I am 95% sure that I have a yeast infection. I have never had one before, but I have gone ahead and self-diagnosed and started the OTC treatment. I am having intense itching and burning in my nether regions, but no discharge....except for the fact that I started my period today. On Friday, DH and I leave for our big romantic get-away, so I am trying to get this cleared up and send AF packing ASAP. Have you ever had a yeast infection without the discharge? How long did it take for you to get relief? I had a choice of 1, 3, or 7 day treatment. I'll have completed 2 complete days of treatment by Monday. If I'm not noticing any improvement I guess I'll call my GYN then. This is no fun at all!

By Kim on Saturday, October 29, 2005 - 11:35 pm:

Pam, if it is a yeat infection there should be discharge that kind of looks like cottage cheese. You could have a bacterial vaginosis type infection and need a totaly different type of meds. Or it could be vulvitis. As you can tell I have been through these many times. I would definitely call your doctor and get this checked out as mis-treating it can cause more problems. Here is some info:

What is bacterial vaginosis?

Bacterial vaginosis is a mild infection in the vagina caused by a type of bacteria (germ). The vagina normally contains a lot of "good" bacteria, called lactobacilli (say: "lack-toe bah-sil-li"), and a few other types of bacteria, called anaerobes (say: "ann-air-robes"). Too many anaerobes can cause bacterial vaginosis. We don't know why the anaerobe bacteria overgrow and cause this infection.



How do I know I have bacterial vaginosis?

You may notice a discharge from your vagina. The discharge may be clear or colored. It may be very light or heavy. It may have a fishy smell, especially after you have intercourse. Some women have bacterial vaginosis without any symptoms.

..................................................................................................

What is contact vulvitis?
Contact vulvitis is a skin problem that causes vulvar/vaginal itching and burning when there is no infection.

This occurs when the vulvar skin becomes very sensitive to products called contact irritants. Examples include things such as laundry detergents, fabric softeners, body soaps and feminine hygiene products (such as douches, vaginal deodorants, pads or wipes). A complete list is included later. Regular and continued use of these products over a period of time cause irritation, burning and/or itching.

Contact vulvitis is rarely an allergic reaction.

What are the signs and symptoms of contact vulvitis?

Mild to severe itching and/or burning on vulva.
Vulvar redness and swelling.
Raw feeling due to the vulvar irritation.
Damp/wet feeling due to the oozing of the irritated skin surface. Some women mistake this dampness to be a vaginal discharge.
Vulvar pain, in more advanced cases, with insertion of a tampon, speculum, or with intercourse.
How is contact vulvitis diagnosed (identified)?
Your doctor or health care provider will examine the vulva area to look for common skin changes seen with contact vulvitis. A sample of your discharge is collected and tested to rule out infection.

What contact irritants should be avoided?

Laundry detergents containing enzymes, whiteners, and brighteners
Fabric softeners and dryer sheets
Bath soaps, gels, lotions
Bubble bath, oils, bath salts, skin softeners
Feminine hygiene sprays, perfumes or powders
Adult and baby wipes or towelettes
Deodorant tampons and pads
Douches
Contraceptive creams, jellies, foams and sponges
Condoms, prepackaged with lubricant or spermicides
Colored, perfumed toilet paper
Synthetics such as nylon underwear or panty hose
What is the treatment of contact vulvitis?

Remove irritants. Follow the Guidelines for Vulvar Skin Care.
Apply Steroid Ointments
Use: Apply thin layer to areas of discomfort
Action: Decrease redness, swelling, itching, burning
Caution: Use only as prescribed by your doctor. Overuse may result in thinning of the skin which will make your problem worse rather than helping it.
Baking Soda Soaks Soak in luke warm bath water with 4-5 tablespoons of baking soda to help soothe vulvar itching and burning. Soak 2-3 times a day for 10-15 minutes. If you are using a sitz bath, use 1-2 teaspoons of baking soda.
Gold Bond or Zeasorb powder may be applied to the vulva and groin areas if chronic dampness/moisture is a problem.


I hope this wasn't TMI and I hope it helps!

By Reds9298 on Saturday, October 29, 2005 - 11:44 pm:

Ditto Kim about the discharge with a yeast infection, although she's a lot more knowledgeable than I am on everything else! I've only had one and there was definitely discharge. It was when I was young and I know I saw the doctor about it but can't remember the treatment.

My sister has one of the above mentioned by Kim(I can't remember) pretty frequently and her dh has to take medicine, too. I hope everything is fine for your romantic weekend.

By Eve on Sunday, October 30, 2005 - 01:45 pm:

My Dr. told me that you can have a little bit of yeast just on the outside area and not have the typical vaginal discharge. You use a little bit of the Monistat cream on the outside. Hope you are feeling better.

Also, to add to the avoiding chronic dampness, my Dr. suggested Balmex. You can also blow dry the area after you shower and sleeping without undies helps as well.

By Anonymous on Sunday, October 30, 2005 - 07:38 pm:

I've had a few yeast infections w/ no discharge to speak of. My favorite treatment/preventative measure is a daily dose of acidophilous - has really helped. Those infections hurt!!!! If it is bad, I think the 3 day treatment is best - and be sure to get one that comes w/ the external cream! Yuck! :-)

By Angellew on Monday, October 31, 2005 - 10:14 am:

Both my sister and I, when we were in our 20s, had the ALOT! It was terrible! It was just our system! And, truthfully, neither of us had the typical discharge. All the other symptoms were there, except that. We started taking the daily acidophilous and it really helped! And, Eve is right! Sometimes it can be just a topical infection! I would always buy two Monistats and keep one just for topical purposes. The one time pill always worked for my sister, but never for me! I found I had to do the pill AND the monistat to get relief! It's an on-going thing and I still take the Acidophilous!