Conference turris::womannotes-v2

    Archives pointer: in Version 1, topic 520 (46 replies).
    
    DougO

    I use to get a yeast infection all the time in college, at least once a
    semester - my gyn. related it to stress. 
    
    Spring semester I would get it around finals - big stress time. 
    
    Fall semester I would get it when I got strep throat and was
    put on antibiotics - anitbiotics also causes yeast infections in some
    women. 
                                                                           
    Since I've been out of school I haven't had one yeast infection nor one
    strep throat and this use to happen twice a year.  Guess I don't have a
    very stressful job!
    
    I use to take warm baths to soothe the itching.
    
    

    I've been there. Boy, have I been there!
    
    If you *do* have a sexual partner, then in situations like yours,
    you are likely re-infecting each other. If that is not the case,
    you may wish to find a good holistic doctor who will treat you for
    yeast allergies. You could try to eliminate all dietary items with
    yeast or fermentation associated-no bread, cheese, wine or beer,
    soy sauce... The list is VERY extensive. I know people who have
    had good luck with this approach.
    
    As for my self, I find that douching every other day with a boric
    acid solution, prevents yeast infections. I make it slightly stronger
    than recommended for eye wash solution, approximately 12 teaspoons
    per gallon of distilled water. You can get powered boric acid in
    any drug store, it's cheap and all you have to do is boil it in
    some of the water to get it to dissolve.
    
    I first read about this in the women's health book put out by MS.
    magazine and asked my doctor at the time about it. She thought it
    was a good thing to try. She had never heard of doing that, but
    said I should go ahead. I've hardly had any yeast infections since
    then, maybe 4 or 5 in 4 years. I used to have about 1 a month.
    
    Oh, be particular about douching (if you try this) for the week
    right after your period. There is still apt to be some blood
    and tissue around which provide an excellent growth medium.
                                            
    Good luck. I know how absolutely frustrating this is.
    
    Tamzen

    Kathy,
    
    Have you also read up on candida?  It's also a yeastie...my
    chiropractor gave me a cookbook that makes sense of the whole thing.
    Definitely cut down on the "mold foods" - vinegar, anything fermented,
    cheese...makes you wonder what you can eat!  It's a matter of reading
    labels carefully and avoiding the things that kick a yeastie off.
    
    If your doctor prescribes an antibiotic, make sure you ask for a
    perscription for Monostat...the antibiotic tends to cure one thing
    and kick off a yeastie.
    
    Let me know if you want the name of that cookbook.  It also contains
    general info about candida and what to do.
    
    Judi
    

Kathy; thanx for starting this! I probably have 'trick' too, and just got the
word from my doctor to try betadine. If that doesn't work, I've got plenty of
follow-up ideas here! Thanx all.
	Mez

    Regarding 'trich***'.
    
    My first ex-wife had this a few times. Her gynecologist prescribed
    a drug - Flagyl - for both her and me to take, to prevent us from
    re-infecting each other.
    
    Trich is sometimes referred to as the 'ping-pong' infection.
    
      Alan

    kath,
    two ideas for gathering more information
    - have you looked in "(The New) Our Bodies Ourselves"? I'd be willing
    to bet that there are some ideas in there
    
    - have you considered seeing another gyn for an opinion? you may
    hear about some alternative approaches. and your current gyn doesn't
    seem to offer much hope -- maybe there's more hope than he's letting
    on.
    
    take care of yourself.
    liz
    

'The [Old] Our Bodies Ourselves' says - don't take Flagyl. Can someone do me a
favor and look up trichomonas [or whatever] in the new version?
	Mez

    Have you tried "Acidophilus"?  It definitely helped me both with
    yeast infections, and cold sores.  You can get this in health food
    stores.  Good luck!
    
    Lily
    


    
                
    

                               
   
   Here is another vote for  Acidophilus. I believe Acidophilus is the same 
stuff that is in yogurt. I could never eat enough yogurt to make any difference.

I used to get a lot of yeast infections, and was allergic to some of the
prescribed medication. I started taking Acidophilus tablets which helped
immensely. Now if I ever start to itch I go right to the acidophilus. You
can sometimes find it in pharmacies, and almost always in health food stores.

