Vaginal infections

[Wal]

For the ladies, anyone have any recommendations for chronic yeast infections? The vaginal kind? I've had an infection since Nov that has waxed and waned. I've been on multiple rounds of creams (OTC and script) that only clear things up a little. My gyno said I look a little atrophied down there due to lack of estrogen? She mentioned using Estrace but I can't clear up the yeast and it's horrible! I had another 7 month long infection that started at the end of 2014. Then the dryness (mouth, nose, eyes) in 2016. How am I atrophied?! I'm only 37! Anyways, I'm miserable and don't know what to do. I'm also on 200mg of diflucan that I've taken daily for a week now and still no relief!

[irish]

Have you had your blood sugar checked? People with high blood sugars or diabetes have hard to control yeast infections many times. Also, even if your blood sugars are ok it can make a difference on your diet.

I would do some searches on line about books written regarding diet, carb/sugar intake and yeast infections. If you have easy access to a library you may find some of these books. Over the years there have been quite a few books written regarding personal diet choices that help control yeast infections.

The vaginal atrophy takes place because of hormones and the mucus secreting glands in the vagina can be affected by the Sjogrens. Have you seen a gynecologist who will check out your blood hormone levels and prescribe safe levels of hormone cream for you. This can help in keeping yeast in check also. It is possible that you are one of those women who go through menopause at a younger age. The ovaries are a secreting gland and it is possible that yours are trying to shut down earlier than normal. Sjogrens affects the secreting glands of our body. Also the diminished amount of vaginal secretions throws off the ability of the vaginal tissue to fight off yeast and bacterial infections. Has your doctor cultured your yeast to see if the medication being using is the appropriate one??? Just some thoughts. Good luck. Irish

[Tharrell]

Hey Wal, miserable ain't it! My rheumatologist said it's very common thanks to the meds we take. I don't know which one. My gyno put me on a loading dose of the pill you just take one dose of. Can't remember the name. But it starts with an f. The first week it was daily, after that I took it once a week for 6 month. That was for me the only thing that kept it under control. I'm actually wondering if I should ask for him to repeat that, it's been 6 month since I last took it.

[irish]

That drug was probably Flagyl. Used for yeast and anerobic bacterial infections. The anerobic means bacteria that can grow without presence of air. Vaginal infections can also be caused by anerobic bacteria. That is also the reason for doing vaginal cultures to make sure the cause for infection is identified before ordering treatment in order to get the correct med. Irish

[Wal]

Thanks for the response ladies. I'm seeing a different gyno who specializes in yeast and other infectious things. I do need to have my blood hormone level checked. Should I ask my primary care doc? My current gyno says that the hormonal blood tests aren't very accurate since estrogen levels fluctuate so widely...

[irish]

I had mine checked quite a while ago and I guess I can agree that the levels probably vary, but it would be nice to have a baseline figure just in case for the future. Just my thoughts. Irish

[Deb 27]

I wanted to 2nd the opinion to get your blood sugar checked. A lot of people with diabetes have chronic vaginal yeast infections. Ask for an A1c. And, sorry. Those things are miserable. I had to get back on estrogen b/c of UTI's and horrible atrophy. Maybe some hormones would also help? Good luck!!

[Emics]

I suppose the drug taken during 6 months in order to treat yeast infections is Fluconazole.
First of all, I agree with checking sugar levels. I agree also with your gyno about hormone levels, they probably wont explain your infections but if you have them done it is OK.
Another thing is thinking about a vaginal culture to confirm if it is candida (yeast) or not. Some laboratories can do a sensity test in order to know which is the best azole for you. Sometimes yeast (candida) develops resistances.
If it is, the best option in repeated infections is a kind of oral Azole (like fluconazol) during 6 months three days during menstruation.
What is it OTC? Azole creams you can buy freely? Sorry I am spanish and our system is different.
Check if you use litttle pads daily or tight clothes. They dont help.
There are vaginal probiotics (vaginal cream, ovules), that with oral treatment altogheter help.
Hope it helps.

[Sjogrensmum]

Have you considered allergies? Could it be a food allergy response?