can't really tell...

[murgatroyd.livejournal.com]

How do you tell the difference between BV and a Yeast infection?
I had yeast about two years ago, but I'm not sure if I have it again...!
I'm experiencing slight itching and PAINful sex, but no discharge or anything.
Also, if someone could give me some tips on natural remedies?
I was thinking tea tree oil on a tampon and I know I've heard of garlic, but I don't eat it so there isn't
really any in my house...
Thanks a bunch.

Comments

[cestsibon.livejournal.com]

On an unrelated note, can you explain your icon to me?

[murgatroyd.livejournal.com]

Oh. Just a snide humorous response to all those anti-abortion and against pro-choice phrases.

[neims16.livejournal.com]

I think your icon is really funny.

I believe that the main difference between BV and a YI is that with BV, the discharge is often yellowish or greenish and there is a fishy sort of smell.

[kaelstra.livejournal.com]

I wouldn't put tea tree oil in your vagina, that stuff is pretty strong and can have a bad burning sensation.

[lesbianic.livejournal.com]

I use diluted TTO for yeast infections quite frequently, actually. A lot of people use it undiluted for that purpose, but I have sensitive skin. You would think tea tree was too harsh, but it's not, for a lot of women. If you google tea tree oil and yeast infection, you'll see it very highly recommended.

[kaelstra.livejournal.com]

It could be just me then-I'm allergic to many things, and tea tree oil is strong as hell and burns my skin, even diluted. I would put that stuff near my cooter for fear of the reaction.

I don't think I'd use it even normally, I would imagine there are better things to use-especially when the OP isn't even exactly sure what's wrong. Tea Tree oil is good for skin, but again, I don't think I'd personally use it internally. I'd rather use Yogurt or something for a YI.

[lesbianic.livejournal.com]

Tea tree oil works extremely well for me, much better than yogurt.. it gets rid of the itchiness almost immediately. But I agree, I wouldn't recommend using it if she's not sure how she'll react, especially if she's not sure she has a YI. I just wanted to share my personal experience.

[amberdoopie.livejournal.com]

Oddly enough I've found that while it stings a lot on the vulva, it doesn't inside. . . it just feels "minty." You're supposed to put it on a lubed tampon and then insert it with the applicator, avoiding vulvar contact.

[thetathrees.livejournal.com]

Same here. I can't deal with dry tampons sucking out all my moistue, so I put some TT Oil inside gelcaps (same as is recommended with boric acid) and put the gelcaps inside, right before I go to bed. If I have a really bad YI and my labia are itchin' like mad, it does burn the labia if the gelcap melts and it leaks out..but usually if I lie down right away it doesn't have time to escape. :)

[amberdoopie.livejournal.com]

Great idea with the ta tree oil! I hav egel caps but the only boric acid powder I can find is the kind sold to kill roaches. . . I'm wary of putting that in me, although it only contains boric acid. Eeek.

[hippieluv.livejournal.com]

hahahaha i like ur icon but i must diagree lol... abstinence doest kill unborn babies... masturbation does :P lol

[murgatroyd.livejournal.com]

ha ha ha

[queensugar.livejournal.com]

For me, the difference was all in the smell. Not all infections will have all of the symptoms, but the usual dead giveaway of a BV infection is the "dead fish" odour. And it can get strong, especially after sex. When I had BV, I could smell it through jeans.

That was the only symptom I had... I didn't have itching or unusual discharge. Just this horrible odour. But BV can certainly come with unusual discharge and itching.

[amberdoopie.livejournal.com]

Boric acid capsules are supposed to work well for yeasties, but I haven't managed to find that in my area. . . they may have to be made by a pharmacist? Apparently this remedy is more widespread in europe.

[thetathrees.livejournal.com]

I use that too. You can find it in most pharmacies I think.

[frolicnaked.livejournal.com]

If you can't find the capsules, you may be able to find the powder. Don't be afraid to ask a pharmacist or someone else who works there. That's what I did... twice. :)

If you find the powder, you have a couple of options:

1) Find capsules -- again, asking an employee is a good way to go -- and make them yourself.

2) Dissolve the powder (1tsp. to 1 cup, if I remember correctly, though I use 1/2 tsp. of boric acid) and make a douche-able solution.

[nickybelle.livejournal.com]

I am of no help here but I LOVE you icon. LOL.

[jasminelily.livejournal.com]

If you can't tell whether you have yeast or BV, your best bet is to go to a doctor to get a diagnosis, if that's at all possible.

[misschelsealynn.livejournal.com]

super duper icon love!