Yeast infection after period
Vaginal yeast infections, also known as candidiasis or vaginal thrush, are a common condition that can cause discomfort. After your period, it is common to develop a yeast infection.
Hormonal changes such as those you experience during your period could kill bacteria in your vagina or cause yeast infections.
Candida albicans are responsible for most vaginal yeast infections. Other strains of Candida can also cause infection. These include:
- Candida glabrata
- Candida parapsilosis
- Candida tropicalis
- Candida krusei
- Cryptococcus neoformans
Although vaginal yeast infections are uncomfortable, especially after your period, you can treat them with medication, including antifungal creams.
Causes
The bacteria in your vagina are Lactobacillus bacteria and Candida fungi. They work together to keep your vagina healthy. The bacteria help to keep the fungi from growing.
Candida can grow out of control if something is done to the bacteria. This fungus can cause yeast infections if it grows too fast. For example, antibiotics can kill bacteria and cause yeast infections.
Yeast infections are often linked to hormonal imbalances. Candidates are more common in women who are pregnant and use hormonal contraception.
It disrupts the body’s natural balance between progesterone and estrogen. High estrogen levels can cause Candidafungi to overgrow.
It is common to develop a yeast infection during your period. People can get yeast infections at the same time as their monthly cycle, which is known as cyclic vaginitis.
If you are:
- Recently, I received a course in antibiotics
- Have a condition that suppresses the immune system, such as HIV
- You are subject to a lot of stress which can affect your immune system.
- Have diabetes
Diagnosis
A doctor may diagnose yeast infection by looking at your symptoms and past medical history. They might then perform a pelvic examination and diagnose the yeast infection by sight.
Your doctor may take a swab of your vagina to see if there is any discharge. The doctor will send the swab to a laboratory, where it will then be tested for yeast strains.
Your doctor may order a laboratory test if you are experiencing yeast infections frequently or if the symptoms don’t improve.
Treatments
Many yeast infections can be treated at home using over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal medication.
OTC remedies for yeast infections are designed to treat Candida Albicans, the most common type of yeast infection. It won’t work if a different strain of fungus causes your yeast infection.
It is impossible to tell which yeast strain it might be until the specimen has been tested in a laboratory. If you have recurring yeast infections or don’t get relief with OTC or home remedies, you should consult a doctor.
The doctor will use the lab test to determine the yeast strain affecting your body. The doctor will then be able to prescribe medication or recommend OTC medications.
Prevention
There are some lifestyle changes that you can make if you have frequent yeast infections.
- Avoid antibiotics, as they can kill bacteria in your vagina. You should also take a probiotic if you are forced to take antibiotics. To promote “good” bacteria, you can also eat Probiotic Foods like yoghurt, kimchi and kombucha.
- Cotton underwear and loose-fitting pants are best. Avoid wearing wet bathing suits and sweaty clothes. Warm, humid environments are ideal for yeast growth.
- Soap can cause yeast infections and irritation by bacteria in the vagina. Your vagina is clean by itself. According to a 2015 study, douches should not be used unless your doctor has permitted them. Douching can lead to yeast infections.
- Wash your vagina well. Avoid using scented soaps to clean your vagina and vulva. Instead, use warm water to wash your vagina or vulva.
- Reduce the sugar content of your diet. A high-sugar diet is good for yeast growth.
How to visit a doctor
If you suspect that you may have a yeast infection, it is best to consult a doctor. You may have complications, so you must consult a doctor in certain cases.
Recurrent yeast infections or persistent symptoms should be reported to your doctor. You should contact your doctor if you are suffering from yeast infections, diabetes, HIV, or another condition that affects the immune system.
If you have had four or more yeast infections within a year, you should see a doctor.
The bottom line
Vaginal yeast infections are common after your period. This is because hormonal fluctuations can alter the environment of your vagina. This can lead to yeast overgrowth.
A doctor should treat recurrent yeast infections or persistent yeast infections.
