A yeast infection and period double whammy is one of the rudest things that can happen to a person. Not only are you potentially dealing with cramps and all the other lovely symptoms that might usually come with your menstrual cycle, but also the added bonus of discomfort and irritation. Not fun at all.
Luckily, your period shouldn’t make it any harder to treat and clear up a yeast infection. You just need to bring in some help in the form of a gynaecologist, and you should be back to normal soon enough.
Here’s what to do if you suspect you’re contending with both of these lovely experiences at the same time.
Pain that stops you from working is not normal.
Common causes for yeast infections to be aware of:
The culprit behind your yeast infection is a fungus called Candida albicans. It occurs naturally in the body, including in the vagina.
Usually, a bacteria called Lactobacillus stops this fungus from causing you grief. Occasionally, though, it can spread to the extent that it leads to a yeast infection, which often comes with symptoms like itching, irritation, and a chunky, white discharge.
There are plenty of reasons that this overgrowth can happen: Maybe you’re taking antibiotics that throw off your vaginal flora, your hormones are fluctuating, you have a health condition like diabetes, or some aspect of your lifestyle angered the vaginal gods – e.g., you used a fragranced product to wash your vagina or you wore your workout clothes for too long after leaving the gym
In any case, rest assured that yeast infections are incredibly common: According to the Office on Women’s Health, most people with vaginas will get at least one at some point in their life.
As a longtime commando exerciser, I’ve never felt more vindicated.
Having your period can actually make it easier for a yeast infection to develop.
The double whammy effect sometimes happens because hormones, vaginal pH, and bacteria levels can all fluctuate in the lead-up to your period, which makes it easier for yeast to flourish, says H. Frank Andersen, MD, a clinical education director and gynaecologist.
Ramped-up estrogen levels in the days leading up to your period could predispose you to this hellish combo.
An uptick in estrogen is a risk factor for yeast infections because it contributes to a more acidic vaginal pH, making it easier for yeast to overgrow to the point of infection. Even if you’re on a combined hormonal contraceptive that suppresses hormonal fluctuations, the estrogen in your birth control can raise your odds of a yeast infection.
There’s also research to indicate that levels of Lactobacillus drop when you have your period, which spurs your vaginal pH to become more acidic too.
Dr. Andersen points out that there’s no reason to think your period will make yeast infection symptoms any worse or cause it to last longer. With care and time, your period yeast infection will clear up the same way any other one would, says Taraneh Shirazian, MD, a gynaecologist. (At least there’s that, right?)
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How to treat a yeast infection while you're on your period:
Yeast infections can be tricky to self-diagnose, so before we dive into solutions, let’s make sure this is actually the problem you’re dealing with. Instead of racing to the pharmacy and trying to treat the infection at home, visit your GP first to confirm that you do, in fact, have a yeast infection, rather than bacterial vaginosis (BV), a UTI, or some other issue with similar symptoms.
If necessary, a doctor can perform tests to confirm what’s going on, which is important because if you try to treat the wrong issue, the one that’s actually plaguing you can continue to bother you unchecked.
Another reason you might not want to take your vaginal health into your own hands: Over-the-counter topical treatments are messy, Dr. Andersen says, adding, “It’s enough to deal with a period – not to add vaginal cream [on top of that].”
Whether or not you’re bleeding, a single-dose oral medication, like fluconazole (also known by its brand name Diflucan), is usually easier to use than an over-the-counter cream or suppository, Dr. Andersen says, but you do need a prescription for it, so, again, loop in a doctor.
If your vulva is super itchy and irritated and you need some relief before your appointment or while you’re waiting for your prescription, Dr Shirazian says that applying a yeast infection treatment that’s labelled for external use might help. If you’ve had a doctor-diagnosed yeast infection before and your symptoms align perfectly now, experts typically say it’s okay to treat the infection yourself (instead of just addressing your symptoms) with an over-the-counter medication.
Make sure to follow the instructions – and these products generally advise against using tampons until treatment is finished, so you’ll most likely need to stick to pads or period pants.
How to prevent yeast infections (period or no period):
Let’s talk about never having to contend with this nightmare again, shall we? To ward off these infections, Dr. Andersen recommends wearing breathable cotton underwear, since fabrics like nylon can trap moisture and heat, both of which make yeast infections more likely.
Other tweaks to your routine can help make yeast infections less likely, like changing out of wet bathing suits and sweaty workout clothes ASAP. Don’t douche or put scented body washes or soaps near your vagina.
If it feels like you always get yeast infections, even when you’re faithfully following this preventive advice, your best bet is talking to a GP about why that might be.
Dr. Shirazian notes that some people might have a genetic predisposition to recurrent yeast infections, but the exact reason for that remains relatively unknown. A healthcare provider can help you pinpoint any contributing factors, like certain preexisting health conditions, hygiene practices, or antibiotic use. A doctor might also prescribe a long-term antifungal medication, Dr. Andersen says, which you’d likely use for around six months.
This might not feel great right now, but take heart: With an doctor's guidance, you should be able to hit back against the one-two punch of a yeast infection during your period and move on with your life.
This article was originally published on SELF.
