Something feels off… and then you realize: you’re developing a yeast infection.
Few things are more irritating than preparing for the week of discomfort and itchiness ahead. If you’re experiencing a bacterial vaginosis flare-up instead, you know that what’s coming may be even more uncomfortable for you (and if you don’t know the difference between these two conditions, read this).
Sound like you? You’re not alone.
Three in four cis women have gotten, or will get, at least two yeast infections in their lifetime—and 8% percent have them more than four a year. These are known as recurrent, or chronic, yeast infections. According to the Center for Disease Control, bacterial vaginosis (BV) affects 29.2% of people everywhere, making it the most common vaginal condition in women.
But why do we get these conditions? If you struggle with them over and over again, what exactly is happening down there? We’ve got the download for you below.
What Causes Vaginal Imbalances?
Yeast infections are fungal infections caused by an overgrowth of Candida, or the yeast cells that hang out with the bacteria inside the vagina. Bacterial vaginosis is caused by an overgrowth or imbalance of that bacteria. Both conditions mean that the balance of micro-organisms inside your vagina has been thrown out of whack.
These imbalances can occur for a number of reasons. Yeast infections are especially common: something as simple as the wrong lotion on your labia, or increased sugar in your diet. Bacterial vaginosis is a little more involved; it can be preceded by hormone fluctuations or even douching, and experts have found that it’s more likely to affect those who are sexually active. Getting one of these infections a time or two isn’t a big deal—but if they’re routine, it’s likely something more serious.
Recurrent Yeast Infections or BV
If you’re prone to yeast infections and/or bacterial vaginosis, a lot of things could be happening. Here are a few causes to look further into, and discuss with your doctor:
Consistent, extended antibiotic use
Depending on what you’re taking, your antibiotics could be causing repeated flare-ups.
Pregnancy
During pregnancy, your body is turning all kinds of knobs and flipping all the switches to sustain you and prepare for birth—it’s not hard to believe this can cause repeated imbalances.
Hormone fluctuations
If you’re taking birth control pills or undergoing any kind of hormone therapy, these changes to your endocrine levels could be causing an imbalance.
Undiagnosed or untreated diabetes
Long periods of blood sugar irregularity increase the risk of chronic yeast infections.Douching
We’ve said it before and will say it every time—do not douche. It can disrupt your vagina’s incredible talent for self-cleaning, and could be the reason you keep getting BV and/or yeast infections.
Sexual partners
Though bacterial vaginosis isn’t considered an STI, it can spread through sexual contact. Your partners may not have symptoms (84% of people don’t), but if you suddenly start experiencing chronic infections after having sex with someone new, you may want to look into it.
How To Prevent Yeast Infections & BV
Now that we know the why, here’s how to stop this from happening, or at least lengthen the time between infections:
Keep an eye on your discharge
Discharge can you a lot about your health, which means it could notify you if you’re currently experiencing an infection or about to get one. Learn what to look for here.
Consider probiotics
Probiotics can promote the growth of "good bacteria," and many have found probiotics positively influence their vaginal health. You can get your daily dose with foods like yogurt or fermented veggies—or try once-a-day capsules like URO Vaginal Probiotic, formulated to support healthy vaginal odor, pH, flora & yeast balance.*
Let your vagina breathe
Excessively tight or damp clothing and underwear are a nightmare for the vagina. Moisture and yeast are besties—if you want to stop chronic Candida overgrowth, remember the words moisture-wicking, breathable, and flowy the next time you shop or choose an outfit.
Clinical intervention
If you’ve been struggling with repeated infections year over year, your medical provider may want to try something called long-term vaginal therapy. You may be given an oral antibiotic, suppositories, or a combination of the two over an extended period of time.
Use protection
Dental dams, internal or external condoms— grab your prophylactic of choice and use that bad boy. You should be practicing safe sex, anyway, but condoms have been found to be effective in preventing BV occurrence and flare-ups in women. You’re also more susceptible to contracting STIs when you’re experiencing bacterial vaginosis, so that’s one more reason to stay protected during sex.
How To Treat Yeast Infections & BV
Let’s escort shame out of the room: yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis are not conditions to be embarrassed about. Imbalances happen–if you got one, you got one. What’s important is that you find relief for your symptoms when you experience a flare-up. Here’s what’s been working for others:
The advice of your trusted doctor
You guessed it: We recommend seeing a doctor if you have questions or concerns about your vaginal health. OBGYNS, among other physicians, are trained in treating common issues like BV and yeast infections and can help you understand what next steps are right for you.
Prescription antibiotics or over-the-counter medicine
Your doctor may prescribe medications like metronidazole and clindamycin, the most common oral antibiotics prescribed for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis. Fluconazole is the prime choice for fighting fungal infections like Candida overgrowth. If you aren't able to see a doctor (wait times can be long, we get it) there’s no shortage of over-the-counter treatments—stop by your local pharmacy and peruse the aisles.
Boric acid suppositories
Boric acid is often considered a good option for helping to manage yeast infections and BV. Suppositories can be a convenient way to introduce this compound directly into your vaginal environment.
If you're one of the many women who are concerned about vaginal odor, often feel vaginal discomfort, are prone to vaginal imbalances or are sexually active, URO Boric Acid Vaginal Suppository could be right for you.* Developed with OBGYNs, this suppository is formulated to provide fast relief and support healthy yeast balance and vaginal odor.* As always, consult with your doctor before integrating any supplement, suppository or medication into your routine.
