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Why Do I Keep Getting Yeast Infections?
Vaginal yeast infections are common. It is so common, in fact, that at least three-quarters of women will have at least one infection during their lifetime, and almost half of women will have two or more.
While most infections can be readily cured with medication, some women have chronic or recurrent infections, along with all the uncomfortable symptoms these infections can cause.
At Feminine Urgicare, our team is dedicated to helping women take control of their health, and that includes managing — and overcoming — chronic vaginal yeast infections. In this post, learn why yeast infections recur and what we can do to help you put an end to them.
Yeast infections 101
Also called vaginal candidiasis, a vaginal yeast infection happens when natural fungi in the vagina populations proliferate, overwhelming your vaginal microbiome.
Small amounts of Candida are typically present in the vagina, along with other microorganisms. When Candida populations grow, a yeast infection develops.
Yeast infections can cause several symptoms, including:
- Vaginal itching or burning
- White, sticky discharge from the vagina
- Redness and tenderness around the vagina and vulva
- Pain during sex or urination
It’s important to note that yeast infections aren’t sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
In short, anything that disrupts the normal balance of microorganisms in your vagina has the potential to trigger a yeast infection, and it can also help explain why some women have infections that recur.
Why chronic yeast infections happen
Sometimes, a chronic or recurrent yeast infection isn’t a new infection at all. Instead, it might be that your original treatment failed, allowing yeast to regrow and trigger symptoms all over again. It’s essential to follow your treatment plan precisely, and that includes continuing to use all your medication even if your symptoms have already resolved.
Other factors that can lead to chronic infections include:
- Long-term use of antibiotics that disrupt your vaginal microbiome
- Hormonal birth control methods
- Hormonal changes due to pregnancy or perimenopause
- Wearing a wet bathing suit or sweaty gym clothes for long periods
- Wearing tight, non-breathable clothing
- Immune system problems
- Poorly managed diabetes
- Medicines or therapies that affect your immune system, like some cancer treatments
- Douching or using vaginal deodorants or scented tampons
Sometimes, yeast infections are triggered by other vaginal infections that disrupt the natural balance in your vagina.
You should never rely on self-diagnosis of a yeast infection. That’s because other issues, like sexually transmitted diseases or infections, can mimic the symptoms of a yeast infection.
Delaying medical care also delays diagnosis and treatment, allowing an underlying problem to become more serious.
Managing chronic yeast infections
Recurrent yeast infections can be challenging to manage. However, the good news is that they can be treated. Sometimes, all it takes is trying a different type of prescription medication to rebalance your vagina.
If you have diabetes, fine-tuning your diabetes management plan might be the solution you’re looking for.
Many women benefit from a combination of medication and lifestyle changes to optimize their vaginal microbiome. Our team works closely with you to find the optimal combination that puts an end to your frequent infections.
No matter what’s causing your recurrent infections, early intervention is essential. To learn how we can help you find a solution for your chronic yeast infections, request an appointment online or over the phone with the team at Feminine Urgicare in Paramus and Clifton, New Jersey, today.