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I would get yeast infections frequently before, especially when I did any of the things that promote yeast growth, but now ever since my body contracted herpes I just feel so out of whack down there. Even more so, these days. Its unbearable. The yeast infections are so strong that only one type of medication works ( nyastatin vaginal inserts). There is an alkaline solution that balances the ph levels in one's blood by matol, I buy it in liquid form. I also take acidophillus at nite and in the morning ( 2 tablespoons each time). I try to watch my sugar intake and white flour intake. I try. Its so overwhelming. I also believe that condoms help a lot with tons of water based lubricant with no flavor whatsoever. Also, white cotton panties, skirts, nothing wet down there, letting it breath down there. I can't really wax anymore. I used to but, my first genital herpes outbrake left me with nerve damaged as it was in the inner lips of my genitalia. I have a condition called post-herpetic neuralgia for which I take anticonvulsants for the constant pain down there. I am just so scared and kind of paranoid all of the time that any little itch could be yeast you know. I take valtrex 1 gram suppressive everyday. I also take antianxiety meds /antidepressants/ anti ocd all in one little lexapro pill for the pain with the neuralgia too. I was constantly obsessing with the itch I feel down there. My body just doesn't seem normal since all of this started. My ph was so out of balance. But then I started loosing so much weigh, that one of my gyn doctors said I needed to eat fruits, vegetables and multigrain. I was getting really paranoid with all sugar and carbohydrate intakes, that's why I lost so much weigh. I forgot to mention, I also suffer from a dermatitis condition in my genitalia called lichen symplex chonicus. Sometimes, I wonder if I will ever have a normal sex life ever again or if I will even have children. Its so upsetting for me. Not just the physical pain, but the psychological implications of all of this. I believed I ve had herpes for a year. A year of constant yeast infections back to back ( now I think it could have been the antibodies of herpes changing the ph of my vagina). Ironically enough, I was only diagnosed 3 months ago when I saw a herpes sore in my inner labia. I see two gyn doctors on a monthly basis. I have a therapist and a psychiatrist thank God. I also pray a lot. The antianxiety medication was necessary cause I could not relax about any of this. If anybody has any more ideas, please send me a message. I would truly appreciate it. I just got diagnosed 3 months ago and this hasnt been easy for me.
Believe me you are not alone! I too suffer from chronic yeast infections and herpes. I think they are connected but the infections start on the inside, not the outside. It is difficult but you have to STOP the intake of breads and sugars to give your body the time to reach its regular balance again, and your vagina to get its natural flora back. The antiviral medications work and mothernature.com has some really good herbs ad home remedies for yeast infections. I recently started using RePhresh and I will see how it works but dont let this stress you. Diseases of the body start as diseases of the mind. You have to BELIEVE you will get better with your treatments and let it flow. Its amazing to me the time that I have totally forgotten bout my symtpoms "down there" and they dissapeared...only returning when I thought of them! Its an everyday struggle but it is good to know we are not alone! Keep up your hope, continue to pray and always maintain a positive attitude. Yoga classes and moves also help with expressing repressed sexual energy and releasing negative energy from your forcefield. Be positive, eat positive and eat smart...your body will thank you! And thank you!
I am in the same boat as you, I have suffered from yeast infections my whole adult life. The Dr. says I am too clean down there, I need to stop washing so hard. I guess I wash away the good bacteria too! I was diagnosed with HSV this summer and now I have a hard time telling what my problem is. What you have said is right on point and helpful to those experiencing the same problems. Thanks!!
This article has given me some comfort, especially by comparing the symtoms of each condition. I've got itchy swelling "blister like" growths under the mushroom edge of my penis. I'm circumsized... anyway, I'm still a bit worried but this article has helped alot by explaining the difference between herpes and a yeast infection (which is what I think I've got from my girlfriend)... mainly those differences are the fever and flu-like symtoms for herpes and that those don't show with a yeast infection. Another difference is the spreading pattern between the two. Herpes tends to be centralized and yeast infections from what I'm understanding can be more disbursed. My rashes or whatever they are are spread out a bit more, but still like I said, I want a second opinion from a test..
