Yeast Infections and Vulvodynia

[Guest guest]

Has anyone experienced recurring yeast infections and vulvodynia?

What has your experience been like? I started getting yeast

infections about five years ago. They were confirmed many times by

doctors. I usually had problems right before my period. Doctors did

numerous tests to determine the cause of the reccuring yeast

infections, but they never found a cause. I used a lot of

prescription meds and some OTC products to treat the infections.

About a year ago, I started having more severe pain even when I do not

have an infection. 5 months ago, I finally found a doctor in my area

who is well recognized for her expertise in genital dermatology and

vulvodynia. At my first appointment, she confirmed that I had a

severe yeast infection with many painful fissures. She wanted to get

rid of the yeast and see if the pain was still there before diagnosing

vulvodynia. I took fluconazole every 4th day and used Nystatin 4

times a day for 8 weeks. After the 8 weeks, I've been taking

fluconazole once per week. When I still had pain, especially during

intercourse, and she confirmed that I did not have a yeast infection,

she felt more confident that I have vulvodynia. Even on meds for

yeast, she recently confirmed that I had a yeast infection. I feel

certain that the vulvodynia diagnosis is accurate. There are times

when my husband and I have to avoid intercourse for days or weeks

because my pain is severe and I have no infection. Right now, I'm

just trying to make sense of this mysterious condition. She

recommended that I use fluzonazole one time per week, Xylocaine and

Estrace creams, and pelvic floor physical therapy. However, I am not

using the Estrace cream right now because I am trying to get pregnant

and my midwife discouraged the use of estrogen cream.

[Guest guest]

I have always had repeated yeast infections. I think that they go hand-in-hand with vulvodynia for a lot of us. The yeast and the -azole creams create inflammation that is hard to "turn off" even after the yeast is gone. Our muscles are constantly guarded because of the pain-setting off more of a cycle of pain and inflammation. I am also trying to get pregnant but my doc, who's been an ob/gyn for many many years says estrace is fine while pregnant or trying to conceive. He used the analogy of "pissing in the ocean" compared to the hormones already in my body. I use a very small amount on the vulvar tissue a few times a week. I know it's something we all have to decide on with our health practitioners individually-but I was in so much pain without it and physical therapy I couldn't be trying to have a baby. I'm SO MUCH better now it's not even funny. PT has been a huge help. Lindsey