How to Permanently Cure a Yeast Infection

Updated on May 23, 2008
B.L. asks from Jacksonville, NC
66 answers

The light bulb has finally come on that I've had a yeast infection almost constantly since I got married 8 years ago. I don't like to use the over-the-counter cures as they've caused me much agony in the past (and I'd have to use them constantly), and there's not much point in taking diflucan every week forever, and I'd like to cure the problem, not just treat the symptom. I'm so tired of it! Does anyone know what is wrong, and how to fix it for good? I know in the past it's been aggravated by taking antibiotics, or being on the pill, but that's only a small portion of the 8 years. I've squirted yogurt up there in the past, which helps for the short term, but it always comes back. I try to lead a healthy lifestyle. Thanks for any ideas!

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So What Happened?

Thank you so much for all the helpful suggestions! I think I've gotten so used to having the problem on and off, it has never occured to me to bring it up when I'm seeing a doctor. (duh!) It turns out that indeed, my dh has had a yeast infection on his member for over a year, and didn't know what it was, and didn't bother to tell me about it. So I think we have been passing it back and forth at least that long. I did finally break down and get some miconazole for us both to use; it didn't burn me like in the past, and has cleared us both up. Thank you for all the enlightenment!

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L.H.

answers from Anchorage on

Hello,

I experienced yeast infections in the past. It went away when I took wheat out of my diet. You may want to try that and see if it helps. I know there is an anti candida diet that is supposed to help too. It is kindof like the Atkins diet. Some supplements to try that have helped me are acidophilus, pau d arco and aquaflora.

Good Luck!

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N.D.

answers from Bellingham on

I use to get them all the time as well. I started having my husband "pull out". His sperm was the biggest factor for yeast infections for me.

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L.B.

answers from Seattle on

I use to get yeast infections all the time also. At the time I went to planned parenthood, they had a list of things to do to help from getting the infections. What worked for me was to wear only 100% cotton underwear, if it had anything else such as spandex etc. I swear it would give me one, so only 100% cotton. I don't remember the whole list but I remember mild laundry detergent and loose fitting clothes. Good luck.

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S.P.

answers from Portland on

I suffered with that for two years after being treated with all kinds of IV antibiotics. When we moved to Oregon, I started seeing a Naturopath. We did some food intolerance testing and found that baker's yeast, brewer's yeast, and sugar cane are my big ones. I have eliminated fruits, all forms of sugar cane (molasses, evaporated can juice), and yeast (citric acid, breads, vinegar, etc). I am rolling into my fifth week and am feeling so much better. I have learned that yeast thrives on sugar, which is probably why I've had chronic yeast and sinus infections.

Based on my experience, I would strongly encourage you to try a yeast and sugar-free diet. You may want to even enroll the help of a Naturopath, as these are often used as preservatives in so many products. They are disguised as such things as sucrose, citric acid, etc. I was so amazed.

I was very skeptical of Naturopathic medicine at first, because I didn't understand it. The focus is on finding the underlying cause of the symptoms. I have been so impressed with my ND.

You may want to try a probiotic as well.

Hope that helps.

S.

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M.G.

answers from Seattle on

Hello B.,

I know how annoying it can be, I used to have recurrent yeast infections as well.
Going off the pill has definitely helped, if you can use a different kind of birth control I would do so.
Just another couple of tips:
- No douching EVER !!!! EVER!!! I mean it, it totally DESTROYS your vagina's natural defenses and is BAD BAD BAD!
- No soap for your privates, just plain water, shower instead of bathing
- I do the yogurt every now and then when I just feel one coming on and usually stop it in it's tracks
- you can take sitzbaths with some vinegar in it, the vagina should have a lower PH (slightly acidic), a bit of vinegar will help that

The bad news is, you can't get rid of it for good. Even the thing with your husband passing it back to you is an old wives tale. Yeast occurs naturally on everyone's skin and it usually not harmful and kept in check but our skins natural defenses and beneficial bacteria. A yeast infection is simply an overgrowth caused by something being out of whack, most often because of overdone hygiene (soaps, douches, scented and wet wipes, scented pantyliner, tampons, pads, washing detergent residue...) I would second the suggestion of getting your blood sugar checked, diabetics are more susceptible to yeast overgrowth.
I would also suggest that your ask your healthcare provider for a culture, next time around. After so many years on treatments you may have retained a resistant strain that needs different medication that what is available OTC.

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J.L.

answers from Medford on

Hello,
Well I use to get them all the time when I was working in a sandwich shop making bread. What I began to do is drink cranberry juice. I would drink a glass everyday. Also you'd want to try to stay away from yeast. I cut out eating it as much although I love bread. You may be extra sensitive to eat and need to cut it out of your diet for awhile. Thats all the help I have. I worked for me. Good luck!