When I was having a lot of trouble I would douche soon a couple days after my 
period with vinegar and water, which also helps. 

Once I got over them I haven't had them very often, except when I take
antibiotics (with those I again take acidophilus to avoid them).

I think until you really get rid of the infection it keeps coming back.

Also wear cotton underwear and do not wear nylons, or tight pants. Let
that air through!

Good Luck - I sympathize.

Muggsie

    
       


    
                
    

       The only time I've ever had yeast infections was the 2 years I
       was on the pill. I don't know if that's the reason for it though.
       Anyway, a douche of saltwater used to work for me. I've also had
       'trick and both my boyfriend and I had to take Flagyl. I read
       about it and for the life of me can't remember why but it is
       dangerous in the long term and shouldn't be used often. liesl

    Flagyl can cause liver damage in extended use, I believe. But it is
    currently the only thing which will get rid of the flagelate protozoa
    which cause Trichamoniasis. There is some indication (but not firm)
    connecting Trich to PID (pelvic inflammatory disease) which can cause
    sterility so I wouldn't fool around if you have trich. Take the Flagyl.

    Tamzen

RE: .10
>>>I could never eat enough yogurt to make any difference.

Eating it is also good, but not as good as douching with it... (sounds gross,
but for most women it works very well).. 


RE: others...

you've all have given me some really good ideas...  Flagyl?  It did nothing for
me...I'm the type of person that has to take Codeine for a simple headache and
usually that doesn't even work...My body is very resistant to any form
of medication so most don't help...my doctor has given me a couple more
weeks to shake this, then he's talking some kind of out-patient surgery
which I did not like the sound of...


RE: second gyno's opinion

I've seen many gyno's (like I said...many problems) and they're all just
as puzzled...not so much with the infections, but with my body not reacting
to the medication....I figured a "natural approach" may be the next step.
       

Anyone got an address where I can "mail-order" a new body?  Or at least certain
parts?  8^)  (Gotta have a sense of humor during these times, right?)

kath
                

    I just happened to have the NEW Our Bodies Ourselves right next
    to my terminal at home...  and I quote... (please excuse typos
    as I don't plan to edit this cause the system is slow)
    
    Trichomonas vaginalis, or trich, is a one-celled parasite that cna
    be found in both men and women.  Many women have trich organisms
    in their vaginas, though often they are without symptons.  Usually
    women with trich have a thin, foamy vaginal discharge that is yellowidh
    green or gray in color and has a foul odor.  IF another infextion
    is present along with trich, the dischange may be thincker and whiter.
     Trich is usually diagnosed by examining vag. dicharg under a
    microscope.  It can also cause a urinary infection.  It is most
    oftern contracted thour intercourse (thus can be considered an std)
    but can also be passed on by moist objects such as towels, bathing
    suits, underwear, washcloths and toilet seats.  Sometimes emotional
    stress can cause symptoms to flare up or recur.
    
    The usual treatment for trich is oral doses of metronidazole (Flagyl).
     We think that women shou use this drug with great caution, as it
    has caused gene mutations, birth defects and cancer in animal studies.
     Women with blood diseases, central nervous sytem disorders or prptic
    ulcers shoud not take this drug.  Pregant and nursing mothers shoul
    also avoid it as it can pass through the placenta and brest milk
    to the baby.  Many women who take this drug experience unpleasant
    effects such as nausea, headache, diarrhea, joint pain and numbness
    of arms or legs.  In addition alcohol makes things worse.
    
    In some cases, you can treat trich successfully with sulfa creams
    (low efficacy), Betadine or self help remedies (see below).  Unless
    you detect the infection early, however (and oftern even when you
    do), these treatments are not always as effective as Flgyl.  If
    you have a stubborn case which has not reponded to other treatments
    and decide to use Flagyl, ask for a single oral dose instead of
    the usual 3 to 7 day course of pills.  Recent studies show that
    one dose has a 98% cure rate and far fewer negative effects.  (men
    should be treated at the same time)
        
    	Nitirmidazole, which is available in England is reported to
    be as effective as Flagyl.  It may soon become available in the
    us.
    