My story is that about 8 months ago I was having sexual relations and my girl was drunk and sraped my dick with her teeth when we finally got into bed! It took a week for the scabs to finally go away, but for a couple days it hurt in the shower cause she really got into a couple layers of skin. She a great cock sucker, but hey she was F'D up drunk. So anyway, my theory about these symtoms on my dick are that because the scars or "wounds" from that cock sucking event were just under the mushroom tip they didn't heal all together because it stays moist in that area of the penis, sooo, my current girlfriends yeast infection probably spread into that vulnerable area and voila, I have a horrible monster-lookin fungus jungle on God's personally delivered gift to me, the male with a dick and a story to tell about it. Haha.
Another thing is that the yeast infections can be in a more moist area and herpes can be pretty much anywhere so I seem to have odds favoring a yeast infection. For those of you who don't seem to have those odds; Dude, I am soo sorry. But hey there're treatments that work!
Allrighty, that's it. Nice article Mr. Article Writer! Thanks, bye!
PS - I'm not crazy, I'm just American-smart. Which is admittedly an oxy-moron in too many cases.
I want to persoanlly thank you for this article. It really gave me insight because I suffer from symptoms of both genital herpes and yeast infections. It is very uncomfy and I am glad there is hope. Natural herbs and remedies often give me the relief needed. The Website mothernature.com gives much needed insihgt into keeping these symptoms in check for natural relief and eventually, a cure. Peace be with you and good luck on feeling better..we all will!
Hi,
i live with yeast infection since 26 yrs now. been strugling ever since until 2 yrs back i was informed i might have herpes. no one can confirm it as i do get any blisters. however, i have all the symtoms, like pain in my butt, legs, thig, vaginal area. on and off my vagina get swollen and goes very painful without sex. if i orgasm it will automatically trigger some kind of infection the next day. i just don't know how to deal with this anymore. sexual life was already poor but now it seems like it will be over soon. i am 43 at present. mother of two (23 yrs/19yrs). since some days now my vagina is extremely itchy. i tried suppositories and oral tablets. it seems like the suppo makes it itch more. it is more like ticklish inside. mostly at night. i just douched with origano herb, applied a bit of neem oil and a garlic bulb inside. that's all i have here. i am confused. please help.
hi..thank you so much for our info.. im still 23 and i have warts!..i contacted my warts from my boyfriend..so i went to my ob..she instructed me to apply aldara cream 3x a week...after my 2nd application i felt a sting and itching in there..and thick white discharges.it was so itchy thati cant stand or sit still . so i went back to my ob and she said that the itching was maybe from the effect of the aldara..she inserted something inside, she said it will help remove the secretions..aftre a few days, the discharge was still there..though it didn't dampen my undies, i can see it when i look at it in the mirror..i tried inserting my fingers in there,and i can really feel something thick like lumps/ clots.i had a yeast infection before,and i had the same symptoms.does the treatment of my warts cause the yeast?or does warts cause the yeast to grow? i tried washing with 1tbsp of vinegar in 1 qt of water..i'm scared to apply it inside..am i doing the right thing?im not really sure that this is a yeast infection, but it sure does fit all the signs..
I recently took some Antibiotics and stopped using them about a week ago. Now I noticed some iching and discomfort. I have always been worried about herpes because I think I had sex with a man when I was 18 that had it. I had sex with this gentalman after he took a shower. He did not turn lights on so I did not see his penis. LADIES MAKE SURE YOU SEE YOUR PARTNERS PENIS BEFORE YOU DO ANTHING WITH IT! IF THEY DONT WANT THE LIGHTS ON, IT MAY BE DUE TO A REASON YOU DONT WANT TO DEAL WITH. Anyway, the first time it did not seem any different then anyother penis. The second time...When he put it inside me it was a really rough feeling on the skin of his penis, He did not take a shower that time. I am 35 now and have never had anything even similar to the pictures I have seen online. I assume I didnt contract what ever it was that he had. However, I have had partners since and even if I had been with the same person for years and years, who is to say he has not cheated. So, Yesterday I noticed discharge and iching. My question, if I ended the Antibiotics a week ago... would it still cause a yeast infection to occur now?
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Thank you for everything you have written.
This is the first time I've really written anything about my own experience. I was diagnosed with HSV2 in the beginning of last summer, 2009. It came as a complete shock to me, as I'm sure is the case with just about everyone who contracts it. My partner at the time maintained that it wasn't from him, although he was unusually knowledgeable about the virus...
I've since lost contact with him (all for the better, in my opinion) and in just a year's time have met, dated, and finally became engaged to a wonderful man :). The good news is that we've been able to keep him from contracting HSV thus far; the bad news is that I can't seem to get my outbreaks completely under control. In the last couple months I, too, had a month-long yeast infection (which cleared up immediately with diflucan, once I realized it wasn't HSV) and seem to be having another yeast infection, once again. Needless to say, our sex life is often compromised and we both get frustrated at times.
