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? And most crucial: what can you do to find actual relief? 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.
TL;DR? Your vagina’s letting you know that the good-to-bad microbiome ratio is messed up, and the party’s a little weird now.
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.
Why you keep getting 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! There are tons of reasons why, but it messes with 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
Seriously! MONITOR THAT DISCHARGE LIKE IT OWES YOU MONEY. Discharge is a massive indicator of your health, and could tell you if you’re currently experiencing an infection or about to get one. Learn what to look for here.
Clean with SOAP and WATER
You don’t need anything else to wash your vulva, vagina, or anus. Stop micromanaging your vag and let her do her routine cleaning! Mild unscented soap and warm water daily—then back away, slowly.
Consider probiotics
Probiotics promote the growth of “good bacteria” and are listed as effective in maintaining that sweet, sweet balance in the vagina. You can get your daily dose with foods like yogurt or fermented veggies—or try once-a-day capsules like URO Vaginal Probiotic 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
It’s love-glove time (sorry). 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:
Prescription antibiotics or over-the-counter medicine
Metronidazole and clindamycin are the most common oral antibiotics prescribed for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis, while fluconazole is the prime choice for fighting fungal infections like Candida overgrowth. There’s no shortage of over-the-counter treatments, either — stop by your local pharmacy and peruse the aisles.
Home remedies
Tea tree oil, apple cider vinegar, plain greek yogurt, and garlic. These are just a few natural remedies that have been effective for some in the fight against yeast, due to their anti-fungal or probiotic properties. Concentrated garlic tablets have also been suggested to relieve BV symptoms. If you’re into homegrown treatments, try a few of these and see what works.
Boric acid suppositories
Boric acid is a not-so-secret weapon against both yeast infections and BV. The compound stops yeast right in the middle of its life cycle and limits bacterial overgrowth—suppositories are a simple and effective way to get that amazing stuff directly into your vagina.
Clinical studies found that boric acid suppositories provided extended relief and maintained the vaginal health of women suffering from chronic BV and yeast infections. Researchers claimed the treatment was a “a safe, alternative, economic option” for women suffering from recurrent symptoms. Click this link to learn more about our Boric Acid Vaginal Suppositories, why they’re better than what’s been on the market for years, and how to buy them with a discount.
