VERY frequent yeast?

[Rouge]

I've written before about yeast infections, and they've continued over the last 10 months. I go to the doc about them frequently, he gives me a treatment, and it goes away. The yeast occurs so frequently that I can have it (and be treated) upwards of twice a month. I wash thoroughly, don't let sugars and such down there, and am cautious about the fabrics I wear. Why is this happening and how can I stop it??

[Brandye]

Regrettably, some of us seem more prone to yeast outbreaks than others. Your doctor is certainly giving you the best treatment available. One thing many doctors, especially male, do not consider is the effect or oral sex. The human mouth is a very good breeding ground for the yeast involved and frequently the male mouth and female genitals are re-infecting one another. Do not despair, you need not give up those pleasures. Have him ask his dentist about what good mouthwash the dentist recommends (mine recommends a potion called BreathRx which I must mail order).

If he uses this daily, forever, beginning as you treat the yeast, it may slow the stuff down. His penis may also pick it up from inside you and put it back the next time. He should wash thoroughly after sex. If the acidic level of your vagina is too low, the yeast grows more rapidly. Given the frequency you report, talk to your doctor about treatment that may elevate the pH of your vagina. To discuss this with the doctor meaningfully, plot your yeast outbreaks against your menstrual cycle. As the hormones vary during the month, you may be less acidic at an almost predictable time.

Afterthought: Whether or not you have naatural pubic hair, use a hair dryer to completely dry the area after bathing.

[Mnemosyne]

Is your partner uncircumcised? I used to have this problem as well - my doctor recommended that my husband be very meticulous about cleaning before we have sex and I haven't had any infections since.

[pinkFlames]

I used to have frequent yeast infections when I was on the Pill. Even though I was on Implanon for a while, I haven't have any yeast infections for years now.

[Rouge]

We did consider Oral sex, but the amount of time he can actually perform it on me is miniscule because I have yeast, and for the last 5 months we've made sure that he's clean before we play. The acidity and pill sound like they could be the culprits, although I know I had my first infection before I started taking the pill.

Could these infections harm my fertility?

[Brandye]

These will not harm your fertility unless it really goes wild. You would be so uncomfortable as to be demanding relief before that would happen.

Do see where in your cycle these flares are coming. If you can narrow it to a small range, then try a vinegar douche in anticipation. I am generally against douching but if it is targeted to something such as this, it is useful. One part white vinegar to two parts tepid water; squirt it in and hold for a few minutes.