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S.W.

answers from Portland on

Make sure your husband gets treated too (and no nookie while both of you are treating). While I was pregnant with my youngest I constantly had a yeast infection. My midwives suggested sitz baths of vinegar and water alternated with sitz baths of baking soda and water (to change and balance vaginal pH). Basically a sitz bath every day for a week for both of you (vinegar one day, baking soda the next). I tried tea tree oil-- it burned me and I still had the infection on top of it!! I also believe in oral full-spectrum probiotics- same thing as live and acrive cultures found in yogurt but far more kinds (available in the fridge section of your natural food stores). It builds up the "good" cultures in your system to crowd out and help defend your body from the bad.

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A.C.

answers from Portland on

Hey B.! I know your pain, I dealt with the same thing for many years, and when I finally asked my doctor what I could do about it, she told me to cut sugar completely out of my diet for a few months, and then slowly reintroduce it back into my diet. I did that and it worked! I have not had a single yeast infection since then! Good Luck to you!

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M.S.

answers from Portland on

Isn't it awful??!! PS Happy Mother's Day. The best preventative solution I have found is
1. push fluids - min of 8 glasses per day - for 1/2 of your fluid intake cut cranberry juice 50/50 w/sparkling water (not soda water)
2. every day at least 1 cup of natural organic pref non flavored yogurt - over cereal, or in a smoothy or whatever.
3. try acidophilus supplements - I have not but have friends that swear by them. Hope this helps! M.

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B.M.

answers from Seattle on

B.-

You've gotten a ton of responses, but here's my two cents. I've had frequent/nonstop yeast infections because I'm sugar-sensitive (not diabetic, but I could be if I didn't watch my weight, etc). I "cured" my yeast infections by reducing the amount of sugar/carbs in my diet (especially any sweetend drink) and taking a daily acidopholus pill. The pills can be found anywhere you can find vitamin supplements (grocery store, Wal-Mart, etc). I also wear pantiliners and change them frequently.

Another thing you can do is to go to bed w/out underwear as often as you can. (Especially after intercourse).

You don't have to go to a doctor and you don't have to spend a lot on meds to get rid of the yeast infection.

Best of luck to you!
-B. M.-

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H.R.

answers from Seattle on

once you get it under control, a yougart a day keeps the yeast away, but make sure it has active live cultures, I but the lil drinkable ones (this is also proven if you drink before a meal to curb your appitite and makes it easier to lose a couple of lbs! anddddddd good for your bones!

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K.S.

answers from Seattle on

Hi B.,

Wow! You have a lot of responses. I want to address a couple of things, you CAN get rid of the VAGINAL yeast infection! Anyone who says otherwise, may not know this. The vaginal yeast infection does not start there. It begins in your intestines and spreads. The reason it comes out vaginally is because of the warmth in that area.

It can also come out in skin as a rash, acne, hemmorhoids, back pain, i.e. constipation and many others. Here is a link that will probably be helpful to see what can occur. http://www.candidafree.net/

Also, many doctors have found links between yeast into various diseases such as cancer and diabetes. These diseases are not meant to be death sentences. God does not want us to just die, or suffer with disease. But, we were given a choice how to react. That is what I believe and have found to be true. Diseases, and infections are simply deficiencies in something that our body is missing, such as nutrients or vitamins.

I had yeast for over fifteen years before I realized that all the medicine that I was trying was actually making it worse. I am now almost 32, and had 4 miscarriages primarily because of dietary issues, and yeast complications. The key is to REGULATE it. It is not a monster, and has a huge great purpose in our digestive system. There is a book we got called "Yeast Infection No More" www.yeastinfectionnomore.com ( i think, you can google that one) that is incredibly good and very helpful. It is an ebook that we purchased.

I can also say that enemas are very helpful. You can do water, or coffee. It really helps regulate the undigested food. Not sure what area you live in, but we have an INCREDIBLE naturopath. He has done stool testing and blood tests to help us fight this, and we are now doing so much better that we are trying for more babies. :) My husband is cancer free after his scare last year, and all of this is a body, mind and spirit combination. :)

I pray this information will be helpful to you and your family. God teaches us that the body is a temple, and many times I can say that I do not treat my body that way. However, now that i am healing and getting healthy, that has begun to change! Praise God this is true in not only me, but my family as well!

This verse is a favorite of mine, and many times I stop and wonder, how my body will react to something. "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body," (1 Cor. 6:19-20)."

Understand that especially in the USA there is a high percentage of candida overgrowth, or yeast overgrowth. There is a ton of processed sugar in so many foods which can contribute to this. As well, antibiotics are a big culprit in causing yeast to increase. Truly, I am grateful that this issue finally has a way to teach people, it has taught our family a lot! In fact, we are now seeking to open an Organic Restaurant within 3-5 years here in Washington to educate others on this and many body, mind and spirit ideas and concepts. It is an exciting time of healing and growth!

You can feel free to email me directly, but do take heart my friend because there is hope. However, like anything it requires discipline, changes and consistency. :)

____@____.com

Many Blessings,

Katherine

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D.Z.

answers from Spokane on

B., What you are talking about has a lot to do with what is called candida. THere are hoeopathic remedies you could try from a local health food store, I think they make tea's for it as well, also tinctures. Definitely speak with the individual who works in the supplement/health area of your local healthfood store, they are usually have a plethora of information. Regarding Candida, it is definitely agitated by sugars and yeast type foods, bread, dough, etc., There is liquid acidopholus, or capsules one can take which have the live cultures found in some yogurts and that could help build up your system to fight off the candida as well. You should look up Candida and how to treat it specifically for your symptoms, because it can take many different forms for different peeps.

