vaginapagina | Wouldn't it be nice... (Reply)

if someone could invent an at-home yeast infection test? like a pregnancy test, except for yeast?

Okay, so i'm new here (sorta, I'm a menstrual_cups member and occasionally hop over here)...But i've been constantly frustrated by one thing that i'm hoping someone can commiserate with...I find it VERY hard to tell when I have a yeast infection. This is mostly because I have a lovely little condition called Lichen Simplex Chronicus down there, which makes itching totally not out of the ordinary. I also have a significant amount of discharge on a daily basis, such that I have to wear a pantiliner daily (currently using kotex but hoping to get some cloth ones when i get home from studying abroad). So basically, the only way I can really tell if I have a yeastie is a) my normal treatment for my LSC--hydrocortisone cream, or prescription clobetasol propionate (i think i spelled that right)--doesnt work after two or three days or b) i put my Diva/a finger/a vibe in and it comes out with clumpies on it. I almost never notice clumps in my discharge, and out of all the yeast infections i've had i can only remember being able to smell a difference once. And i've had lots, the worst being freshman year of college when i actually got white spots on my inner labia, which freaked me the fuck out.

So THIS month, i was a tad itchy but still put my Diva in on the first day of my period...came out with clumps on the outside, so i bought some pads (UGHHHHHHH) and OTC treatment (Clotrimazole, which is all i can get here in Israel without a prescription) to use after my period...but now it seems to be gone? hydrocort is working on the itchies, no smell, no clumps on a (very clean) finger inserted during my shower...i've heard periods can cure YIs, but have never experienced it before. huh.

So yeah. I wish there was some sort of strip or stick i could put in my vag and it would say "you have a yeastie!" or "you're just being paranoid". anyone think this is possible?

Either that or I wish i could just get a lifetime supply of Diflucan so i can just take it whenever i THINK i have a yeastie, although i'm sure there's something wrong with that idea :-)