Ever since I started the birth control pill in May I have been getting yeast infections more regularly. Actually before the pill I had only had one in my life. I just switched pills but still getting a prolonged yeast infection that seems to clear up for a day or so or during my period then comes back full force. Its driving me crazy. What can I do? Something to take to prevent these awful things?

I had a similar experience. I never had a yeast infection before going on the pill, but after starting it, I would have 1 or 2 infections per year. Now, I've stopped BCPs altogether (just over 2 months ago) and already had 3 infections...grr...One forum I visited a woman posted that she had a yeast infection monthly for about a year after stopping BCPs.

I'm trying to take a more holistic approach and try to prevent outbreaks but I'm not sure if I'm having much success or not. I'm taking acidophilus capsules and have also ordered AZO yeast pills as well as trying to eat yogurt containing live active cultures daily. I think the yogurt daily is helping the most so far. Since I've started it, I only notice the infections flare up when I start slacking and stop having yogurt for a few days.

Too bad I can't stand yougurt...

I also read that recurring infections could be caused by pregnancy but I havnt had sex in over a month and I took a test 2 weeks after that got a negative result plus my period a day after that...so I'm pretty sure thats not it.

I just put monistat cream on and feel...a little better. Its nice. lol. I will have to talk to my doctor and ask her if there are things I can do to prevent them. I have been thinking of going off the pill all together and see if im regular since I'm on it to keep me from bleeding for weeks on end like usual. We will have to see. Thanks for your post

the estrogen in the pill sometimes causes women to have more yeast infections. At this point i have one year round because of the pill! The only way to get rid of it was going on a progesterine only method (I was on depo for 9 months). It cleared up the yeast infections but brought on other issues (mainly HORRIBLE acne). To keep mine (somewhat) in check I have a prescription for Diflucan which has multiple refills, so I have to take that every few weeks. In between I try to eat yogurt. Strange as it is, douching helps. They say that for normal people it can disrupt the normal flora and cause yeast infections.. but for people with CHRONIC infections it actually helps because it flushes out some of the bad and can minimize problems. So I do that every couple of weeks too. There's that new RePhresh gel on the market that is supposed to balance out your normal PH level and I may start on that to see if it helps.

this happened to me but when I went to the doctor and they did a smear, they found no yeast. But I am taking birth control pills as well as using VCF (vaginal controceptive films) (my husband and I REALLLY dont want to get pregnaut..lol), anyways it may be the VCF that is giving me these "yeast infections" that look like yeast feel like yeast but I am guessing are not yeast. Anyway, when I have a flare-up. I get a warm rag (as warm as i can stand it) and sit on it (I usually put a towel underneath me). I usually have to "rewarm" the rag once or twice but after I have it on my for around 30 min it stops itching. I have tried EVERYTHING else (yogurt, garlic, a pill, prescription medicine etc etc) but nothing works like this, and it is safe and soothing...since I have been doing this I rarely get a bad itch...so try it, and let me know if it does anything for you...I am curious if this really works for others or just for me.

Boukensha.. I wonder if what you are having is an allergic reaction to the VCF. I do know what you mean about taking the warm rag.. it does feel good when you are itching down there! Too bad it doesn't cure the problem.

I got monistat 3 last night and so far the cream it comes with has helped with the itching. I feel a tad better but if it gets really bad Ill try the warm rag idea since it sounds like it would help just like any heat brings relief to an itch. Thanks for your ideas and help. I will be talking to my doctor soon if this doesnt stop. I cant stand it.

Normally, with Monistat, I begin to get significant relief by the 3rd day (using the 1 or 3 day treatment), so hang in there, hopefully, you will feel better soon!

My Gyn suggested eating yogurt. (if you do not like yogurt you can take acidophilis pills the active culture in yogurt, you can find them at most health food stores in the pro-biotic section).

I also drink Kefir daily it is similiar to yogurt. (if you do not like yogurt you may not like it, it is like drinking a berry flavored yogurt smoothie). You can find it in the dairy section of most health food stores. The two main prepared brands are Lifeway and Helloise. The lifeway is lower fat and taste better.

I used to have alot of yeast infections. My gyn was worried I might have problems when she put me on the pill. I drink Kefir every morning and take an acidophilis pill twice daily. It is great for the digestion, makes me feel good and best of all, I have very little problems with yeast infections now!

In regards to Tamwashere's post...are the acidophilis pill like a drug? Like would it do anything else to my body I dont want? I hate being on hormones as it is and would like to just stick to naturals when I can, stuff that isnt druggy and full of side effects. If anyone knows what im talking about...to be medication and hormone pill free would be a dream! So are these acidophilis pills like something i would regret taking?

Acidophilus pills should not give you any bad side effects; you buy them over-the-counter, with supplements. They're really not drugs--they're pills that contain the same live active bacterial cultures found in yogurt, which are helpful bacteria. They may help as well if you have problems with digestion. I've been taking them daily with no side effects.

Also, I've been taking AZO yeast pills--these have more helpful bacteria. You can buy these in the drugstore near where they sell Monistat. I've read online where a lot of women recommend AZO yeast pills and credit these with helping prevent yeast infections, so I am giving these a try. Anything to help. You take 1 AZO pill/day to prevent infections, but the directions also say you can take 3 tablets daily when you have an infection to help it heal. It is fine to use with Monistat or vaginal suppositories like boric acid.