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Yeast infection
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Chronic Yeast Infections?
Originally Published: December 06, 1996
~ Last Updated / Reviewed on: September 02, 2004
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Alice, You mentioned lactobacillus and acidophilus tablets in your November 1, 1996 answer to a question regarding yeast infections (Yogurt for yeast infections?). I have chronic yeast infections. My doctor basically said that I have a pH imbalance and to stock up on Mycelex or similar creams. This answer, to me, is unsatisfactory. There must be something I can do to keep my pH level in balance, or at least on the acidic side. Do the lactobacillus and acidophilus tablets keep the vagina more acidic to prevent a yeast infection? I would very much appreciate any information you could provide pertaining to vaginal pH levels, or refer me to good resources. Thank you.
Dear Reader, It sounds like there is more to this problem than meets the eye. It is not normal to have chronic yeast infections. Did your doctor say your yeast infections are "chronic," or did s/he use another term, such as "recurrent?" The distinction between chronic and recurrent is subtle, but important. Chronic means that a disease or condition will be present most, or all, of the time for a very long period of time, possibly for the rest of your life. Recurrent implies that you are able to effectively treat a certain infection or condition, but that it's likely to return. Why does Alice make this point? Chronic yeast infections are usually indicative of a more serious health problem, usually one involving lowered immune response, or even diabetes. If you do have chronic yeast infections, you may want to have a complete medical checkup, including testing for all sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). This will help determine what, if any, systemic problem is causing these yeast infections. So, that's one thing to think about. If your yeast infections are recurrent, perhaps the medication you're using is not effective for your particular infection. With recurrent yeast infections, it is a good idea to have a culture of the yeast done to figure out what strain of yeast you have. There are strains of yeast that do not respond to the usual antifungal creams. If that is the case, your doctor will be able to prescribe a more appropriate medication. Perhaps the most simple solution to your problem is to make sure that this is yeast. There are several diseases and infections that appear to be yeast infections, but are not. This is why it is important to see your doctor and have the problem diagnosed each time. Just because you had a yeast infection two weeks ago doesn't mean that the vaginal itching and discharge you are experiencing now is another yeast infection. Women often treat what they think is a yeast infection when, in reality, they have a different infection that may or may not respond to the antifungal cream, or that may be aggravated by the antifungal. Moreover, using yeast infection medication when you don't have a yeast infection can create new problems. At any rate, taking lactobacillus or acidophilus tablets will probably not have much of an impact on your yeast infections, or whatever it is that you have. The situation calls for more investigatory steps to be taken. Schedule an appointment for a complete physical and medical workup. Alice can't emphasize enough the importance of getting a diagnosis each time you have what appears to be a yeast infection. If you're a Columbia student, Alice hopes that you'll go back to Primary Care Medical Services (x4-2284) for a thorough follow-up appointment.
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