When I got a yeast infection last year, I was embarrassed when my gynae spotted it in the PAP smear. The kind doctor that he is, he said that yeast infections are common among women even if they practise excellent personal hygiene.
I’d experienced some itching “down there” but thought it could be due to sweat from all that running around. Thus, I was even more religious about changing my clothes and taking extra, long and thorough showers instead of the usual quick showers.
I was given an antibiotic pill and in a few days, the itching stopped. Phew, so did my worries! After all, who likes getting an “abnormal” result in their PAP smear report?
However, I wish that my gynae knew about this topical treatment called Monistat, which does not disturb your body’s natural balance of bacteria or moisture (like the way antibiotics do).
For example, a Monistat 1 Day or Night Combination Pack (also available in Monistat 3 Vaginal Antifungal 3-Day Treatment Combination Pack (in lower doses)
You use the insert in the same way you’d use a tampon, which I’d definitely prefer to swallowing a pill.
Although the following factors could increase the chances of a yeast infection:
- sweating while exercising, staying in a wet swimsuit,
- wearing tight clothing like jeans or synthetic panties (e.g. nylon or spandex),
- diabetes,
- birth control pills,
- douches,
- menopause,
- spermicides and infection,
- douches,
- feminine hygiene sprays,
- scented tampons,
- bubble baths or
- perfumed toilet paper
higher hormone levels can also increase your risk of a yeast infection during pregnancy.
Even if you tried your best to keep the vaginal area clean and dry, a yeast infection can easily occur during the third trimester when you’re about to deliver.
Some yeast infections can be passed on to baby in the form of “thrush” (a yeast infection in the mouth). Here’s more info on vaginal thrush.
In some cases, bacterial vaginosis (not a yeast infection) needs oral medication because no treatment could lead to a preterm delivery (Reference: What to Expect When You’re Expecting: 4th Edition
What can you do about it then? Talk to your doctor about it.
Here are other natural ways to treat yeast infections:
- Increase your intake of natural yoghurt (some even suggest eating a clove of garlic every day)
- Increase your intake of probiotics
- Drink lots of water
- Get enough exercise
Here’s a guide on normal / abnormal vaginal discharge.
This way, at least you have a choice – you don’t have to be like Neo in The Matrix where you have to take either a red or blue PILL. Has anyone tried the insert or external cream before?
IMPORTANT: While yeast infections are generally harmless, you SHOULD talk to your doctor if you notice anything unusual “down there” i.e. itching, a lot of discharge, thick discharge etc especially if you’re pregnant.
Pregnant women cannot take Diflucan (by Pfizer) as it’s been linked to birth defects in babies.
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No shame about getting yeast infection. It is actually quite common once the balance between the “good” and “bad” bacteria gets disturbed down there. I get it almost everytime after I complete a dose of antibiotics.
aiyoh, i tell u, i got it during my 1st pregnancy. on and off for about 6 mths long! so frustrating. cant take deflucan (oral med) so gotta use the insert only till i know how to go buy from pharmacy instead of visiting gynae all the time.
KittyCat – Tough being a woman, isn’t it?