Question, do you go to alternative Doctors at all? A Natrueopath could help you out asap. THey deal with these things all the time by natural means, and not with over the counter drugs. I loved what you said regarding wanting to treat the problem not the symptoms, that is definitley the right track to take. Good luck and by the way give yourself a little holiday if you can with the girlfriends, sounds like you could use it. Remeber you are B., I'm guessing a lovely independent woman, who is full of life and s****, not just a slaving mother and someone's wife. Good fortune, D.

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C.H.

answers from Portland on

try taking a daily acidophilus supplement. my dr. said Nature's Way is a good company. Many studies show that many companies sell the live culture, but it's dead already. get it from somewhere where the turn around on products like this would be high too, to insure that the cultures are alive.
good luck

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T.M.

answers from Norfolk on

Hi B.,

I haven't read all of the responses, so maybe this is duplicate information. But, I dealt with the same thing and finally found out I had a Candida overgrowth in my system. There is a great supplement called Candidol that totally cleared it up. Not only did the yeast infections totally stop, but I lost weight, lost the sugar cravings, and felt overall so much better. If you google it, you'll come up with plenty of web sites you can buy it from.

I do agree with the other women as far as your husband getting checked out. Every time I had a yeast infection, I made my hubby rub the cream on himself as well and that stopped it from passing back and forth.

It makes me sad to hear you're a "slave at home mom" and that you're "your husband's wife." I kind of hope you're joking a bit. I know motherhood and wifehood can seem like that at times, but try to enjoy your children and your husband. My husband is on active duty right now for his first deployment and I'm telling you, all the things that used to annoy me about him seem so small now. I just want him home. May God bless you with strength and health. Happy Mother's Day!!!

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J.S.

answers from Portland on

Eat a cup of yogurt everyday! This seems to help a lot of women :) It helps to keep the "good" bacteria which you need in order to not get them. Also I am sure you have heard all of this but I figured I would throw it in too.

How Can I Prevent Yeast Infections?
What you wear — or don't wear — can help you avoid a yeast infection. Yeast grows best in a warm, moist environment: think wet bathing suits, tight jeans, and stretchy exercise gear. Nylon underwear, pantyhose, and other synthetic materials that trap moisture also make yeast infections more likely.

Some girls may react to certain dyes or perfumes in soaps, bath gels or lotions, sanitary products, and laundry detergents. When the reaction causes irritation, that can set the stage for a yeast infection. Your best bet is to steer clear of perfumed products and to use mild and fragrance-free products when possible.

To help keep your vaginal area dry, try switching to all-cotton underwear and make sure you carefully dry off after you shower. If you can, wear cotton underwear to bed or don't wear any, and always wash and thoroughly dry your underwear before wearing them. Don't lounge around in a wet bathing suit and avoid jeans or pantyhose that are too tight.

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L.M.

answers from Yakima on

B., ihad a similar problem as you until I changed my diet to get rid of the candida yeast that was causing it. There is a very easy solution to yourproblem and that is followthe candidadiet for a few weeksand I think your symptoms will be gone. If it is causing you this much discomfort it will probably make you feel very good andhavemoeenergywhere you will want tofollow it for awhile. I did...I saw so much difference.
Doyou crave carbohydrates...like bread especially?
The diet knocks out all dairy products and bread and cheese.You try and eat alot of protein and vegetables. Inthe morning Ihad oatmeal withsilkmilk..(sometimesi atemycereal with alittle milk). The most important things to knockout are cheese...and bread product....I ate a salad for lunch and a piece of chicken with vegetables for dinner This will give you an idea.....and absolutely NO white sugar and preferably no whiteflour. I juststuck to proteinand vegetable with oatmeal or grain cerealin the morning.
But this took care of it and i have not had one since. Ikept eating like thisthough becausei noticed when i ate anything sweet or carbohydrates I was so extremely tired.I was really sick as a kid and young adult so I think the antibiotics got my system all out of balance by creating more of the bad bacteria instead of the good for an imbalance of candida yeast.
Thee are alot of books on this and they are very interesting...some of them really make the diet look hard and i found without going overboard I got the same effect.
Hope some of this helps...mine got so bad that it actually created avery bad bladder infection that I was passing only blood and that is when I got serious about it. Best thing I ever did.
You may need to get somemedication over the counter to useas you startthis because yourhusband and you are probably just passing it right back and forth. L.

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S.B.

answers from Portland on

B.,

I went through a period of constant yeast infections and hated it. My doctor finally gave both my husband and I medication to cure it. Apparently we were passing the yeast back and forth through intercourse. I certainly didn't have to wait eight years for my doctor to figure out the problem though. Hello! what's your doctor been doing all this time anyway.... that was a long time ago for me. Talk to your doctor and see what he can do. That fixed it for me for many years. Be sure you eat yogurt when you take antibiotics and drinking cranberry juice will help you protect yourself from yeast infections, too.

