Yeast Infections

[dedenina]

My yearly yeast problem started last night. My v-jay is so itch this that I could scream. I sent my lovey to get some monistat. Do any of the gals here use other over the counter medications that might be quicker than monistat?

 

[kellyz_craic]

Best product here (UK) is called Canasten. You can buy a kit that has a pessary and cream. The pessary kills the infection and the cream relieves the itching at the entrance to your vagina. You can also buy a tablet, which kills the infection but you won't need a tablet and pessary.

Wear cotton panties, no synthetic fabrics below the waist and not thongs or anything too tight. Don't wear sprayed on jeans or anything abrasive down there until the infection has passed. Do use pantyliners but make sure they're unfragranced and breathable. Obviously avoid cycling etc.

 

[bailadora]

I had my first infection last year and OMG - the itchiness! I feel your pain.

My doc prescribed a single dose of diflucan, which I responded really well to. It took about 24 hours for it to fully kick in, so I used Vagisil to help with the itch until it took effect.

Since this is a yearly problem for you, you might already be aware of this, but I thought I'd throw it out there just in case. A daily serving of yogurt with live acidophilus can help elevate the good bacteria that fights off yeast infections. When I know I'm going to go on antibiotics, I kick that up to three servings a day because those kind of meds have been known to kill the friendly flora as well as the culprits. Just be sure you get a brand that is low in sugar and that clearly states that it contains live cultures.

Good luck to you and may you get relief SOON!

 

[dedenina]

Thanks For The Help

I’m always on antibiotics for respetory infections and was aware that they are part of the cause.However I was not aware of the yogart effect, so I’ll be increasing my yogart intake. I’ll check on the Canasten, I have never seen this in US drugstores so I may have to buy in Canada (via internet).

Thanks girls for the helpful hints. I sure love being a woman, but the v-jay issues are always a pain to deal with!

 

[SweetErika]

For the Canasteen, just look up the active ingredient(s) and see if there's anything comparable here. The poster's description makes it sound like it might be comparable to like a Monistat combination pack that has vaginal suppositories and itch-relieving cream in it.

Oh, and on the OTC treatment front, always do the 3 or 7 day treatment, since the 1 day isn't as effective for most people.

Next time you're at the doctor getting antibiotics or whatever, ask for a generic Diflucan prescription to keep on hand for when you get yeast infection flare-ups. If you have a flat copay for generics, the doctor can prescribe a month's supply to make it cheaper for you. Like my doc prescribed 10 (one to be taken every three days until the infection was gone, technically) so I could have the 9 extra around in case I needed them in the future, since my copay on that is $10 whether I get one pill or 10 pills.

 

[SweetErika]

OK, I looked up the Canesten for you, and the "pessary and cream" combination's active ingredient is clotrimazole, which you can get in OTC yeast infection treatments in the US as well. There is also a Canesten Oral/Cream combo; the oral pill is fluconazole (Diflucan) and the cream is clotrimazole. Monistat's (and it's generic/store brand's) active ingredient is miconazole. Both clotrimazole and miconazole are effective; you should ask the pharmacist which is likely to work best for you based on your specific situation (e.g. I think they recommend one over the other for infections during pregnancy).

Thus, there's no need to order Canesten from a Canadian pharmacy since you can get the same medication here, and Monistat/miconazole is also a typically effective OTC option.

 

[coatcheckgirl]

I have been known to have deadly horrid yeast infections. Some things to consider - if you can't take in that much yogurt (I simply can't eat that much of it) add an Azo Yeast tablet (available at any pharmacy, inexpensive) to your diet each day - and I think it indicates to take three per day while you have a yeast infection. Also, if you are in need of cooling relief, applying plain yogurt to the itchy parts is quite effective.

Also limit your intake of yeasty foods during this time (breads, beer).

Past that, I second the notion of a diflucan on hand! They are a lifesaver! Also, my doc will prescribe Metronidazole for me to take along with an antibiotic if I am ever in need of something heavy duty. Regular amoxicillin doesn't usualy set me off, but if I have something more serious, she gives me the Metro too to counteract.

Good luck... we feel your (itchy!) pain!

