[LucidEnigma]

I'm extremely self concious about this, but figured I would find some advice online because I'm too scared to go to a gynocologist.

I've had chronic yeast infections for the last 4 years or so and I think its due to compromised immune system. I think I have bacterial vaginosis, but I'm not 100% sure. The symtoms are extreme fatique, joint/back pain, chronic vaginal and rectal itching, slimy clear-whitish discharge and fishy odor. My skin still breaks out (especially during period), even though I'm 24.
In addition, I"m constantly tired, even if I get 12 hours of sleep, I have to take a nap during the day. I've also struggled with depression for the last few years, though I'm not sure whether its due to the fact that I have anxiety issues (avoidant personality disorder/social phobia) which makes me depressed since I have no friends and rarely date or is it because I'm constantly exhasted and miserable.

Theres so much conficting info on the net and I would like to fight this using natural methods vs drugs. I know that if I go to a gyno, they will probably put me on antibiotics to kill the bacteria, but it will disrupt the natural bacteria in the gut which can lead to more problems.

I just finished a supplement course using NOW foods Candida Clear (which has cyprilic acid, pau' d arco, black walnut and oregano extracts), I also took garlic capsules and probiotics. It seems to have gotten rid of itching and discharge while I was on it, but since I ran out, the symtoms are back.

I also tried store bought treatments and creams, natural based suppositories(yeast arrest), drinking Pau D' arco tea and doing colon cleansing, but once I'm done with the regime, it call comes back. So I think the main issue for me is diet.

Based on research, Candida died is very restrictive, no carbs, no sugar, no mushrooms, no milk products, which limits me to mostly raw/vegan diet, I just dont think I can pull it off.

Sorry for the long post, but I would like to hear from people with same issues and how do you deal with it. What do you eat? do you take any supplements?

thank you

[Mes T]

If I were you I'd focus on getting those energy levels up. I'm in the same boat sometimes, always feeling tired no matter what. You might need iron supplements or vitamin D3 as a lot of people recommend here.

If you've never gotten antibiotics from the gyno for this, I would strongly suggest getting some... because yeast/BV that doesn't go away for years could do a lot more damage than one round of basic antibiotics.

[LadyC]

Yeast loves moisture. One suggestion I got from my gyno was after a shower blow dry a little to get your area fully dry. A few suggestions would be to steer clear of any material that can make you sweat more than usual like silk and satin. Also, when you are bathing try to use a soap bar that doesn't have any dye in it like Dove or Oil of Olay. These are only steps to help with the symptoms and recurrence of the yeast infection. The most important thing to do is see a gynocologist! And one you feel comfortable with talking to. I prefer females because I feel they understand me and my body more. That is totally up to you, but if it keeps recurring like that, it may be something more and a doc needs to check you out.

[Goodgirl93]

Well if these infections KEEP reoccurring,than seeing a gyno may be best.Are you using scented soap down there?You may be knocking off your PH balance.

You could always try doing the tampon and yogurt trick.Put some PLAIN yogurt on a tampon and insert it into yourself for about 6-8 hours.Direct affect like that can kill alot of the yeast inside of you.

But personally.The doctors is your best bet if you have yet to go.Has there ever been any different colored discharge? Like yellowish discharge? If that is the case you may have bacterial vaginosis.But it sounds like a yeast infection.Get into the doctor sweetheart,plus a doctor can tell you what to do to prevent another yeast infection from reoccurring.

Best of luck to you!!

[LucidEnigma]

Thanks, I just cannot make myself go because I have a pretty intense fear due to having social anxiety, if anyone is familar the fear concentrates on being afraid of judgement, while its an illogical fear, when I'm presented with a situation, I get physically sick which has really limited my social life.
Obviously when it comes to something like getting checked out, its like normal anxiety for woman times 20 because I'm terrified of anyone seeing me naked, actually the thought of it now is making me nauseous and I have beads of sweat forming on my hands right now.

I know a lot of people will say just get over it because its important to get checked out in order to prevent serious issues down the road, but until I can get my mental state sorted out, I just cannot do this without having a complete breakdown.

My main thing right now is cutting out sugar, I eat pretty healthy, but I have a major sweet tooth and love juices and fruits, so I hope that with reduction, the symptoms will go down.

Thank you for the tips, I'll try the blowdryer and yogurt trick.

Right now I'm using dove soap, its pretty mild, so I dont think its an issue. I do wear cotton underwear as well.

[caterpillar79]

Do whatever you have to do no matter how challenging it is on your part, GO and BE CHECKED by a GYN. It is empirical that you seek the advise of a professional rather than self medicate. Herbal remedies and all the stuff that you're doing, especially the diet thing are all important, but you truly need a round of antibiotics. Likewise, have your pH checked as it also adds to the problem. Shaving down there also helps keep your area drier.

[Mes T]

I agree with caterpillar, you really should force yourself to go anyway.

Who knows how long it'll take you to get over your mental issues? You might NEVER get over them... so does that mean you'll never go to the doc? Never mind yeast infections, what if something much more serious happens (though a chronic infection is pretty serious already, imo)?

Don't worry about them seeing you naked. First of all you'll be wearing a gown of some sort, and secondly you have nothing that those doctors haven't seen a million times already.

First time's always the toughest for anyone, but you gotta get over that hump and start being healthy again.

[caterpillar79]

....secondly you have nothing that those doctors haven't seen a million times already. .......

And if you choose to to be checked by a female GYN, she's already have what you have, so there is nothing unusual about it.

We understand how you feel and to tell you frankly, we've been in that situation. You'll make it through....mind over matter...condition yourself to go in spite of. You can do it!

[Sarah001]

I had thrush every other week for years when I was in my 20s and what cured mine was basic Acidophilus capsules. Just buy simple Acidophilus capsules with as many good bacteria in them as you can and start taking 3 a day, continue with this routine for the next 6 months then drop down to one a day. You'll need to take one a day for good to keep the yeast at bay but I can confirm it works, I've had thrush literally a handful of times since I started taking Acidophilus and that's over 15 years ago now.

[Jayci]

I too was in the same boat scared to push and knowing its not right and unsure how to go about asking something so person.

Please dont be scared, if you can book into a female gynecologist as I find them more understanding, male gynos are not so. My previous one just wanted to send me to have tests and if nothing came up more tests and then again more tests.

I have found that my thrush comes around my periods, I am trialling the implanon and seeing how that works. My gyno mentioned that yeast sticks Oestrogen hormones and therefore, she recommended me to have a prestogen only contraceptive and she's found most women with my issue recover or has less episodes.

They wont prescribe antibiotics, you'll most likely get a half yearly course of anti-fungel tables and have to have monthly check ups.