Good luck... S.

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A.D.

answers from Portland on

Sounds like you were allergic to the OTC meds. I'd visit your OB and get an eval. My girlfriend just told me she had a yeast infection for weeks because the strain was resistant. You deserve to live the rest of your life w/o discomfort! Keep trying, and see an OBGYN who takes special cases if necessary. Probiotics might be a good addition to your diet as well.

Good luck,
AMD

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K.R.

answers from Bellingham on

Well, my advice is different in that sometimes external things cause yeast infections. I used to get them frequently.
If any bacteria from your rectal area gets in contact with your vaginal area then you have cause for a yeast infection, too. Make sure you are cleaning really well down there before and after sex with your hubby. Just a moist towelette might do the trick.
You can also try tea tree oil suppositories (available at natural food stores). They smell nice and are supposed to get your natural chemistry back in order.

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H.B.

answers from Seattle on

You need to go to the Doctor to make sure it is a yeast infection. My sister thought she was having yeast infections, and she became allergic to latex. She and her husband had been using condoms. She was treating a yeast infection as well, but then, that's not what it was. However if it is a yeast infection. I have used Diflucan in the past. It's a pill, you take once and then it goes away in 2 days. Creams didn't work for me the few times I have gotten a yeast infection. It's a prescription, and you can only get it from a Doctor.

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L.M.

answers from Bellingham on

You really need to see your Doctor. However, when I had reoccurring Yeast infections that nothing seemed to cure I restructured my diet and was recommended by my Physician to use Boric Acid capsules up there. What it does is RESETS the natural flora of your vaginal tract and helps to get the naturally occurring bacteria’s back in order. You can get these at a Specialty Pharmacy, probably not a big chain Pharmacy. Ask your Dr. about it first but it really helped get me in shape. Hope you're feeling better soon, nothing sucks more than a sick girl :o)

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T.M.

answers from Eugene on

B.-
I can definitely respond to this question! Get the book "The Yeast Connection," by Dr. William Crook, which will explain it all. You can find it online or in a local health food store. He recommends a long course of anti-fungals, which my doc wouldn't do, but the rest of the program worked great for me. Yeast naturally occurs in your body, what you and I have is yeast overgrowth. That could have been my letter, you wrote! I've managed to control the yeast in my system with a powerful, long dose of probiotics (good gut bugs), a dietary change that doesn't allow sugar, white or processed flours, anything processed, alcoholic beverages, or yeast (or malts). Basically your yeast is feeding off of this stuff. If you follow the diet in the book for a month solid, take the probiotics, and use yogurt topically (or an over the counter med), you will notice a huge change and will remember what your body is SUPPOSED to feel like! I even lost 15 pounds and hubby is happier because I'm happier. ;) Hopefully you can slowly add a few of these things back into your life after the first month. Or your body may need more time! Please respond to me if you want to know more...

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D.R.

answers from Portland on

I'm sorry, I know how awfu yeast infections can be. Have you talked to your doctor? I don't know about squirting yogurt up there but I do know that eating yogurt can help. You need to eat yogurt that does not have a bunch of sugar.........yeast loves sugar, so watch all your sugar intake. Anyway, I eat Greek yogurt that I find at New Seasons or Trader Joes. I'm sure Whole Foods would have it too. I buy the plain non fat. It's really creamy and good with fruit.
HTH
D.

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A.V.

answers from Portland on

Sounds like you may have SYSTEMIC yeast, which is not just in your gut, or your personal parts. This will cause other problems if left untreated, like auto immune disorders.

I recommend seeing a naturopath. I saw Dr Milner for center of natural medicine. He can "cure" you, & treat you naturally, with out drugs.

God Bless,
Ang

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S.C.

answers from Portland on

You need to see a gynecologist- there are multiple potential issues here. First, is it really a yeast infection that you have? Next, if you really do have recurrent vaginal yeast infections, is there a bigger reason that you are getting these such as undiagnosed diabetes (very common reason for recurrent yeast infections) or other health problems that may predispose you. In my opinion, eating yogurt doesn't make much difference and doesn't make too much sense in regards to vaginal yeast (although it's good for you in general) and I don't know any physician who would ever suggest that you put yorugt into your vagina. Over the counter topical yeast treatments are good for most types of yeast infections but not all. I'm an internal medicine doctor and don't usually post here, but I read you question and thought I should put in my two cents- go see your gynecologist and I hope you're feeling better soon:)

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A.H.

answers from Portland on

I am allergic to condoms. If I use a condom I will have a yeast infection for 2-3 days afterward. If my body doesn't take care of it on i it up online how to use and handle garlic for it's own I use a garlic clove. You can look online to see how to insert the garlic. It works extremely well and usually within 24 hours.

