[chalupamom]

i have been dealing with this for over two months. what i thought was contact vulvitis may actually have been a yeast infection which was NOT treated right. that was way back in september. i was diagnosed with YI after two weeks from initial symptoms, which were extreme redness/pain/irritation but no discharge, and took a three day cream. the discharge went away but not the irritatin/pain. now, i was diagnosed with another yeast infection last monday (11 days ago) took one diflucan. the discharge was really bad at first, i have had no itching but really bad pain, irritation. they symptoms are SLOWLY going away, but i am still having some minor discharge. it is thick and white, and i only have it when i go to the bathroom. i just want this to go away already. i have been taking acidophilus, drinking apple cider vinegar, taking tablespoons of coconut oil.... how long does it take for the discharge to finally go away? i have seen my doctor probably six times over the past two months, and i am finally starting to have some relief but the discharge is STILL there!!!!! i called my doc. and he says it takes a while for the discharge to go away. like i said, it is getting better but still have it. is this normal? by the way, this has been my first experience with a yeast infection and it has been a nightmare. i still have some burning too, but the redness is almost gone. HELP!

[ManINeedACoffee]

Oh, god, you sound like me! I seem to get yeast infections ALL the time, and I absolutely hate it!

Even if I don't actually have a yeast infection, I've still had symptoms - I even went to a gynecologist after experiencing itching, burning, just general discomfort. No yeast. No bacteria. No STDs. Nothing. Ugh!

Have you noticed when this seems to happen at all? Does it seem to happen with your period (hormonal changes in your menstrual cycle can cause yeast infections)? Or do you seem to get these symptoms with sexual activity (certain forms of birth control like condoms can really irritate)? Also, do you use any soaps with fragrance or other irritants?

The main thing that's seemed to help for me has been probiotic supplements - I use PearlsYB - and using non-latex condoms. It's not a cure-all, and I'm still looking for something else to help. I've actually considered doing a complete colon cleanse/detox as well, though I'd also like to do that just for general health as well.

As far as the discharge goes, I have NO idea how to make it go away quickly - a couple of doses of Diflucan always worked for me...at least for a little while. If you learn anything else, please let me know, too! I feel like I've been researching this to death and STILL don't have any answers.

[chalupamom]

thanks for your reply! this is actually my first experience with a yeast infection, so i have never had this before now. i keep thinking that i have to get better, so i haven't had sex in over a month, but i do not have pain with insertion (a finger/tampon). i haven't noticed any discharge at all today, and the redness/irritation is almost gone. however, i still have a burning sensation every now and then, but not around my vaginal opening, more toward the top of my labia minora/clitoris. WTF????? i have read that some women feel a burning sensation for a while after a yeast infection, but i am freaking out because i am afraid it may be vulvodynia. so i guess i just wait and see now.

[ManINeedACoffee]

Yeah, my doctor told me that even after the yeast is gone, the symptoms can sometimes stick around a little while afterward. Although if you've been scratching at all, that could be doing it as well - dryness and "rawness" can occur.