Yeast Infection (sorry if TMI!!)

[Anonymous]

So I think I have a yeast infection---I've never had one before---and am 27 weeks pregnant. I'm planning on going into my OB but anyone know if there's anything I can do in the next few days to make things more pleasant?

[Anonymous]

I have had a yeast infection, though not while pregnant--and if you really have one, you will not want to wait a few days before seeing the Dr.! Super uncomfortable, like you want to have a fan blowing between your legs and an ice pack too. Sorry I can't think of any remedies to reccomend though, esp. if pregnant. DONT douche or anything like that, of course. . .

[Anonymous]

Preggers at 13 weeks and have yeast infection (or so I think). I called the advice nurse and she said I can use the monistat cream (now that I'm out of the first trimester) and apply when necessary. Also, depending on how much of a yeast infection (apparently there are different ranges) your body can sometimes resolve itself.

She also said eating a lot of yogurt may also help (especially Dannon and Activia which tend to have more good bacteria cultures in them) to help my body regulate and find normal balance.

I'm still on the yogurt thing since I hesitate (and embarassed) to buy the monistat cream and so far it seems to be working (or maybe it is just a coincidence).

The good news is that it doesn't harm the baby (thanks to the mucous plug), but it can present problems during delivery/after birth (like thrush).

[Anonymous]

Besides eating it, you can use plain organic yogurt right in your vagina. Just kind of scoop a little in there. It is very soothing, and it also very quickly clears the yeast. Also it is totally safe and immediately available. Best to use at night time when you are lying down. Obviously you will want to wear a small pad when you use it cause eventually it will sort of leak back out.

Yeast infections are much more common during pregnancy (also if taking antibiotics). It's really good to be eating yogurt and other probiotic foods on a daily basis to keep your system in balance. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

Definitely do NOT wait to get an OTC yeast infection cream! You do not want the infection to get worse. Why on earth would you be embarrassed about buying the cream? It's one of the most common issues women have. Trust me, you want to get on top of this infection and not wait a few days.

I know they say "if you've never had one before, wait and see your doctor." But the symptoms are very obvious, and I personally would rather get started on the cream a.s.a.p. (like walk to CVS now!). Your symptoms will be MUCH better by tomorrow. And if they persist unabated, you can go to your OB appointment in a few days.

I had to take antibiotics at around 18 weeks pregnant (in October), and my OB said the OTC yeast infection cream is fine, but not Diflucan (the oral treatment that you need a prescription for anyway). But you may need to get a 3-day or 7-day treatment, rather than just a 1-day, to make sure you've really beat it. I did a 3-day treatment, and it worked fine.

Also, if you are already experiencing symptoms, eating yogurt now will not end the infection -- it just helps in preventing future ones. Yeast thrives on sugar in your body, too, so if you are eating sweets or starches, cut back. Good luck, and go to CVS!

[Anonymous]

OP here---thanks for all the replies! And I'm not embarrassed to go to CVS but am now wondering if it really is a yeast infection after all given your emphatic replies. I'm itchy and a little uncomfortable and feel swollen down there :0

[Anonymous]

See if you can make an appointment today, either with your general practitioner or with your OB. If you can, do not take the cream so that they can diagnose. Once you have taken the cream, they cannot do any tests. I actually believe you can buy a yeast infection OTC testing kit at the grocery store or CVS. There are ranges of infection, so maybe yours is just mild. The OTC test kit is very easy to use and results are very obvious to interpret.

[Anonymous]

I recommend buying an over-the-counter cream. Also, do not wear tight jeans/pants, make sure the area stays dry, wear cotton panties.

[Anonymous]

Itchy, uncomfortable, little swollen - those are classic symptoms. If you cannot get into see your doctor by tomorrow morning, I would get the cream (I would do it tonight, but that's me).

[Anonymous]

I've always been told that you should only take meds if you've had yeast infections before and therefore you are certain you are experiencing another one. Otherwise you should see a doctor. (It could be staph or any other sort of BV for example.)

As someone who has had this issue before, I suggest you see your ob and get the cream as soon as you're diagnosed. Otherwise, yeast infections get worse and worse and very uncomfortable.

[Anonymous]

i have one right now and i'm taking monistat 7 day which my dr said was fine. she also recommended gyne-lotrimin.

from a fellow sufferer ... i feel your pain, sista!! but i'm telling you, you will feel instant relief after the first dose (although it will burn at first, so be prepared).

one way to tell if you have a yeast infection ... stick a finger down there ... if it comes back smelling like yeast or bread, you have your answer. nasty, but effective.

[Anonymous]

Make sure you go to the doctor no matter what you end up doing now. I had a yeast infection. When I did the doctor told me that a yeast infection won't hurt the baby, but a bacterial infection could... make sure you go to find out what you have.

[Anonymous]

FYI There is also an over the counter test you can take to see if it is really a yeast infection or if it is something else.
You simply run a little plastic spoon to collect some of the discharge and wait to see what color the spoon turns.
Compare the spoon color to the little card to tell if it is a yeast infection. It is normally in the same aisle as the yeast rememdies.

Also - I recommend seeing your doctor first if you have never had a yeast infection. I so happen to be allergic to the over the counter creams and need to take a pill. You can tell you are allergic when once the cream is deposited it burns like crazy for hours and no amount of trying to remove the cream can alleviate the problem. It was horrible. Dr had to wash it out. ugh (SORRY if TMI)