Another thing is that my sister has Celiac disease (gluten allergy) and she took really strong antibiotics in her teen years to cure her acne (which permanently ruined her immune system). Both of these in combination make her very susceptible to yeast infections. She doesn't eat wheat or sugar and she takes a lot of probiotics, both help keep her immune system on top of it.

Perhaps you should see a naturopath and see if you have something else going on in your body (like an allergy).

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D.C.

answers from Medford on

Hi B.,
Try taking acidophilus, it's over the counter and you can find it in the vitamin section of your store or the health foods section. It's very inexpensive and easy to take.
It replaces the needed bacteria to keep your system balance.

I had a recurring yeast infection for over a year, it was recommended by my doctor and seems to help.
good luck

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A.R.

answers from Medford on

Hi B.,

Lots of responses to this one. This is what worked for me. Simple, take acidopholus, and as everyone else says, stay of sugar, eat protein and veggies and stay away from carbs and processed foods. If you are over 35 try some HCL. (Health food store will have this) As you get older your body doesn't produce this as well. This is the acid in your stomach that helps you break down proteins and helps the pancreas make those digestive enzymes that help you break down the food. Another supplement to help rebalance your digestive track is L-glutamine, but you have to take a lot of this. Buy it in powder, 2 or 3 tablespoons a day. This is an amino acid. I learned all of this from a Naturopathic Doctor.

Took me 5 years to figure it all out, but I finally cleared my body of it.

Best of luck

A.

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B.H.

answers from Richland on

Make Cranberry juice a part of your diet and get the really strong, bitter, (not so pleasant tasting) cranberry juice at your health food store as sugar only adds to your yeast problems. Also, buy some acidolfulous pills (spelling) and use those to the max until the symptoms go away, then take one in the morning and one at night before you go to bed. I've had several operations on my hands and have not allowed the surgeons to use antibiotics - it's a sure thing to get a yeast infection if I use the antibiotics. I use the pro-biotics (acidolfulous) instead and it works just fine.
One last tip, find someone who sells Melaleuca and buy their product "Nature's Cleanse" to douch with. This stuff feels refreshing and really kills those yeasties too.

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A.D.

answers from Portland on

B.,
I know what you mean. Years ago before I met my husband, I dated someone for over 5yrs and I constantly had yeast infections. Since being with my husband for over 14yrs, I haven't had one at all.
I believe there are a few reasons why I always had them. First is because I have hypoglycemia as well as dairy intolerence. People who are borderline diabetic are more prone to excessive yeast production because of the sugars in the body. Because of the dairy intolerence, even though I ate yogurt, it was only a temporary fix.
The other thing is that he was a smoker. Even though we both showered daily, his hands always had residue from smoking. After we would have a sexual encounter, I always felt like I was dirty and my "girl stuff" felt irritated. And soon after I would develop a problem.
My husband isn't a smoker and he frequently washes his hands. He always makes sure his hands are washed before he touches me intimately because my body is so sensitive. I also eat Goat yogurt and I eat very few foods that can trigger a yeast infection such as yeast breads, sugars, fried foods, beer, wine, etc.
I also found that over medicating weakens the immune system and can make matters worse.
Good luck.

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A.H.

answers from Portland on

Try acidophilous (don't think I spelled that correctly) you can find it on the vitamin aisle pretty much anywhere. It contains the live cultures that you get in yogurt but in mass quantity. It also helps if you are taking any anibotics that upset your stomach & give you diaherra.
Hope it helps!

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L.G.

answers from Eugene on

Go see your nurse practitioner and have her do a wet mount/KOH prep to rule out BV or other problems which mimic yeast. Cut fat intake down to 20% or less of daily calories. No butter, crisco, margarine, oils. Eliminate meat if you can. No simple carbs (sugars, white breads, etc). Whole grain, fruits, veggies, legumes, nuts and seeds are fine because they are complex, and digest slowly and your blood sugar will not spike.

Then, make sure you are getting at least 8-10 glasses of water a day.

Boric acid is the natural treatment of choice, one that has been proven to work well. Yoghurt is only temporary, and it has to have certain live cultures which are unavailable in the US. Acidophilus will help the gut, but doesn't do much for the vagina. It is the wrong type of acidophilus.

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C.F.

answers from Spokane on

You know I had several yeast infections years ago for a time period and I cleared them up with a warm bath. Add vinegar and salt to the water. I was never too technical about how much. Also, I have been celibate for 7 years too. I haven't had one since so, I think there is lots of wisdom from all the other ladies' knowledge regarding the transferring back and forth idea. I also heard about a "Candida Cleanse" you can buy from health food stores. Good Luck!

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S.S.

answers from Pensacola on

You and your husband both may need to be treated by a Dr.. My brother and sister in law had the same problem their first couple yrs of marraige. Good luck!

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A.D.

answers from Corvallis on

Yeast feeds on sugar. (yeast is a fungus)
If you think back to when you are infection free and then a relapse occurs you will probably notice a certain pattern. Your monthly cycle , sugar intake and water drinking habits all affect this.
I had the same problem and the only way I can stay clear is to drink lots of water to keep everything dilute and moving, keep my sugar intake very low (I have a huge sweet tooth so this one is tough for me) and be aware of when I am most at risk during my cycle. Avoid antibiotics to the very best of your ability, as you have noticed they really mess you up!

