Oh yes! You keep getting this infection after treatment and cure! Why?
And, now, that reminds me! I thought we agreed, in the two preceding articles, not to call it “toilet infection” any longer?! “Vaginal infection” is a better name because we know it is NOT caused by or gotten from the toilet!
We listed causes including poor hygiene (always leaving that place wet and dirty), “over-hygiene” (excessive washing of the inside with harsh soaps, substances, and chemicals; use of perfumes and creams), tight clothing (tight panties, jeans, skin tights, etc.), excessive use of antibiotics, and for some, it occurs after sex (either as an STD, or for unknown reasons, just due to the physical act of sex!) There are other causes, and cases with unknown causes! [Read the two previous articles]
We also saw that what you call “toilet infection” is usually one of three lower genital tract infections:
VAGINAL CANDIDIASIS: Over 75% of women have once had it. If there’s itching and soreness of the vagina (inside and outside); if there’s white discharge, which may be curdy or watery, and smells like yeast, it is most likely this fungal infection.
BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS: is the commonest cause of vaginal discharge. It could arises spontaneously, without cause, some times, around the time of menstruation — before or after. It has an offensive fishy-smelling whitish or yellowish discharge. Smell is particularly noticeable after intercourse.
TRICHOMONIASIS: is sexually transmitted. There’s severe itching with pus-like, greenish or yellowish, sometimes offensive, discharge. Sexual partner must be treated before resuming intercourse.
But, the problem is RECURRENCE — when after treating and getting cured, the infection comes back… again!
What do We do?
#1: Try and identify the cause.
Is it always at a certain time of the month, in your menstrual cycle? Are you reacting to something? Is it related to intercourse? It is not always sexually transmitted — it also affect virgins. For some, it has no known cause — the body just decides to cause some trouble once in a while! The incidence is high among lesbians (so, it could be from the other female partner). The earlier you agree it’s not gotten from the toilet, the better for you…and me. If we don’t address the cause, you will keep having repeated infections.
#2: Treat every sex partner.
This is very important, if it is related to intercourse , because after getting cured, you will be re-infected if there’s intercourse with an untreated partner. Note that the partner might not have any symptoms and may appear healthy. This is the cause of many cases of repeated vaginal infections.
#3: Take a regular monthly protective and curative drug.
I recommend this for some of my patients, and it has proven effective: a single dose of Clotrimazole 500mg tablet or a single dose of Fluconazole 150mg tablets (taken once or twice every month) AND Flagyl 400mg twice daily for 5 days (every month). The occasional uses of antifungal cream is helpful too. Antibiotics should be used cautiously. It’s important you consult your doctor even though these are over-the-counter drugs.
#4: Talk to your doctor.
You might need help in identifying the cause of the repeated infections, how to remove the cause, and what drugs to use. Please, don’t use traditional concoctions. Go see your doctor. These vaginal infections have serious consequences that I won’t tell you! Act now!
Give me a call. [No flashing please and no night-calls o!]
And, check this blog for the previous articles on this topic. Thanks.