I still haven't forgiven the man from whom I truly believe gave this to me, nor have I forgiven myself for contracting it - as if that makes any sense at all, logically speaking. I get emotional every time I have a full-blown flare-up, and seem to be more emotional in the 15 months since I was diagnosed than I have ever been in my life. I get really down on myself for no reason and I feel stressed much of the time. I should probably mention that (along with planning a wedding) I am in my final semester of university, work part-time, am about to begin my career and have two young puppies (read: "babies").
Is my sex life forever doomed to be inconsistent? Am I forever doomed to be overly emotional and stressed? Am I doomed...? These are the questions that run through my head. I still feel dirty. I feel as though I've been punished for something, as ridiculous as that sounds. My fiancé and I talk about all of these things and, although he is extremely supportive, I know that there are times when he doesn't know quite how to respond to me. I worry that there will come a day when he won't be patient with me any longer...
Please help. Please help me feel not so alone.
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I know this is coming pretty late but I was really touched by your comment. I remember when I was first diagnosed with herpers (september 2009) I felt all the same things that you were feeling. I also was in a committed relationship and he also didnt think that he gave it to me (we broke up april 2010 lol). My two year anniversary is coming up fast and i took me until this last month to open up about my herpes(in a dating situation). The guy, like your fiance, was very understanding. I actually cried from relief because for the longest time i felt like I would be alone for the rest of my life because of this. I was angry at me ex for giving this to me and for all the other drama he put me through afterward for the longest time but because of this guy I was able to finally put it all behind me. As you probably already figured out, after a little time goes by your outbreaks wont bother you anymore, they only bother me when the pop up in a less than convenient spot (where they rub up against my clothes when i walk or sit down). But i too used to have emotional breakdowns at every outbreak. All you can do is give it time. I dont know if me and this guy will get engaged, lol, but i am optimistic that there are other people out there like him. Your story helps solidify my hopes. I know that I may get rejected but I also know for sure now that there is somebody out there for me.
Thanks for sharing :)
You are definitely not alone!
My current fiance is actually the one who gave it to me - without knowing he even had it. and although I try hard not to be emotional about the whole sittuation, I am pissed off every time I have a flare up. I love him to death, and I know he didnt know he had it, but I cant help but think why me?! I was a freakishly careful person before I met him! I alway always always used a condom wether it was a new partner or a long term boyfriend who I trusted. Even before me and my current fiance ever had sex, I asked him if he had been tested after his last sexual encounter and he said he had. Then when I became very ill and realized it was probably herpes or some kind of STD, I went to the doctor and learned that when someone goes to the doctor and asks to be tested for STD's, the tests do not include HSVI or II or HPV testing! I couldnt believe, that as careful as I had been, the first time I decide to trust the one I love and go condom-less I got HERPES!
Now as I sit here having just suffered an outbreak and am still suffering from a yeast infection, I try my hardest not to blame him for all of this! I love him to death, but when Im suffering from severe itching and even does the slightest thing to piss me off or upset me emotionally I just want to say THIS IS YOUR FAULT SO YOU SHOULD BE WALKING ON EGGSHELLS! In reality, I know that I cannot keep blaming him, but its a constang struggle. So hang in there. And thanks for helping by telling your story.
I noticed a maybe a couple of weeks ago that i had a lot of itching. I figured that it was my skin was just a little irritated from a sexual encounter, since there was a lack of lubrication. the itching didnt go away, and actually got a little worse. Like you mentioned in your article, it was more spread out than the itchiness you feel from a herpes outbreak (i've had herpes for 2 years), so I went to the store to get treatment for yeast infection. Maybe by my 5th day of treatment, thats when i noticed the soreness (in a specific location) which usually indicates an outbreak for me and now i can see blisters forming. I think that with all the scratching I did from the yeast infection, I irritated my skin enough to cause an outbreak or maybe just my skin being irritated in general led to an outbreak. Do you think this is a plausible theory?
I will mention that the only thing that really causes me to have outbreaks is genital skin irritation. So they usually pop up after sex if there isnt enough lubrication.