I don't think a permanent cure is possible... some of us are more pron to this then others. We tend to be the ones with fingernail fungus, athleat's foot,psoriasis, yeast infections and the like. These all are fungal infections. Some people will go their entire lives without any of these and some will fight them all till the day they die. Genetics...gotta love em!

I don't think that yogurt thing has any science behind it and am pretty sure your GYNO would not approve. She is a good resource for a more medical approach to all this. My leanings are more towards midwives. They tend to want to treat the problem and not the symptoms. They are more likely to help you change a habit that may be contributing to this. Ask around, check the phone book, they are a great wealth of knowledge.

I know how uncomfortable you are, arm yourself with knowledge, best wishes.

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J.O.

answers from Seattle on

I have been told that both me and my partner have to be treated which makes sense. thats propbably why it keeps coming back. Just a thought:)

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S.M.

answers from Portland on

Read alot of the responses. I also have had the problem for years. With different partners. My dr. said it can live in the man, but only up to 7 days or so. Short of changing your entire diet(which probably is the real solution-however not always very practical)- you can try several natural methods that worked for me. After using over the counter deds forever and getting less and less results- I "resorted" to natural methods thankfully! One dr suggested vinegar douches (NOT medicated) once a day for 3 days. This should put your natural alkaline/acid balance back in check. When that didn't work, I would sometimes use Boric Acid capsules (bought the boric acid at the pharmacy and filled gel caps myself)- this really did the trick- for more info check on-line. However, now I am pregnant and my doc said no douching and no boric acid so I am going to try the tea tree remedy that I read in one of your responses. Again-cutting grains, cheese & other dairy out of my diet right now isn't really an option for me.
Good luck!

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K.V.

answers from Portland on

hi there B.! i just talked to my doctor about this. after my daughter was born (4 years ago!) i started having a yeast infection once a month. the only thing that made it go away was my period. then i'd have one week of normalcy and back it would come. i had been tested for diabetes and hiv on several occasions! had culture (pap smear) after culture because my old gyno just couldn't believe i was having that many yeast infections. the only thing that made it go away was geting prego again!

sadly, after my twins were 10 months old i got another one. i was devestated! i hate feeling that way. like you, i had tried everything including both my hubby and i taking diflucan to freezing yogurt in cylinders for easy insertion!! my new gyno (michael davis on nw lovejoy or on scholls ferry) is the best!

he says there are two things it could be...hormones or some kind of simple, low risk disease that appears like a yeast infection but actually isn't. (i can't remember the name of it right now.) ultimately, mine was hormones and i went on a low-dose pill to correct it. (so much for hubby's vasectomy!) at the same time i did the 7 day monistat. (my sis-in-law is a pharmacist and she told me that lower doses given over 7 days is more effective than the 1 and 3 dayer.) so far it's been 5 months and not another one.

even if this doesn't help you i hope you find some comfort...the peace of mind kind! :)...in knowing you are not alone!

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K.R.

answers from Seattle on

Try to use the eve body soap (femenine soap) everyday. I had experience yeast infection, discharge and itching. My friend recommended me to use EVE femenine soap to clean in private area. If not improve, ask dr rx called nifluorton (spelling) for antibiotic/yeast infection to take a pill every night to develop it will improve and stable.

K.

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D.M.

answers from Anchorage on

Your hubby is probably giving that same one from 8 years ago back you you! Many men do not have any symptoms from a yeast infection but they can be passed back and forth. Increase your acidolphis intake with full enzyme yogurt or even supliments.

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J.M.

answers from Seattle on

Are you certain you're dealing with a yeast infection? Since this is a chronically occurring problem, I'd suggest making an appointment with your GYN and making it clear that you are looking for a long-term solution rather than another temporary band-aid fix.

If it is a yeast infection, my guess is that your hubby keeps giving it back to you.

You don't say, but do you take baths? And if so, do you put anything in your bath water? (Bubble bath, salts, etc.) My GYN told me never to put ANYTHING in the bath water when I had a problem with constant yeast infections. This advice did the trick for me. I haven't had one in about the last five years.

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M.P.

answers from Portland on

Have you seen a doctor? When I was getting yeast infections there were no otc meds. Some of the time, what I thought was a yeast infection was not a yeast infection.

I found that diet influenced my getting yeast infections. Too much sugar encourages yeast growth. I don't remember all that was recommended diet wise.

Personal care items could be irritating the tissues causing it to seem that you have a yeast infection.

I also recommend probiotics to help your system be healthier. Probiotic pearls have increased my immune systems efficiency. We order ours on line from Dr. Whitaker but you can also find them in health food stores or health food section of New Season's grocery store.

A naturopathic doctor may be of more help than a M.D.

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T.N.

answers from Portland on

Hi B.,

Please check with your GP and ask for a blood sugar test. Very often undiagnosed diabetes can present this way.

