Most women get at least one yeast infection at some point in their lives. The following questions and answers may help you learn more about this common and uncomfortable condition:
I’m on a high-dose of estrogen birth control pills. Can they cause yeast infections?
According to the Mayo Clinic, high-dose estrogen birth control pills are certainly a risk factor for increased yeast infections. When the estrogen levels rise, the occurrence of yeast infections will too.
Will my taking estrogen hormone therapy increase my risk of recurrent yeast infections?
Yes. The key word is estrogen. If your hormone therapy contains estrogen, then this will increase your risk of yeast infections.
Does being sexually active make you have yeast infections?
Yeast infections aren’t considered sexually transmitted diseases, but candida organism can be introduced to the vagina through sexual contact.
What are some things to avoid if you have problems with yeast infections?
The following are things that the Mayo Clinic recommends avoiding in order to prevent recurrent infections:
--Avoid douching
--Don't use scented tampons, pads, bubble baths or feminine hygiene sprays
--Wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting pants or skirts.
--Avoid tight-fitting underwear or pantyhose
--Change out of wet clothes, such as swimsuits or workout attire, as soon as possible
--Stay out of hot tubs or very hot baths
I’m pregnant, is using over-the-counter treatments okay?
The Mayo Clinic states that you can safely treat any yeast infection during pregnancy with antifungal creams or suppositories. They pose no risk to your unborn child.
I’m a guy; can I get a yeast infection from my girlfriend?
Yes. Totally possible – especially if the couple is having unprotected sex. Even further, women are not the only ones that can get yeast infections – no sexual contact involved. If you are male and have to take a long course of antibiotics, you may develop a yeast infection. The same is true of men who are diabetics or who have impaired immune systems.
If it’s your first time developing a yeast infection, always check with your doctor before you do anything else. Your doctor will probably suggest an over-the-counter antifungal cream. Simply apply the medication directly to the affected skin (usually reddish rash along with itching/burning at the tip of the penis) twice a day for a week. This should clear the infection up. If not, consult with your doctor.
Best in Health!
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