    Self-help treatments:
    	1.  Vinegar douches.  Tirch grows best in an alkaline envirionment
    so acidic douches may eliminate a trich infection if applied early
    enough.
    	2.  Goldenseal-myrrh douche.
    	3.  Chickweed douche: boil on qt of water, add 3 T. of chickweed.
    Cover, let sit5-10 min, strain. Douche daily for a week.
    	4.  Garlic suppositories inserted every 12 hours.
    
    One trich specialist advises that takeing tub baths, wearing loose
    clothing (since exposure to air destroys parasites causing infection),
    and avoiding tampons, douches and vaginal srays will help prevent
    recurrences.
    
    I looked back and see lots of typos...please forgive me...
    
    There is more p 517-520 on vaginal infections...  oh teh farlic
    suppositories..
    it sayes peel but don't nick a clove of garlic, then wrap in gauze
    before inserting.
    
    Kathy, if you want to borrow the book let me know...
    
    There are lots of infections...if someone else wants to do some
    more typing, feel free.
    
    	sherry   who_had_one_yeastie_15_yrs_ago_but_not_since

    I recently went to the doctor's to get a cure for vaginal thrush
    and she gave me a very new drug (so new the chemist had to order
    it) called Di-flucon.  It's supposed to be strong enough to clear
    it up in 1 dose that you take by mouth, but sometimes if you get
    it badly it takes 2 or 3 doses.  Anyway it worked for me.  
    
    The doctor also suggested eating fresh pineapple as it contains  an
    acid which helps to fight against thrush. 
    
                                                               

    I've found Monistat to be very effective against yeast infections
    which have occurred following stints on antibiotics.  (It's inserted
    locally.)  The antibiotics also kill good bacteria which normally
    keep the yeast in check.
      
    Re .11, I understand that women on the pill can be more prone to 
    vaginal infections - not sure just why, though.
    
    Good luck!
    
    Paula

I was going to E-mail this to Kath, and then thought it might be helpful to
others, since I haven't seen anyone else mention them.

Two other possibilities come to mind wrt recurring yeast
infections:

First, you mention eating yoghurt, but are you continuing to eat sugar (corn
syrup, honey, molasses, etc.)?  Yeast thrive on sugar; in addition, I've
read that yoghurt looses its effectiveness when eaten with sugar, so if
you're eating flavored yoghurt, it might not being doing you any good at all
(except for calcium intake).

Second,

(I'm going to get slightly frank, so press Next Unseen if you don't
like Frank :-)


Some forms of yeast like to hang out in people's mouths.  This is a
normal condition for many people, since the yeast being there doesn't lead
to any ill effects. Therefore, if you are sexually active, and engaging in
oral sex, you might be getting recurring yeast infections from that
activity. 

Now, lest the above be taken as advocacy of the cessation of oral sex ;-), let
me suggest that a good strong mouthwash might be all that it takes to
eliminate the problem.  I've also heard that drinking something acidic, such
as grapefruit juice, prior to the activity in question also is helpful.
[This last is anecdotal, so don't ask me for citations.]

Good luck -- wouldn't it be nice if they put more money into research
for the elimination of these problems :-(

Bobbi "TWO postings in one day ??!" Fox

    RE: Bobbi-my-aren't-we-getting-verbose-Fox
    
    What is this? A plot to take over the file!?!?!?
    
    
    
    :-}
    

    Kath,            
                     
    As someone suggested, you should look into the possibility of having
    Candida Albicans.  Vaginal infections are only one symptom of the
    Candida Syndrome.  People who have Candida usually "just don't feel
    well."  It can cause headaches, insomnia, PMS, fatigue, asthma,
    vaginal infections, loss of sexual interest, and other  problems.  
    In most cases, patients can be helped through diet (sugar, caffeine, 
    fermented foods - ie some cheeses, mushrooms, vinegars, fruit skins, 
    should be avoided.  A low carbohydrate diet is recommended.  Along
    with the diet, nyastatin is taken.  Nyastatin kills yeast upon contact 
    and is not absorbed into the bloodstream.  Some patients may undergo 
    chelation therapy but that is only if the condition is extremene
    and if the yeast is not kept in check by diet and nyastatin.     
                                                              
    I would recommend reading _The Yeast Connection_ by Dr. William
    Crook (don't laugh, that's his name).  In the book, he explains
    the Syndrome; what it does to the body; and how to treat it.
                       
