Need advice on IC and frequent yeast infections - Interstitial Cystitis Network Support Forum

jensue973 · 04-30-2005, 07:01 PM

I have IC and I have re occuring yeast infections again and again...How does IC and yeast infections go hand in hand? I have only been using over the counter medicines for the yeast infections that I buy when I need them...Just wondering if I should talk to my OBGYN and get on something permanent cause the yeast infections seem to be very regular...Is there anything I can do to help prevent them...Any advice anyone could give me I would greatly appreciate it...Thanks

Jennifer

DanaW · 04-30-2005, 08:19 PM

Hi Jennifer,

I had had only one yeast infection before the beginning of last year. Then, all of a sudden I had one after another. I also experiencing other symptoms along with the yeast infections....like more fatigue than usual. I had a few other symptoms as well. So, I did my research and decided to get my Thyroid checked. I was glad I did bc it was low Thyroid. Since being treated for the Thyroid I have had only one more yeast infection and it cleared up with the usual medicine. I do know that others with IC have frequent yeast infections....I also think we seem to be more susceptable (sp?) bc of having IC. So the reason I told you my story is bc IF you are experiencing other symptoms along with the yeast infections, you may want to get your Thyroid checked. Now, I am sure there will be women responding to your post shortly with some good "tips" on how to get a handle on your y. infections. I just wanted to let you know my history on them. I hope you can get rid of it soon. I hated getting them bc they ALWAYS made my IC worse. (flare)
Good Luck

Dana

***ICNDonna*** · 05-01-2005, 03:06 AM

It may be that you are not really getting rid of the yeast and that instead of repeated infections, what you are doing is not doing the job. My suggestion would be to talk with your doctor --- you may need to take an oral prescription medication.

Donna

kelly McC · 05-01-2005, 06:45 AM

I am not sure what the connection if any but I have and had many yeast infections doctor said probably from repeated antibiotic use for 3 years. I now take yeast pill a week for a few months. I would take to your doctor
Kelly

***Katrina*** · 05-01-2005, 09:45 AM

This is my current collection of Yeast help tips. One connection between yeast infections and IC not yet mentioned is that they can often cause a flare. Beyond that...for some it is in connection to how many antibiotics we have taken, to some it is a weakened immune system....and for some the connection is unknown....this is something you should talk to your doctor about. I hope you find a way to feel a lot better!!

YEAST LIST: Boric Acid, Aci-gel (insert it at night, it maintains the ph of the vagina & yeast can't live when there's an acidic environment - or can use apple cider vinegar in water) and also washing externally with tea-tree oil diluted in water. \acidopholous tablets, a wet towel with s AZO yeast, http://www.ghtbiz.net/rescue/nocandida/lead.html, Any probotics, Flora-Q The Flora-Q is made by Kenwood Therapeutics. It contains Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus paracasel, and Streptococcus thermophilus -- these are all bacteria that normally live inside your digestive tract. What you do is take a capsule a day for a few days during antibiotic treatment and then a couple afterwards, and this replaces your normal flora, making it much less likely to to get yeast infections. (Nystatin, Diflucan by prescription.) For oral thrush that keeps coming back: change your tooth brush

MeganAnne · 05-10-2005, 03:40 PM

I have been plagued on and off with both yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis (BV) for about 4 years. I've had IC for just under 2 years. Recently, a nurse told me that if I am not consuming much acid, that there is probably a PH imbalance in my vagina. Great! But, she did recommend Aci-jel (as Katrina said)... I just haven't gotten it yet. Might try the cider vinegar first.

I also take acidophilis and eat lots of yogurt. And as they always say... no douching, and yes to cotton underwear.

***Sarojini*** · 05-10-2005, 04:03 PM

Like Katrina, I get a lot of yeast. Currently I am on one Diflucan (fluconazole) pill per week for three weeks to get rid of it. I had been on antibiotics, and had yeast not only in my vagina, but in my throat (thrush) as well, as I am on inhaled steroids for asthma, and they make you more prone to thrush. I tried Nystatin, but it didn't do the trick and my uro was afraid perhaps it would get systemic and prescribed the course of Diflucan.

Katrina has some great suggestions. I've also used the Flora-Q (which your pharmacy may need to order even though it is not prescription) and it helps clear the yeast faster -- the only side effect I get from them is more gas than usual. Hubby calls them "those fart pills"

***Katrina*** · 05-10-2005, 04:35 PM

lol Jen!

***Katrina*** · 05-18-2005, 03:03 PM

Youch...So sorry...I know I would hate to have that much of a tolerance to Diflucan. I have recently stopped taking it to prevent the infections and turned to alternatives...with my doctors support! I hope the break will help make taking Diflucan when I have an infection work better. Sure hope you can find a way to take less Diflucan. It is a strong med that can cause problems if taken too much.

Glad you added the warning for everyone...it is important to think about!!!! Thanks again!