clothes as soon as you can
- Avoid scented hygiene products like bubble bath, sprays, pads, and tampons
- Change tampons and pads often during your period
- Avoid tight underwear or clothes made of synthetic fibers
- Wear cotton underwear and pantyhose with a cotton crotch
- If you keep getting yeast infections, be sure and talk with your doctor
How To Prevent Yeast Infections During Pregnancy
While you cant control your hormones , you can take a few steps to prevent yeast infections during pregnancy. Some tactics to try:
- Try sleeping without underwear or pajama bottoms at night to allow for increased air flow.
- Take showers instead of baths .
- Avoid sitting around in a wet bathing suit.
- After showering or swimming, make sure your genital area is completely dry before putting on your underwear and clothes.
- Take antibiotics only when prescribed by your doctor and use them exactly as directed.
Adding yogurt containing live probiotic cultures might also help to keep symptoms at bay, and you can ask your doctor whether they recommend a probiotic supplement.
Some women with chronic yeast infections also find it helpful to cut back on foods that feed yeast, such as sugar and baked goods that are made with refined flour.
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When To See A Health Care Professional About Yeast Infections
If you have recurrent yeast infections, talk with your primary care provider about your symptoms. There could be an underlying cause such as diabetes or a yeast strain thats resistant to treatment. Other conditions, including bacterial vaginosis and some sexually transmitted infections, have overlapping symptoms, so it may be beneficial to see your doctor for an accurate diagnosis and to prevent further complications.
Its recommended to contact your primary care provider if over-the-counter treatment isnt helping or if you have recurring yeast infections that are resistant to treatment.
Treatment For Your Yeast Infection
For the treatment of vaginal yeast infection, vaginal suppositories and oral pills on prescription and non-prescription can be found in pharmacies. Vaginal suppositories are used for 1-3 days, even during menstruation. A variety of creams can handle itching of the vulva area. Asymptomatic inflammatory yeast does not need to be treated.
For self-treatment good personal hygiene and a low sugar diet are of paramount importance, because yeast feeds on sugar. Poorly breathable menstrual pads, panty liners and synthetic fibrous underwear poach the lower end, and the yeast gets a favorable moist substrate.
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Does The Menstrual Cup Cause Vaginal Infections
In recent years the use of the menstrual cup has become more and more popular.
Among the reasons that bring the menstrual cup to stardom were its economic, ecological, and health benefits. However, along with its popularity, it was also accompanied by a series of myths: such as, for example, that using a menstrual cup could cause vaginal yeast infections.
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Yeast Infection & Your Period
Hormones rise and fall during a given month. Their levels are lowest right before and during your period. Hormones affect the vaginal microbiomethe population of bacterial speciesprimarily lactobacillus. Low estrogen levels encourage a slight shift in the pH and microbiome which could trigger a yeast infection. So, itching might start before the menses and never quite develop into a full-blown infection or a yeast infection can occur before, during, or after ones period.
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What Is Bacterial Vaginosis
Because bacterial vaginosis is caused by bacteria and not by yeast, medicine that is appropriate for yeast is not effective against the bacteria that cause bacterial vaginosis. In fact, getting treated for the wrong condition can make symptoms worse.
Bacterial vaginosis is not a sexually transmitted infection , but its seen more often in sexually active people. Risk factors for bacterial vaginosis include:
- New or multiple sexual partners.
- Cigarette smoking.
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If I Have Vaginal Itching Burning And/or Abnormal Discharge And Receive A Result Of Abnormal Acidity Detected With The Vaginal Health Test What Should I Do
You should discuss your symptoms with your healthcare professional to help determine the best treatment for your vaginal discharge and symptoms. Do not self-treat with an antifungal. You can get fast, temporary itch relief with Instant Itch Relief Cream from MONISTAT® CARE while waiting to see your healthcare professional.
Can Tampons Cause Yeast Infections
Candida proliferates in a high-moisture environment, and tampons and pads can trap excess moisture, creating an environment where yeast can flourish. Thats why its important to change tampons and pads often, particularly when the weather is hot. Tampons can be left in for four to eight hours, and pads should be changed at least every four to six hours.
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Are All Vaginal Infections Yeast Infections
See your healthcare professional if youre experiencing symptoms like a fishy odor, change in discharge, or sudden irritation within 48 hours after a new sex partner to make sure you do not have a sexually transmitted disease or BV.
Another common vaginal infection is Trichomoniasis , which is a parasitic infection. Symptoms of Trichomoniasis may include itching, burning, redness or soreness of the genitals discomfort with urination or a thin discharge with an unusual smell. The discharge can be clear, white, yellowish, or greenish. Like BV, Trichomoniasis must be treated by a healthcare professional.
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Yeast Infection Before Period
You can get a yeast infection before you even get your period.
With women, the first sign of a yeast infection is usually vaginal discharge and a burning sensation.
The same symptoms may be present for men, however, they may not have any symptoms at all.
Some causes of yeast infections are different in both genders.
But its safe to say that many causes are common among women.
And this is one of the main reasons that these types of infections can occur before your period.
You should know how to prevent this type of problem so that you dont have to worry about your body getting infected from something that is treatable.
Once you realize that you have a yeast infection, there are ways to treat it.
But first, you need to know what causes it.
This can be done with a simple online search, but you will find many different theories.
While each theory may sound similar, there are some clear differences among them.
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