I was recently diagnosed with genital herpes, after I married my husband and was about 2 months into my pregnancy. He had never had and signs or problems before, and I hadn't either. According to my doctor the virus can remain dormant for years, and he said pregnancy can trigger an outbreak because of the hormone changes. Needless to say me and my husband struggled with this news but were really good about not pointing any blame. We had both been with other people in our past, unprotected, and theres no way of knowing where it came from, just that we have it now and we have to deal with it. I have noticed that sex causes outbreaks for both of us. Mine are always much worse than his, i think. And being pregnant theres not much that I can do to treat it now. I recently had to take an antibiotic and any time in my life that I have had to take one, I have had to take diflucan because I get yeast infections so bad. I couldnt take that, being pregnant, so now I have what i think is a yeast infection, but it also feels like an outbreak. I can't tell the difference anymore. I know I am in pain and have swelling and blisters. Its never been this bad and I need some relief! I was hoping to get some feedback on good treatments that can prevent and treat outbreaks after I am done with my pregnancy. I have been researching different medications but I just dont know what ones actually work. Can anyone give me some insight on how to manage this miserable virus?
Hi Sorry to hear you are going through this while pregnant. I have had genital herpes for 3 years and the only thing that has helped me is to exercise regularly when I feel an outbreak coming on. A girlfriend of mine uses Lysine (an amino acid) when she cannot get a prescription for acyclovir. But I havnen't really noticed anything and so I don't take it I just use the prescribed meds. I had been hesitant to take my medication every day just cause I am so weary of the side effects. However a new doctor has switched me from acylovir (where I took a twice a day) to valtrex (once a day) so its one less pill to take a day and have been told to take every day no matter what. So I am just going to do it cause I have a new partner and want to do all that I can to make sure we have safe sex (of course will use condoms). I was told from an herbalist that exercise and giving the body chlorophyll is the way to help the body heal itself from the body. I know for sure exercise releases the toxins that will harbor in our bodies. As I hear of anything else I will be sure to post.
Thank you so much for shedding light on both subjects. I have genital herpes and am fighting a yeast infection now. And it just dawned on me that maybe I am probably stressed out and maybe be experiencing symptoms not only of a yeast infection but a potential herpes outbreak. I want to say that right now its just a yeast infection which I've taken (monistat 1 two days ago), and now I must do my best to get rest because I haven't been getting enough sleep and keep my stress levels down.
I found your page trying to research what the connection was between the two since I suffer from both as well.
I never had had a yeast infection until I was diagnosed with herpes when I was 20 (now 22). All of a sudden I realized this time that after the initial warning signs of an outbreak happened (burning tingly feeling down there) I got one of the other symptoms of herpes - the itchiness. However, after folowing a regimine of lysine and vitamine c to boost my immune system, the itchy symptom of the outbreak was NOT going away. Sure enough, after 4 days of suffering, today I noticed the characteristic discharge of a yeast infection.
As you said, after researching online, I could not find any reason for a connection between the two - except for the one statement I found on almost every website about yeast infections, that they are more likely to occur when your immune system is compromised. Now, after saying this almost every website and even the drug facts on the back of the Monostat box cite HIV as the example of your immune system being weak. However, I would think that if your body is busy trying to fight off a herpes outbreak, it would be easier for your body to stop focusing on maintaining yeast levels, and thus the yeast infection occurs..... This is the only logic I have been able to come up with.... and Im no doctor, but it seems to be logical in my mind.
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I feel for the pain you describe with concurrent herpes and yeast infections. I, unfortunately seem to experience one or the other, and my question to you is if you can pinpoint sexual activity to be a trigger for the onset of either outbreak?
I am noticing after continuous sexual activity, continuous as in days in a row, or more frequency that at other times, that is when i experience the onset....I have often had this be "coincidental" with any use of fingers near my genital area (even when I have INSISTED that only clean hands touch me)
I am not finding any data to support this, so i'm at a loss how to prevent this other than closing up shop on my sex life!
Hi Angie,
Thanks for your response. Though I don't put all the blame on sex, I do think that sex definitely exacerbates any genital health problems.
In terms of herpes, I think having sex for longer periods of time, or not having enough lubricant, could cause irritation and, consequently, an outbreak. However, I used to notice I'd get outbreaks simply after having an orgasm, even after masturbating. I don't know the science behind it, and maybe there's not much research out there, but, for whatever reason, bringing attention to that part of the body can be troublesome if you're prone to outbreaks like me. It's a real bummer, I know. That's why I resorted back to taking anti-virals on a daily basis. I've also cut out foods that seem to trigger outbreaks, like coffee and sugar.