If that does not help, you may also email me personally and I will give you the name of a naturopath who can probably assist you.

Good luck!
T.

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T.B.

answers from Eugene on

You may have a full body yeast overgrowth that you are unaware of.... Some signs may be a protruding abdomen, tiredness after eating, craving for sweets, itchiness not only vaginally but ears, skin and eyes etc.... Jarrow-dophilus EPS is a capsule probiotic formula that has been recommended to me and friends by an excellent naturopathic doctor who is well known in Hawaii. You can take them when ever you are on antibiotics or when you are feeling a yeast infection happening. It may be helpful to write on a calender when ever you feel a yeast infection coming on... Then you may be able to lookback overtime and pinpoint whether a certain food or time of the month (pre-menstrual) triggers a yeast infection. I was told that when our bodies have a surge of progesterone that we (women)are succeptable to yeast overgrowth. Oil of oregano capsules taken between meals and oregon grape root drops in water are 2 ways to cleanse the body of yeast overgrowth. You can read so much info on yeast overgrowth on the internet. Good luck T. B

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J.B.

answers from Richland on

Your husband can get them from you and you can constantly pass them back and forth to each other, so I would make sure you both get treated and abstain until certain it is gone (stinks, I know), that might be why you keep getting them. That helped my mom finally get rid of hers.

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L.O.

answers from Seattle on

Hey B., there is lots of varying info on the responses here so I just wanted to add my two cents. I had a reocurring yeast infection for about a year and these are some of the things I did to get rid of it when I had used my second round of over the counter treatments.

Yeast infections are caused by an over growth of yeast which naturally occurs in the vagina. Taking steps to slow down the yeast growth will help put your bodies ph back in order. Try the following:
1. eliminate sugar/carbs (which turn into sugar in your body). Sugar helps yeast grow. That is why people with diabetes have reocurring yeast infections
2. Take a supplement that has live cultures in it like Acidophilus, also yogurt orally or vaginally although becareful, yogurt has a lot of sugar in it and might defeat your purpose. You could try plain yogurt.
3. Urine also helps restore ph. Catch some in a cup and use it to "clean" your vaginal area.
4. Do your own research on this topic, seek advice from a naturopath, especially because you are looking for a lifestyle change, not a bandaid.

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M.T.

answers from Portland on

I had this problem with monthly yeast infections when I was overtired (not sleeping enough) and not giving myself some downtime. I started paying attention to those factors, added A LOT more plain non-fat yoghurt to my diet and drank juices right in anti oxidants like Cranberry. The yeast infections stopped. That being said, it did not coincide with marriage, so you certainly need to speak with OBGYN about potential causes that may be separate from what I mention. Good luck!

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C.F.

answers from Portland on

This may sound obvious, and you've probably already done it, but... call the doctor. There may be something that you are eating that you're allergic too... and you should try eating lots of yogurt... though I suspect you're already doing that.

Good luck.

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A.Z.

answers from Portland on

Hi B.,

There are several things that can help resolve this once and for all!

1. Eat less sugar.
2. Try a natural remedy. The most effective that I have used is Yeast Arrest (basically boric acid vaginal suppositories). Combined with baths with about a half a cup of vinegar in them. Also treat all your cloths, towels, underwear, bedding etc. When doing your laundry add 1/4 cup vinegar to your laundry - vinegar will kill the yeast, which can thrive most anywhere!
3. Make sure your husband is treated as well, since you may be passing it back and forth to each other.
4. Switch from disposable to cloth menstrual pads. Your body could be reacting to all the chemicals in the pads which easily disrupt your pH balance. Here's a great resource for that: www.fresh-moon.com
5. Take probiotics to create a healthy balance in your body. The best probiotics out there are called Primal Defense and you can find them online. Make sure anytime you take antibiotics, you finish the antibiotics and then start a good run of probiotics to replace all the good bacteria that was killed off and this will help keep yeast infections away too!
6. This should be listed first - go to your doctor and make sure it is in fact a yeast infection. The diagnosis will help make sure you are treating the correct problem!

Good luck!
A.

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C.G.

answers from Portland on

Numerous years ago my doctor told me to take 500mg of Vitamin C a day. Haven't had a yeast infection since.

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R.W.

answers from Portland on

Hello,
My husband also suffers from yeast infection, only his is manifest in terms of sinus infection. He suspected it was caused by taking tectracycline (sp?) for years and years during his teenage years. Anyway, we have been changing our diet drastically by almost reducing sugar to nothing and also adding cultured vegetables in our diet. Here is a web site that you can learn more about the cultured vegetables recipes as well as other info about yeast infection. www.bodyecology.com. It has been a TREMENDOUS help, I hope it will help you as much.

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C.H.

answers from Seattle on

Here is your cure.....send your husband to your family doctor. I was married 30 yrs. ago, when I was young. I use to get bad yeast infections also, so I went to my gynecologist. I was in my 20's at the time and my gynecologist was a man probably in his late 50's or early 60's (he's hair was all gray). I trusted him and he also delivered one of my sons. Doctor's back in the 1970's were very "old skool" and didn't have the new medications the have now.