 

[Kitty_Schrödinger]

I have been known to have deadly horrid yeast infections. Some things to consider - if you can't take in that much yogurt (I simply can't eat that much of it) add an Azo Yeast tablet (available at any pharmacy, inexpensive) to your diet each day - and I think it indicates to take three per day while you have a yeast infection. Also, if you are in need of cooling relief, applying plain yogurt to the itchy parts is quite effective.

Also limit your intake of yeasty foods during this time (breads, beer).

Past that, I second the notion of a diflucan on hand! They are a lifesaver! Also, my doc will prescribe Metronidazole for me to take along with an antibiotic if I am ever in need of something heavy duty. Regular amoxicillin doesn't usualy set me off, but if I have something more serious, she gives me the Metro too to counteract.

Good luck... we feel your (itchy!) pain!

Totally.
Also limit your sugar- as years feed on it and any fungi. Limit grapes, raisins, wine, beer, bread, etc.

Yoghurt, plain, unsweetened works wonders if applied on infected area. Up your probiotics, too.

 

[warrior queen]

I was in my local chemist/pharmacy a few weeks ago, when the rep for Ethical Nutrients Inner Health Plus (a mega dose probiotic capsule) came through.
He was talking to the pharmacist while I was at the counter, and mentioned that Inner Health capsules can be used as pessaries during a yeast infection.
I queried him about this, and he said they were safe to use this way because they have all-natural gel capsule, and that during trials had been shown to be more effective than chemical pessaries.
Having tried the yoghurt route before, with limited success, I was reluctant to try.
But as luck would have it, I was on antibiotics the very next day, with the resultant yeast imbalance.
So I tried the capsule.... and OMG! Instant (almost) relief!
I did a capsule each night for 3 nights, as well as doubling the oral dose, and it cleared right up with almost no itching.
I'm a convert.

 

[Lady Reiha]

My bloody God, it's called Google Search! -___-"

 

[h_i_s]

Tea tree oil.
Effective, affordable, convenient.

 

[magicalmoments]

My yearly yeast problem started last night. My v-jay is so itch this that I could scream. I sent my lovey to get some monistat. Do any of the gals here use other over the counter medications that might be quicker than monistat?

This is Literotica. You can say vagina here without embarassment. Hell, you can even call it a cunt. Nobody is going to care. But please, don't call it your v-jay. We're all grown ups, we can use the real words.

 

[jnmo63017]

Any correlation with yeast infection and cunniligus?

 

[GooodGurrl]

This is Literotica. You can say vagina here without embarassment. Hell, you can even call it a cunt. Nobody is going to care. But please, don't call it your v-jay. We're all grown ups, we can use the real words.

Not to sound too harsh, but it's her vagina. I'm pretty sure she can call it whatever she wants. If she wants to name is Cindy, that's her prerogative.

 

[tiny_tits]

This is Literotica. You can say vagina here without embarassment. Hell, you can even call it a cunt. Nobody is going to care. But please, don't call it your v-jay. We're all grown ups, we can use the real words.

... and you are responding to a post almost two years old

 

[drinkz]

Hey NightL, whine much?

 

[Eilan]

Not to sound too harsh, but it's her vagina. I'm pretty sure she can call it whatever she wants. If she wants to name is Cindy, that's her prerogative.

Yeah, really.

I call mine Teeth, BTW.

 

[Athalia]

I call mine Teeth, BTW.

One of my former lovers called mine "The Abyss."

 

[Julietravels]

I have had one yeast infection and over the counter Monistat cleared it right up. Till then, the itching was terrible. For a healthy vagina I prefer to wear skirts or dresses, I don't like pantyhose and my panties have a cotton crotch panel. I think a healthy diet helps too. That means keep down on the sweets and eat your veggies. Also, I don't use artificial sweeteners. I like my sugar in its pure form.

 

[simplegirl]

People have talked treatments already on here, so I'll take on prevention. I used to get frequent yeast infections until I took several steps that helped keep infections to a minimum. Maybe these can help others. Please note that certain medications will upset the natural balance of your vagina, so if you suddenly start experiencing repeated infections after beginning a new medication, talk to your pharmacist or doctor.

Make sure you really are dealing with a yeast infection. A yeast infection is itchy with a white cottage-cheese-like discharge. If you're experiencing a bad or fishy odour, you could be facing another type of infection. So make sure you're treating the right thing.

