Yeast Infections and Acidophilus

[ex-quenya292.livejournal.com]

Hi all - new to the community! Yay vaginas!

Okay, onto the good stuff ... yeast infections!

Last year, I had 4 yeast infections in as many months. I got really sick with strep throat, tonsilitis, bronchitis, and this ghastly stomach illness, so I was off and on antibiotics for about 2 months. So I got my first yeast infection in March, then it went away and returned ... went away and returned ... went away and returned ... then finally went away.

Needless to say, I've been quite paranoid about getting a yeast infection ever again. I'm to the point where Im nearly obsessive about not getting one. I eat yogurt like mad and drink tons of acidophilus milk. I almost always wash twice a day, making sure to scrub the naughty bits and rinse off with ice cold water.

Even though I'm sure I'm yeast-free, I still scratch myself. This sounds so bizarre and Im quite embarrassed to share. Its not all the time, but just when I think about it. If I even think about getting a yeast infection, I make myself think Im itchy and scratch. I guess its kind of like a psychosymatic thing (where you convince yourself you have something and actually have physical symptomes). Its driving me mad. I don't know how to make it stop.

I'm not sure if its in my head or if I really do itch. I'm too embarrassed to bring this up with my gyno (the guy's an ass - I need a new one), so I thought I'd check here. Anyone else have this problem? I doubt I actually have a yeast infection, as it only happens like once in a great while and almost always at night (for example, tonight ... I started scratching, didn't stop and now I'm sore).

And any other advice to prevent a yeast infection? I'm scared shitless of getting one again. I'm sure its because I associate it with a real shitty time in my life (my parents announced they were getting a divorce the same month I got sick and had all the yeast infections), but I really just don't want to have another one ever again. My gyno said acidophlius pills are useless because the cultures aren't live. And then he warned me to NEVER stick yogurt up my vagina (or any other food product) or to douche.

Also, for general itching ... is there any kind of topical solution I can put on my vagina? Preferably one that doesn't sting or smell funny.

I know I sound crazy, but I just have this crazy fear of ever having a yeast infection. I'm too embarrassed to tell my doctor or girlfriends, so I thought I'd try here. ANY advice would be VERY appreciated.

Comments

[bonniebon.livejournal.com]

about your itcing, could it be that your washing too much? that can cause irritation and itching. I went through a phase of washing too much out of fear of getting a yeastie but I found that I got kind of dry and irritated so I cut back to using a little unsented soap or just plain water which felt much better.
Also, a dab of neat lavender oil (or lavender mixed with tea tree oil) can help tremendously with itching whatever the cause.

[danskpige.livejournal.com]

good point about the washing - i was told to never use soap on my vagina. it's a self-cleaning mechanism.