Itchy down there ......

Hi there! I'm so glad you replied--thank you! Yes, there are lots of things you can do to prevent yeast infections, if this is what it turns out to be. Here is the link to our yeast infection section on EmpowHer--as you'll see there is a ton of great info here and there's a whole subsection on prevention:

https://www.empowher.com/condition/yeast-infection

Right at the top it talks about changing out of wet swimsuits as soon as you can. I know this is sometimes easier said than done but if you can do it, it will really help. From talking with friends who get them, wearing all cotton panties that aren't too tight also helps. Really, I think just about all of these tips are things I've heard from girlfriends who also deal with yeast infections.

Please post again when you can to let me know how you are doing. Hopefully you can see a doctor soon and get on the medication and feel better again very soon! Being itchy "down there" is just the pits! Big hugs, Michelle

Hi Michelle ....
thanks for your answer.... yer ive been swimming all last week, and sweating heaps to because it was sooo hot up there and we were working quite a bit. so is there anything i can do to prevent this from happening again??

Hi Anonymous and welcome to EmpowHer! I'm so glad you've found us and I'm very glad you posted your question.

I'm not a physician and I'm not a gambler either but I'm willing to bet that you have a yeast infection. When you say "down there" I am guessing you mean in the vaginal area, correct? Are you having any discharge at all, like whitish-looking stuff or anything clear?

Yeast infections are very common and they can cause the symptoms you are describing. And it's not uncommon for them to go away when your period comes and then sometimes come back again. Lots of girls and women too get them in the summertime when we tend to wear wet bathing suits for extended periods of time. Yeast loves to grow in damp warm conditions and a wet swimsuit will cause yeast to go nuts. Is it possible that you've been doing some swimming lately, like on your mission trip and all?

Since it sounds like this is your first yeast infection, it's important that you get your official diagnosis from your physician. Just to be sure that it's really a yeast infection and not another type of infection or condition. The great news though is that they are very treatable, usually with over-the-counter medicines that you can buy at stores like Target or a supermarket.

I'm very glad you posted here and I'm sorry you've had to deal with this for a month now. Yeast infections are not fun at all, especially when it's your first one and you're not sure what is going on. But I really do have a feeling that's what it is and that you'll be fine in no time. Please post again to let us know how you are doing. Big hugs to you, Michelle