1 - wipe front to back, never the other way around. I know it stands to reason, but it also bears mentioning. If you wipe back to front, you wind up carrying fecal bacteria to your sensitive vulva and can spark an infection. This applies to sex too. If you or your partner are playing with the anus, wash whatever appendage was near there thoroughly before going near your vagina with it.

2 - use unscented feminine hygiene products. So no perfumed maxi-pads, tampons or toilet paper. (remember the perfumed toilet-paper holders that supposedly released fresh scent every time you unrolled the toilet paper? they would wind up perfuming the TP)

3 - wear cotton undies. There are nice, sexy cotton undies out there now, so you're not relegating your undies to the granny panty syndrome. Cotton gussets are just not enough for some of us. I would also avoid panty hose and stick to stockings or thigh-highs. You want that area to breathe.

4 - wash your undies in unscented baby laundry soap. I know it's a bit more expensive, but I use it strictly on my undies, so one container will go a long way. Avoid fabric softener also (even unscented). Fabric softener (whether liquid or sheets) leaves a film on clothing, so anything touching your vulva can upset it. The four-month bars that you stick in the dryer are a no-no for me.

5 - use a mild, unscented soap to wash your genitals, or even no soap at all. I have heard some doctors mentioning using a ph balanced shampoo, but I've never tried this out. Give a good rinse. I even go so far as to grab the shower head and spray it directly on my vulva to make sure every trace of soap (or anything I used during the shower) is gone.

6 - avoid bubble baths, scented bath products or even douches. Vaginal douches are notorious for upsetting the natural balance of your vagina

7 - pee after sex. It's usually more recommended for those that get bladder infections from sex, but it doesn't hurt for vaginal infections also.

I'm sure others will pipe in with what has worked for them. I have also heard of zapping your undies in the microwave if you get repeated infections from a certain pair (although I can't recall the amount of time). I think I'd just replace them, personally.

 

[SweetErika]

4 - wash your undies in unscented baby laundry soap. I know it's a bit more expensive, but I use it strictly on my undies, so one container will go a long way. Avoid fabric softener also (even unscented). Fabric softener (whether liquid or sheets) leaves a film on clothing, so anything touching your vulva can upset it. The four-month bars that you stick in the dryer are a no-no for me.

5 - use a mild, unscented soap to wash your genitals, or even no soap at all. I have heard some doctors mentioning using a ph balanced shampoo, but I've never tried this out. Give a good rinse. I even go so far as to grab the shower head and spray it directly on my vulva to make sure every trace of soap (or anything I used during the shower) is gone.

Good post!

I'll share how I save money on the two points above, if you're curious.

I use ECOS laundry detergent. It's all natural, eco-friendly and uses coconut-based cleansers. Oh yeah, and it actually works well! I buy it at Costco, and while it's a screaming deal when there's a coupon/auto rebate on it, it's still the least expensive laundry detergent Costco (and probably everywhere else) has. It doesn't bother me or even my son, who has lots of allergies and very sensitive skin. I considered buying Dreft/similar "baby" detergent when he was born, but after I compared ingredients and cost, I determined ECOS was a better choice.

Like I said, I don't wash inside my labia with soap unless it's there's a really good reason to do so (e.g. menstrual overflow), but I've had good luck using an all natural Castile soap and baby shampoo (even the J&J knock-off from the dollar store) in those situations. Also, I usually use one of those soaps on a daily basis for washing my groin area. They're both inexpensive and have a variety of uses.

 

[observer7]

Both of you blew this out of proportion...
.

Willy. Peter. Purple helmet warrior...

Kind of like the bathroom monitor, that first one. Wash those hands!

 

[heather_texas]

apple cider vinegar, i know sounds harsh, but works miracles.

 

[GiggLeGasm]

I just hope that this poor girl hasn't suffered from 2 years of vaginal yeast while we sit around discussing appropriate terminology. I call them "girl parts" and "boy parts" at work, by the way. And I tell my 90 year old men.. "cover that up. I don't take free peeks unless you buy me dinner first!"

 

[magicalmoments]

"cover that up. I don't take free peeks unless you buy me dinner first!"

Very amusing, best line in the whole thread.