If you are dealing with chronic yeast infections, you are not alone. Many women, no matter the age and life stage, will experience a yeast infection at least once. Consulting a medical professional should be your first step when dealing with acute or recurring yeast infections. Identifying the causes and symptoms and learning about the recurrent yeast infection treatment methods will also help you keep this condition at bay. If you are located in the area or seeking the best experts, we recommend a yeast infection treatment in Plantation, Florida.
That said, this comprehensive article on recurrent yeast infections will help you learn more about your body and how to stay healthy. You will uncover the most common causes and signs of recurring yeast infections so that you can be the healthiest version of yourself.
Here is what you must know about chronic yeast infections.
What Are Chronic Yeast Infections?
Before answering “why do I keep getting yeast infections?”, it is important to define what the term “yeast infection” refers to. In short, the fungal infection that leads to intense itchiness of the vulva and the vagina, abnormal discharge, and irritation is called a vaginal yeast infection. In other words, experts call it vaginal candidiasis. Usually, up to three out of four females will have a vaginal yeast infection at some point in life. Many women also experience recurrent yeast infections.
Is it an STD? No. A vaginal yeast infection is not categorized as a sexually transmitted disease. However, the chances of getting an acute or recurrent yeast infection are higher in women who engage in regular sexual intercourse. Moreover, some evidence suggests that infections could be linked to oral-genital sexual intercourse.
Fortunately, you can treat persistent yeast infections with medications. Women dealing with chronic yeast infections may require a longer course of treatment and a maintenance plan.
What is a chronic or recurrent yeast infection? If you have a yeast infection four (or more) times per year, you are dealing with a chronic infection.
Reach out to Broward Complete OG-GYN Wellness Center for a checkup. Your medical professional will give you the most accurate and beneficial guidance and treatment to get rid of recurrent yeast infections for good.
What Causes Recurring Yeast Infections?
Why do I keep getting yeast infections? Here are some of the most common reasons women may deal with recurring yeast infections.
Firstly, you can get a chronic yeast infection if the conditions in your body are favorable for yeast overgrowth. Most yeast infections are caused by Candida overgrowth. Remember, this yeast type naturally occurs in the body.
Recurring yeast infections can happen in the vagina when there is a variation or an imbalance in the vaginal bacteria. Usually, these bacteria keep the yeast from overgrowing. A variation or an imbalance could occur if you use antibiotics or douche regularly. Namely, both douching and antibiotics remove too much of the beneficial bacteria.
Having a balance of beneficial microorganisms in the human body is vital. Often, foods with probiotics, such as yogurt or supplements, may be helpful. Nevertheless, this is not considered the best recurrent yeast infection treatment. On the other hand, many patients find it useful in promoting “good” vaginal bacteria.
Saliva or sweat (any wet conditions) can boost Candida growth. A persistent yeast infection may happen if the individual lacks regular hygiene, such as brushing their teeth or taking daily showers.
Individuals with weakened immune systems are also at higher risk of having a persistent yeast infection. Some of the following factors can make the immune system weaker:
- Advanced age
- Certain medications
- Some health conditions
If you are still wondering, “why do I keep getting yeast infections?” it is best to talk to your healthcare provider. Reach out to a trained gynecologist in Plantation, Florida, and receive the best diagnosis and treatment available.
Here are some of the main reasons why you are dealing with recurrent yeast infections.
You did not treat the initial yeast infection completely.
If the first yeast infection does not go away with treatment, your healthcare provider might want to recommend long-term antifungals. Often, this could include weekly vaginal or oral medications for a maximum of six months.
The infection is being transmitted back and forth.
You can get Candida infections in your mouth and other skin areas. The infection may be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact. For instance, this can happen between babies and breastfeeding mothers. The best way to prevent recurring yeast infections is to ensure that both the baby and the mother are completely yeast-free. Sometimes, pumping breast milk or feeding the baby via a bottle is necessary.
You are engaging in unprotected sexual intercourse.
While a yeast infection is not sexually transmitted, you can pass it back and forth during intercourse. To avoid this, you should always wear dental dams or condoms. It is also helpful to shower after having sex (without douching).
Moisture and humidity may cause an infection.
As mentioned, Candida thrives in humid and moist conditions. Sweating a lot or wearing damp clothes can contribute to fungal or yeast growth. To avoid this, wear breathable fabrics and cotton underwear.
It is not a yeast infection; it is something else.
These conditions display symptoms that are similar to yeast infections:
- Skin allergies
- STIs
- Ureaplasma
- Bacterial vaginosis
In order to stay safe and ensure that you are healthy, we recommend consulting with a doctor. If this is your first-time yeast infection, you must talk with a medical professional to receive treatment. Your healthcare provider can also take a sample of the assumed yeast infection to check if it is linked to another issue.
What’s the Best Recurrent Yeast Infection Treatment?
Your genital area contains Candida. This is completely natural! However, once the balance becomes disrupted, an overgrowth of Candida tends to happen. For some patients, yeast infections can be hereditary. Overgrowth of Candida can also occur if you:
- Douche regularly
- Are exposed to moisture or humidity
- Use antibiotics
- Don’t practice healthy hygiene
One of the most helpful ways to get rid of an infection is to use suppository medications. Nevertheless, if you are having your first infection (and even if this happens to you often), we recommend seeking medical help. Your doctor will provide you with an expert diagnosis and the best treatment.
Here are some other ways to treat and prevent infections:
- Wear breathable cotton underwear and loose clothes.
- Practice daily hygiene.
- Sterilize and wash towels and clothes you used when you had an infection.
- Take the full course of medication, even if you don’t have any more symptoms.
- Individuals engaging in sex should also get their partners tested. This way, future infections can be prevented.
Give Us a Call Today
Your health matters. If you are dealing with uncomfortable symptoms outlined in this article or have finally decided to kick chronic infections to the curb, we are here to help you. Contact Broward Complete OG-GYN Wellness Center to enhance your health and life quality.