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Question:
I have a lover who I have had sex with 3 times. The last time we were together (3 days later) I noticed that I have a discharge and some itching.How could this happen when he has been using a condom?Iam very clean and so is he. We did after sex, sit in a hot tub.Would that have anything to do with it? The lips of my vagina and vaginal opening are affected, itchy and somewhat sore, with an non oderless discharge.I'm on my way to try a medicine for yeast infection I'm hoping that this will help or if you have another suggestion.So please tell me what could have caused this? For I don't want it to happen again. Thanks for your help.
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Answer:
by Georgan Gregg: (06/25/2004)
Before I talk about vaginal yeast infections please realize you may not have one. It’s easy to misdiagnose yourself. The only way you can be sure is to have your doctor take a sample for diagnosis. With that in mind, several things you mentioned might cause a yeast infection.
You specifically asked about a condom, stating in the other information you provided that you feared you might be reacting to the latex. Only a very small percentage of people are sensitive to latex. What’s more likely is that the condom’s lubricant contained nonoxynol-9, which used to be recommended to further reduce the risk of infection of STD/HIV. It’s no longer recommended because nonoxynol-9 may cause irritation in some people, thereby increasing the risk of STD infection (because the virus or bacteria can more easily enter via irritated/broken skin). Use of non-lubricated condoms and plenty of water-based lubricant is now recommended for STD/HIV prevention.
Irritation from the friction of intercourse or other sexual activity without enough lubrication can also result in yeast infection. This can be due to you not being sexually excited enough to provide natural lubricant. If you are “ready” but simply not lubricating enough naturally you must use store bought lube or your vagina will become irritated.
Another possibility is the heat & chemicals (in the hot tub you mentioned) upsetting the balance inside your vagina &/or triggering allergic reactions that lead to yeast infection. All of these factors & others can contribute to vaginal yeast infection. Be aware that other changes in the vaginal "environment" also can led to yeast infection: increased pH, elevated sugar levels, hormonal fluctuation, & reduction in the population of bacteria that are normally present (usually from taking antibiotics). Therefore, for vaginal health, avoid commercial douches, scented or colored toilet paper, non-cotton or tight underwear, pantyhose, tights & being run-down.
If you chose to treat a yeast infection with a natural remedy try yogurt containing acidophilus. Acidophilus kills yeast & is found in healthy vaginas & intestinal tracts. That means it’s also a great yeast preventative. Be sure you use plain, unflavored yogurt without sugar. Apply it directly on your vulva & also inject some inside your vagina (via plastic tampon applicators or syringes). You can also eat yogurt or milk containing acidophilus to treat & prevent yeast infection. Acidophilus capsules from natural food stores can be opened to use the powder on your vulva or mixed with water to insert in your vagina. I’m not as familiar with other natural remedies such as garlic, teatree oil or boric acid capsules, but some women find them useful. NOTE: 100% cranberry juice not only helps cure & prevent yeast infections, but also urinary tract infections (UTIs). The combination of drinking 4 ounces of this juice, in addition to eating yogurt, is a yeast preventative that’s good for your general health!
Douching with home remedies for yeast infections can also help. However, you MUST keep the bag below your pelvis & use only slight pressure, or the solution can be pushed into your uterus. Insert & remove the nozzle carefully to keep from injuring your vagina, which would result in much worse yeast or bacterial infections. The most commonly recommended douche to restore the correct pH in your vagina is 2 tablespoons of white vinegar per quart of water. Use daily for mild infections, or in combination with other treatments for more severe infections. The household item 3% hydrogen peroxide can be used in a solution of 1 teaspoon peroxide to 1 cup water. If you use peroxide douche, continue once a day until the day AFTER your symptoms are gone. Peroxide douches work by killing yeast.
Let me know if you have further questions. Thanks for using Sexualhealth.com.
Reviewed by Sexual Health Editorial Team
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