When I asked my doctor (sorry, I can't remember is name), "why did I constantly have yeast infections?", he said you are getting them from your husband. He explained that there is a parasite that lives in the man, that causes yeast infections in women whenever the have sex. That the man passes it to the woman, the she usually will go and get something to clear it up (which will last a little while), but when she has sex with the man again, it is just transferred back. They both keep on transferring it back and forth to each other. The man is the root (which for some reason most doctor's won't tell you that), so if the man (your husband) never gets it check and gets an antibiotic, you and your husband will continue to transfer it back and forth.

I was shocked when my doctor told me this because I thought he meant my husband was giving me an STD (I was young), my doctor explained it was not an STD. Anyway, my husband went to our family doctor (back in the 70's) and was given a prescription that killed the parasite it him and I never had a yeast infection again.

I have now been divorced for 30 yrs, but I have had a couple of long term relationships since then and sure enough I would get yeast infections again, but I would just take care of it on my end without explaining it to him, because it was just easier since we weren't married.

Now I have been celibate for over 7 yrs and have not had one yeast infection, because I have not been intimate with a man.
So make an appointment for your husband and tell him to tell the doctor that you constantly have yeast infections and what can HE take to prevent him for giving it to you. Hopefully, your family doctor is well informed enough to know the answer, otherwise you might have to consult with your gynecologist for the answer.

Hope this info helps.

Signed,
Yeast infection free

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N.Z.

answers from Portland on

EAT less sugar and more Nancy's Plain Yogurt. That was what saved me from the constant itch and irritation. I don't eat anything "white" just, whole grains, oatmeal, brown rice. No sugar, no sweetener (they can make you gassy anyway). I feel the best I've felt in years. And no more yeast infections!

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E.S.

answers from Richland on

My sister had the same problem for a while. What her doctor told her is to pee right after sex every time, wear cotton panties and avoid thong underwear, and make sure to change your underwear every day. Good luck! Yeast infections are MISERABLE!!!

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J.M.

answers from Portland on

Your hubby probably has it too. You two are passing it between each other back and forth. You can get a stronger medican beside diflucan, I've been on it, but I can't think of it off the top of me head right now. Unfortunatly it would be best for you both to see a doc to get a script to clear you both up. Then after you are both cleared up, try eating yogurt once a day, wearing cotten undies, keeping a eye on side effects of medications you might be on or might have taken for something, I know there is a supplement that I used to take everyday to prevent yeast infections, it was a herbal vitamin of some sort. It said yeast infection right on the bottle, but again, I can't think of it..sorry!!, there are lots of simple home remedies out there. I know some can come up with alot more then me! Good luck to you both!

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M.H.

answers from Medford on

I,too used to have yeast infections regularly and this is what I found helped me. They are things you might not have thought of. Make sure you drink PLENTY of water. Plain water not the drinks with all of the vitamins and minerals added.In the summertime, when its hot I couldn't eat ice cream. The sugar content was too much for my system. I don't think I could eat much ice cream at any given time. The last and most important thing that helped me - ( I noticed you said 'since you got married') every time you have intercourse, get up and go to the bathroom. No matter how sleepy you may be or ANYTHING. This is the main thing that helped me the most. The over the counter Monistat 7 cream used to work when I was younger, I don't even know if it's available anymore as I haven't had a yeast infection in at least the last 20 years, due to the things I listed above that helped me. Good Luck to you B.! ps we all need vitamins, minerals and essential nutrients along with excellent antioxidents - check out my website I have also found a FANTASTIC new product that I now couldn't live without!!! www.mistvemma.com

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K.S.

answers from Seattle on

Hello B.,

Probiotics are great; also eating yogurt with good bacteria (active ingredients)... The company I am with also has something I use which works wonders for me. Please give me a call! ###-###-####
K.

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M.B.

answers from Portland on

Have you talked to your GYN? I have heard that frequent yeast infections are a sign of an STD!? I am not sure!

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D.C.

answers from Richland on

Your husband may also have a yeast infection and be reinfecting you. Both of you need to be checked by your doctor and treated.

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C.O.

answers from Portland on

It sounds to me like it might be "ping-ponging" between you and your husband. Try _both_ of you going in and getting treated.

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K.R.

answers from Eugene on

Have you tried having your husband treated for the yeast infection. Men can get them as well, maybe you are passing it back and forth. I would try having your husband treated. Good Luck.

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E.T.

answers from Seattle on

Have you tried having your husband treated;he may well just be giving it right back to you.Good luck.

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C.S.

answers from Seattle on

Hi B.

My sister-in-law and I have both had similar issues (although maybe not as freqent as you're having). Anyway, going pee after sex helped cure the problem for both of us.

Good Luck
C.

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M.N.

answers from Portland on

Have you thought about treating your husband? If you've treated it and it keeps coming back he could possibly be passing it back to you. An over-the-counter Lotrimin of some sort should work fine. We've had a similar problem and that seemed to solve it! Also, talk to your doctor. This shouldn't keep happening and it's no way to live your life!

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