    After having headaches on a regular basis, I went through a thorough
    examination and was diagnosed as having Candida Albicans.  I've
    been on the medication for the past month and I've been watching
    what I eat; although during the holiday season, I find myself eating
    rather than watching :-).  I can see a difference already.  Mentally,
    I feel more alert, my moods levels aren't as eratic as they were,
    headaches are less frequent and PMS was a breeze!!!!
                                
    For those with vaginal infections, it is recommended that you microwave
    your underwear for five minutes.  Sounds crazy, I know, but if it
    helps....        
                     
    If you need any more information, I'd be happy to send you some
    brochures.  Please be aware that the majority of gynecologists are
    not experts in this area.  Many treat the symptom but not the problem.
    I highly recommend consulting an internist....you might want to
    inquire whether the doctor treats Candida (a polite way of asking
    how much he knows about it).
                     
    Good luck to you!
    
    Kris
    

    	This may sound foolish but everyone is talking about "eating"
    yogurt. My wife had a severe yeast infectiion and her gyn told her
    place approx. 2 tblsp. of plain unsugared yogurt in her vagina using
    the most comfortable method she preferred. We laughed and joked
    about using flavored stuff instead but she followed the doctor's
    advice. Gone in 2 days. The applications were twice a day (am &
    pm). 
    
    Ken
    
    Note: Allow it warm up before applying. 8^)

>>    place approx. 2 tblsp. of plain unsugared yogurt in her vagina using

	 yes, I corrected someone way back there somewhere....eating
	 yogurt is a preventative measure...but isn't strong enough to
	 cure it....you're right, you have to "douche" with yogurt (as
	 my doctor put it...)

	 BTW:  it didn't work for me.... nothing seems to be working
	       too well...  8^(

	 c'est la vie....

	 kath

    2 Tbsp non-lowfat plain yogurt (preferably homemade, but Columbo
    will do) in 2 quarts of warm water (shaken, not stirred ;) - just
    kidding - stirred is fine).  Douche with this concoction once a
    day for 5 days.  Works every time for me - how ever there are several
    strains of bacteria/yeasties that are responsible for infections
    - and this one seems primarily effective against Candida Albicans.  
    
    -Jody
    

    Another remedy a friend and her sister use: 
    
    Soak a tampon in Listerine and insert it.  
    
    I don't know what sort of yeast infections they have but a doctor 
    suggested this treatment for one of them and now they both swear by it.
    
    -Sarah

>>>-< Listerine >-


	 yuck.........  8^)

	 

    
    Not to get personal or anything, but do you sleep with your underpants
    on? I had yeast infections all through college, tried monistat a couple
    of times, and the yogurt douche as well. 
    
    At some point I stopped wearing underpants to bed (under a nightgown)
    and this has been the most effective remedy! The only time it comes
    back a little is when I am menstruating and  have to wear panties.
    
    As soon as I stop again, it goes away.
                  
    Simple, but efective for me.
    
    Roberta
    
    P.S. Also, anytime you are home alone, or wearing a skirt around
    the house, or have any other opportunity to air it out, do so. I
    try to wait as long as possible before putting on my pants in the
    morning after a shower, to make sure I am as dry as possible (even
    with cotton panties).
                         

    
    Re: being as dry as possible.  A towel just doesn't work as well
    as the blow dryer.  If you use one for the hair on your head, 
    consider a blast down below, too.  Don't use the HOT setting though,
    that's a bit much.
    
