You’ve seen the commercials on television on a daily basis. There’s always a girl next door type, no tattoos, no crazy makeup or hair, and she’s explaining to us how yeast infections itch and burn. They show her cringing and curling up in a ball to dramatize the anguish of all the symptoms. But then there is a hero, and it’s always a yeast infection cream or pill… or both. The problem is, you might not have a yeast infection.
I’ve learned this Fall that one of the most common infections that plague women is not the yeast infection. It does have a similar causes, cure, and symptoms to an infection and so there is a bit of confusion, and I’m here to help clear up some of that confusion. The most common infection for women… Bacterial Vaginosis. It has some of the same symptoms and so it is very easy to confuse the two, but there are some very subtle differences.
I’ve learned this Fall that one of the most common infections that plague women is not the yeast infection. It does have a similar causes, cure, and symptoms to an infection and so there is a bit of confusion, and I’m here to help clear up some of that confusion. The most common infection for women… Bacterial Vaginosis. It has some of the same symptoms and so it is very easy to confuse the two, but there are some very subtle differences.
The first is the smell. And I know it’s uncomfortable to speak of, but not everyone gets every symptom. While yeast infections smell like yeast due to the body’s increased production of yeast, a bacterial vaginosis smells like fish. Sometimes there is no itch, and you don’t even realize that you have it, and sometimes it itches like hell. This itch is the reason why most people without knowledge of BV think that they are having a simple yeast infection.
Here’s why you get BV.
Bacterial Vaginosis is called a mild infection; however, it can last a very long time. The treatment is very different from that of a yeast infection as stated above. While you are prescribed antifungal meds for the yeast infection, you have to take antibiotics specifically for BV. This medication can cause you to develop a yeast infection. Due to the fact, your doctor might prescribe an antifungal pill to make sure you don’t go from one infection to another. Something odd also happened to me when I developed mine due to a prolonged period and the heat of the Summer, it left after using antibiotics but then came back after having my period. I looked online, and this odd occurrence really isn’t that odd. Turns out plenty of other women go through it. Unfortunately with fibrosis, my period is both unpredictable and frequent.
Once I redeveloped the infection, the doctor prescribed me the cream form of the antibiotic that I would have to insert into my vaginal cavity. The treatment lasted for 7 days. When that was over, it was clear that this thing was not going away. In fact, the infection lasted 3 months due to misdiagnosis. Finally, I decided to take matters into my own hands and douched with one parts water and one parts 3% Peroxide. That worked way better than anything that I was prescribed and I was eventually rid of that nasty infection.
Here’s why you get BV.
- Multiple sexual partners or a new partner (STI)
- The heat (this can change the PH in your vagina)
- Poor hygiene.. (this could mean wiping in the wrong direction)
- Diarrhea
- Douche
- Menstrual cycle
Bacterial Vaginosis is called a mild infection; however, it can last a very long time. The treatment is very different from that of a yeast infection as stated above. While you are prescribed antifungal meds for the yeast infection, you have to take antibiotics specifically for BV. This medication can cause you to develop a yeast infection. Due to the fact, your doctor might prescribe an antifungal pill to make sure you don’t go from one infection to another. Something odd also happened to me when I developed mine due to a prolonged period and the heat of the Summer, it left after using antibiotics but then came back after having my period. I looked online, and this odd occurrence really isn’t that odd. Turns out plenty of other women go through it. Unfortunately with fibrosis, my period is both unpredictable and frequent.
Once I redeveloped the infection, the doctor prescribed me the cream form of the antibiotic that I would have to insert into my vaginal cavity. The treatment lasted for 7 days. When that was over, it was clear that this thing was not going away. In fact, the infection lasted 3 months due to misdiagnosis. Finally, I decided to take matters into my own hands and douched with one parts water and one parts 3% Peroxide. That worked way better than anything that I was prescribed and I was eventually rid of that nasty infection.