Vaginal Issues

by Carrie
(Fargo, ND, USA)

Since my son was born I have had severe problems with continuously getting yeast infections. I have brought it up to my doctor but she hasn't really done anything to help my situation out.

I keep reading that if you have more than 4 yeast infections in a year to contact your doctor. I don't know what to do anymore. I follow all the tips to help prevent but nothing seems to help, and I am allergic to almost all the over the counter medications. Is this normal after a baby?

Please help!







Baby Help Line Response:

Hi Carrie!

I wouldn't say that your situation is normal, but is is probably quite common. For a start, vaginal birth tears the vaginal tissue to some extent, probably making it easier for yeast infections to develop. In addtion, breastfeeding has a lot of hormonal effects that among other things cause vaginal dryness; again a reason why yeast infections develop.

So I'm not surprised that you're having problems, but that is not to say you should just endure it!

You say that you're allergic to counter medication, what about such prescription treatments as for example Diflucan? One pill is enough and really help most people. If that doesn't work or if you are allergic to that one too there are other ones as well, for example Terazol, Gynazole and probably others as well.

One home remedy I learned when I had similar problems, was to wash all underwear and towels in really hot water (almost boiling if possible) and throw all underwear away that have to be washed in cold water. The yeast fungus can survive cold water washing and will infect you again and again. It is also possible that your spouse needs treatment at the same time even if he doesn't have the same symptoms.

Does this give you any new ideas on how to deal with your situation?

Also - contact another doctor! The oen you have doesn't really know enough to help you.

I really hope your situation will be solved very soon!

/Paula




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