    To the originator of this note, good luck.  I went through a very
    trying two or three years of all sorts of recurring infections --
    yeast, bacteria, trich -- and it was most discouraging and disgusting.
    I think it's easy to get caught in a cycle like that because the
    ecology of the vagina is a very delicately balanced one.  If you
    choose to try the douching home remedies, try one remedy at a time
    and be sure to clean your douche-stuff thoroughly.  I think I prolonged
    my own agony with a blitz-krieg approach and by not cleaning the
    equipment.  If I were to douche again, I'd probably boil it before
    and between use.                                            
    
    CQ
    

    My sister told me that she got them when she had her electric blanket
    on too high for several nights.  I guess heat encourages 'em to
    "be fruitful and multiply"...
    
    -Jody
    

    
    RE: .-1
    
    Yes, I had the same problem with the electric blanket. I agree.
    
    RE: .-2
    
    Often hair driers harbor dirt and stuff. I used to
    use a drier the way you suggest but found it made things worse.
    I also noticed if I blew hot air in my ears while drying my head
    that it irritated my ear too. Maybe you have a very clean hair dryer,
    but I would advise anyone doing this to be aware of the possibility
    that it isn't clean. 
         
    Roberta
    

    You have the same problem as I do - I have found that
    infections for me were caused from the following:
    
    #1	Colored/died toilet paper.
    #2	Deoderant/scented soaps, bath bubbles, etc (I only use Ivory
        now)
    #3	If you use over-the-counter spermicides such as cremes/jellies
        for a diaphragm (spelling---) or the Sponge or Conceptrol, you
        may find your allergic to them.
    
    In all the above cases, an uncomfortable vaginal infection turned
    into a miserable bladder/kidney infection.
    
    Some methods that I tried that helped the problem:
    
    	#1 Took a warm bath in hot water and baking soda (no soap).
    	#2 Used an iodine douche - be careful, only 1 time  per week.
    	#3 Drink plenty of liquids - preferably water or juice.
    
    Good luck.
    

	 gosh....something REALLY must be wrong with me...I do
	 everything right and still have this sh*t.....

		�  i don't sleep in anything let alone undies.
		�  i always were cotton undies
		�  no pantyhose unless I absolutely have to
		�  no electric blanket, but a waterbed..I keep it
		      warm, but not too warm...
		�  unscented/nocolor tp
		�  ivory soap always
		�  no spermicides/creams/jellies/etc...


	 i've tried some of the remedies everyone has suggested...most
	 of the symptoms have gone (but I'm also on medication from
	 the doc, too)....We'll see next week if the doctor says its
	 gone...and pray the symptoms are gone after I get off the
	 medication.  Maybe I'll try the yogurt bit ...everyone seems
	 to say that's good!


	 ARGHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Years ago, a friend told me that symptoms flare up whenever she's been
eating lots of sugar.

Brenda

    If you share your household with other people may I suggest
    that you *label* any yoghurt that is being used for medicinal
    purposes.
    
    Slightly embarassing information follows form feed.
    
    
    
    Early in our marriage I suffered from a severe yeast infection.
    The cause appeared to have been an overly romantic indulgence
    on our honeymoon at night at a beach on the Long Island sound
    which we found out later was polluted by run off from the
    sewage system of the cottages. A word to the wise, as it were.
    
    Also, an earlier noter mentioned having ones partner use mouth
    wash before oral sex to prevent cross infection. You may well 
    find that the 'fresh tingly, minty flavor' has a burning effect
    on those sensitive muscous membranes.
    
    Bonnie

    Another cause is BC pills - they alter the vaginal acidity and can
    cause yeastie-beasties to multiply like mad.
    
    Main things to cut down (or out!) are sugar, yeast, alcohol, caffine,
    and a few others.
    
    If nothing else seems to work, I would suggest buying a box of Cantrol,
    taking it, and carefully following the diet that comes with it
    (basically balanced meals, low in sugar and fat - I lost a lot of
    weight with it too), gave up the foods I'm allergic to, and it
    eventually went away for good.
    
    Elizabeth

    Also, if you are on any form of penicillin or cortico-steroid (can
    be found under the brand-names of Prednisone, Slo-bid, Theodur,
    Theophylline, Slophylline...look in a prescription books for the
    rest of the steroid family), that makes it rough, too.  Somehow
    the steroids encourage the growth (not sure, but that's what the
    doc told me) - and the penicillin knocks out your body's own natural
    defenses allowing the infection to run rampant.
    