As for yeast infections, I'm sure sex, especially with a new partner, would help bring one on. The exchange of bacteria can easily throw off the chemical balance on your genitals. To try and prevent yeast infections, I use condoms as often as possible, even with committed partners, and I take probiotics, like Acidophilus, daily. Avoiding sugar and sweets is also a good idea.
Us women are a little disadvantaged in that we're so much more susceptible to these kinds of things, due to our anatomy. I regularly eat yogurt and drink cranberry juice to promote good health down there. I don't think the answer is to stop having sex, though I know exactly how you feel. We just have to be a little more careful with our bodies and get lots of sleep.
So, yes, I do think sex can trigger these problems. But I struggle with them when I'm not sexually active as well. So, instead of cutting out sex, I'm trying to modify my lifestyle and routine to be more healthy.
Let me know if you come up with any solutions from your own experience.
PJ
Thank you so much for sharing your experience. i do try to keep yogurt in my diet as i know that wards off yeast infections. Maybe it really is just having activity there sends things reeling about and thus causes our "troubles" to flare up. Although I don't suffer from frequent outbreaks (i went 18 years without one and then experienced 3 in 4 months!) i do also suffer from hemorroids, so there is an absolute posibility that i could have a yeast infection, a herpes sore and a hemorroidal flare up simultaneously. Let's suffice it to say those are not bright days in my life.
Reading up on all the pills, lotion and potions out there, and by my ob/gyn recommendation, i'm trying something call RePhresh that is supposed to not only balance the PH of the vagina, but to enhance lubrication (the 2 things you and i both know make matters worse.) i'm hoping that will give some relief.
Also, much because of the hemorroids, i use flushable wet wipes when i use the bathroom, and since moisture is a component of infection, i am careful to dry the areas thoroughly so no moisture is trapped. Lastly, I have all but given up my lace thong panties that I love......having a source of "friction" in that area is just one more thing to fuel the fire.....so i'm trying to get back into bikini panties, but hate the panty lines...ugh.
I'd also be curious to know what daily anti-viral you are taking? i had my doctor prescribe a generically available pill for outbreaks (not Valtrex, it doesn't have generic) and was told i only needed to take it if i have an outbreak since i don't have them often.
Hi Angie,
I know exactly how you feel about giving up thong underwear! I used to wear them all the time and after getting hemorrhoids (are we long lost sisters, or what?) and then herpes (mostly outbreaks near my anus) I had to give them up. Well, I wear them for special occasions when I REALLY don't want my panty lines to show. Now I always hope I'll only meet guys who like boy shorts undies ;-) since those are the most comfortable for me.
Thanks for your input and experience. How long have you been using RePhresh? Have you found it helpful at all? Is it prescribed or over-the-counter?
I am taking Acyclovir. It's the cheapest herpes drug that I'm aware of, but it works well for me. Without it I get outbreaks about every 2 weeks...awful. Since I went back on suppressive therapy about 3 months ago, I've only had one outbreak (and a couple failed attempts that I fought off).
Have you tried any alternative medicine besides yogurt? I wrote a SharePost called Herpes and Nutrition that you may want to check out. Also, there's more information on the Treatment page.
And one more thing, I'm always surprised to know that a lot of my girl friends sleep in their undies. I've never done that as my mom raised me to always sleep without them. What about you? Do you wear underpants to bed or do you let your stuff breathe? That may help keep the area dry. Just a thought.
PJ
Penelope, i'm not happy to hear about your unfortunate anal situation, but GEEZ, i thought I was the only one in the world suffering from all of this....makes a girl feel like a total freakoid! I've been doing alot of reading on the Hemorroid sites too for some relief ideas. If you haven't tried Nupercainal yet, GET IT. It OTC, it's analgesic for the pain, and shrinks swelling and relieves itching. best stuff out there i promise.
I have just started the rePhresh and since i haven't had sex yet since my recent traumatic crotch situation, i don't know if makesa difference yet. it is OTC, a little pricey but well worth it if it helps!
I do not sleep in panties...forgot to mention that as one of my tricks to help too. Also becoming a lover of boy shorts.....i'll smile when i think about how much i have in common with a total stranger. but you've made me feel so much more at ease! thank you...i love this site!
I recently started taking Rephresh and I hope it works. Seeing your post about it is making me more optimistic so thank you! We will all be better..Promise and much love!