    -Jody
    

    How can you tell if you have an infection??  Acouple of years ago
    I had an infection I thought it was a bladder infection; well my
    boyfriend and I had to take some medicine.  He took it for a while
    but stopped.  I didn't have any problems (like burning when I urinated,
    frequent urination) then on.  Now I'm not sure if I have an infecton
    or not.  The discharge is the same as it has been for years but
    the smell is stronger. Also, when I'm mensturating about the 2nd
    day there are like blood clots and they go away either that day
    or the next.  The last time I went to the gyn.  I guess they didn't
    find anything wrong because I didn't get a call.  Do they check
    for all sorts of things or just cancer??  I don't take any B.C.
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    

>    The last time I went to the gyn.  I guess they didn't
>    find anything wrong because I didn't get a call. 

Ask the gyn to contact you with the results either way. Or get a better gyn
(one who'll do that without asking). That's how I find things out.
	Mez

    Re .35
    
    I would echo .36, and say get a better gyn, one who will talk to
    you and listen to you, explain to her/him what's going on, that
    you suspect some sort of infection, and ask to be tested for such.
    Ask her/him to call you with whatever results (positive, negative,
    for what) she/he gets, then take appropriate action.
    
    BTW, pap smears only catch cancer and a few other things - usually
    not vaginal infections.
    
    Elizabeth
                           

      I don't know if this has been stated but when Donna had this problem
    she would take her medicine and clear up the infection.. Then I
    would give it back to her the next time we made love. So finally
    when both took the medicine it finally cleared it up.....
    It turned out that I was causing it to reoccur in Donna....    
               REK

    RE: .37
    
    A PAP smear should not be done if a vaginal infection is present.
    A yeast infection can be overwhelming and mask any abnormal cervical
    cells that may be present.  
    
    _s

    
    
    This week's Boston Phoenix has an article about yeast, and the effects
    it can have on both men and women (it can live in the intestinal
    track as well as the vagina).
    
    The article discusses how different foods feed the yeast, and how
    the yeast can screw up your whole system by feeding toxins into
    your blood. 
    
    Roberta
    

    If you take Acidophilus for candida, how much should you take (in
    tablet form)?  I've been taking 1 every other night as i did't want
    to overdo the dose and it doesn't seem to have done any good.  
    
    LT
    

    Acidopholis is a difficult thing to overdo - I wouldn't worry about
    it.
    
    I would reccomend taking about 2-3 capsules each day.  A good
    alternative is to make homemade yogurt - it's simple.  Eat as much
    of that as you can if you are really having problems.  Otherwise,
    some every other day or so is a good precaution.
    
    Elizabeth

    Also, remember to keep your acidophilus in the fridge - it should
    say how to store it on the label....
    
    -Jody
    

    You can also get things called "yeast fighters" in Natural
    Food/Vitamins stores that not only have acidophilus in them,
    but also herbs and vitamins that help with cleansing the body
    of Candida.  One herb that is very good for getting rid of Candida 
    is Pau D'Arco.
    
    Linda

    
    
    	Take 2 at least a half hour before breakfast and then 2 more
   	at bedtime.

    
    I don't know about trich but I'm an expert on trying to get rid
    of thrush !
    
    I'll list the things I tried, but the thing that helped me best
    was coming of the pill. I was off for a year and have just cautiously
    gone back on - and have already noticed a tendency to be itchy again,
    although I haven't had a bad attack. But one thing you should check
    up on with your doctor is that you're not diabetic ! the one good
    thing that came out of my 2+ year struggle to get rid of thrush
    was that my boyfriend discovered he had diabetes. It had obviously
    recently developed, and catching it early means he now takes
    medication, and is less likely to have some nasty diabetes related
    things in the long run.
    
    Anyway things that helped me :-
    
    Canesten and other anti-fungal pessaries, but you need to do some
    of the below to avoid reoccurrence.
    
    Cotton knickers
    stockings not tights
    no tight jeans
    no bubblebath or scented soaps
    Use a NON-BIOLOGICAL soap powder and no fabric softener - this was
    one of the last things I tried and it made a difference
    DONT use antiseptic stuff - I don't fancy the tampon in listerine
    much !
    
    Have to go now, if I think of any other things I'll add them later!
    
    Sarah.
    

	 I can't believe it...it's been almost a year since I entered
	 this note....and guess what....yep, I still have the same
	 infection that I had last December.....

	 In the past year, I tried the suggestions that everyone in
	 here gave me, my doctor prescribed me antibiotics, douches,
	 cremes, etc.....all to no avail......

	 Last month we took the plunge and did a cryo.  All I can say,
	 is DON'T let an infection get his far.  A cryo is similar to
	 the freezing off of a wart, except its your cervix they're
	 freezing.  The cramping pain is immense (although my doctor
	 did mention that the pain is directly proportional to
	 severity of the infection).  The discomfort for the next few
	 weeks after was tolerable, but the thought of possibly having
	 to do another cryo within the next month makes me shutter.

         It's been over a year since I've had the infection....I'm
	 thinking of getting a new doctor, since this one doesn't seem
	 to be taking me seriously about it....has anyone else ever
	 had to go this far in the treatment of a vaginal infection?

	 If you feel uncomfortable in this file, feel free to send me
	 mail....Knowing that I'm not alone in this, would really make
	 me feel a lot better about it....sometimes I wonder if
	 perhaps it could be much more serious....

	 kath

    Kath,
    
    I don't have anywhere near the vaginal problems that you do, but I
    urge you to see another doctor.
    
    And please keep us posted on your progress!
    
    Carol
    

    I'd suggest (if you haven't done it already, which you may have)
    if it's a candida infection (candidas albicans) - you try a systemic
    approach (such as I'm sure someone mentioned in this note, or you
    could try the HOLISTIC notesfile, topic 155)....
    
    Have you pinned down the culprit bacteria/germ?  Have you stepped
    through all the various creams and capsules?  I think it might be
    time to sample a different doctor if this one can't offer anything
    other than another cryo session.....

    -Jody
    

    Have your partner(s) been tested and retested? You could be
    being reinfected.
    
    Bonnie

>    Have your partner(s) been tested and retested? You could be
>    being reinfected.


	 I wish it was this easy.....there has been no steady partner
	 at all since the infection began......and given the fact that
	 I'm very careful/aware of it, there was no opportunity for me
	 to be reinfected...

	 But your point is a valid one..it is very easy to be
	 reinfected by a partner.....	 :-)


	 kath

	 Since this is the note in "question", I figure this is the
	 place to put it.


	 To those of you in noteland that feel you have to forward my
	 notes in here and snicker about them, remember, it is against
	 P&P to extract notes and copy them without the author's
	 permission.

	 I know who you are, and this time I'll let it slide, but let
	 it be understood right now, that if it continues, you'll have
	 to deal with Personnel.

	 No one appreciates being laughed at...especially about
	 something that effects the lives of each and every woman in
	 this country at least once.

	 kathy

                          <** Moderator Response **>

    Kathy, be assured that you have our support in any action you choose to
    take.  That sounds like behavior that should have been left behind in
    junior high!
    
    						=maggie

    As a side affect of being on antibiotics I've been visited by
    Monilia again. Has anyone had any problems with oral Monilia
    or thrush? I've got cracks in the corners of my mouth and
    sore gums, and suspect that may be what's happened.
    
    Bonnie

    
    My dentist checks for it and, if present, prescribes one of two
    medications.  Nystatin (a pearly-yellow, slightly liquorice-tasting 
    liquid) which you hold in your mouth for a minute before swallowing.
    Or some lozenges, the name of which I don't remember.  I've never
    had any symptoms that I had yeast that I noticed (well, maybe
    occasional bad breath and/or a coated tongue). 
                          
    CQ

    Try excessive Vit B and/or yogurt...
    
    ..dale
    

    Does this mean that only the brands mentioned contain live yogurt
    cultures? I thought all yogurt did.