What Is a Chronic Yeast Infection?

If you suffer from chronic yeast infections, then you know how annoying they can be. The yeast infection doesn't go away permanently with treatment but comes back again and again. Just when you thought it was over, then back it comes.

But you're not the only one, other women also end up with the chronic yeast infection, or ping pong yeast infection. If it’s a chronic in nature then it is the time for action.

This means you're going to have to be proactive. And find a solution to the issue. This infection is due towards the overgrowth of fungus called Candida Albicans inside the system. If this fungus is present in balance than it does not interfere with body functions but when there is an imbalance –watch out.

Candida Albicans yeast infections can multiply very quickly especially when unchecked. The problem can cause both short term and chronic health difficulties for men and women.

If you think you have a yeast infection during your period, and the irritation is primarily on the area just above the clitoris (called the mons pubis) then you need to rule out other causes as well. If you use sanitary napkins or minipads you may not have a yeast infection but a reaction to the sanitary napkin or minipad. This often happens when women use fragranced or 'deodorized' minipads. That's not to say you can't get a yeast infection during your menstrual cycle. With the changing hormones during your menses, it is entirely possible for the yeast Candida Albicans to overgrow and cause the yeast infection.

Chronic yeast infection is often resistant to the medications prescribed by the doctors. It can be controlled only for a short period of time and will remain dormant for only a short span of time. This chronic or recurrent yeast infection is triggered by yeast spores which are cyclical in nature and become active after particular period of time. Basically not everything that needs to get killed is killed by the medication and so the infection returns.

One of the reasons behind chronic yeast infection may be the level of tension inside your life. With a stressful life, the hormones that let us cope with stress, can have other changes inside the body. This can cause a condition which lets the Candida overgrow. The tension upsets your internal balance of hormones and bacteria. The imbalance leads to the yeast or Candida Albicans overgrowing thus becoming a yeast infection. Try whenever feasible to minimize stress in your daily routine.

Secondly, diet can play a big role in chronic yeast infections. Having a stable blood sugar decreases the chance of chronic yeast overgrowth. Minimize the amount of sugar in your diet.

Thirdly, unprotected sex, can lead to ping pong yeast infections. If you are infected then you and your partner can pass it back and forth multiple times. If you have a yeast infection, avoid sex until your yeast infection is under control.

Fourthly, medications like birth control pills and antibiotics change the normal working of your system functions. Antibiotics will not only treat your sore throat, but also kill the helpful bacteria inside your vagina. This can lead to a yeast infection. Birth control pills prevent pregnancies via their hormones, but the hormones also change the composition of fluids in your vagina which can encourage the overgrowth of yeas.

Finally, poor self care and personal hygiene can lead to your experiencing chronic yeast infections. Avoid wet clothes like wet bathing suits. Good personal hygiene is important, so keep yourself dry and clean. Hygiene sprays and douching is not needed. In fact, these items can often upset the delicate vaginal area and lead to irritation and sometimes yeast infections. Wear nightgowns instead of pajamas to let your genitals stay dry.

Don't ignore chronic yeast infections. Remember if you have a yeast infection more than 3-4 times a year, you may have a chronic yeast infection problem. Be observant and note what happens just before the yeast infection symptoms start.

• Did you go swimming?
• Start antibiotics?
• Wear tight jeans?

Write your activities down as this can help you treat the chronic yeast infection problem. Then take your notes to your healthcare provider and have them do a microscopic exam of the fluids/ discharge from your vagina. You may have an allergy or sensitivity causing the problem. Or you could have some conditions like diabetes or immune disorders which can make a yeast infection chronic. It's important to know the cause of the symptoms, before you start treatment for recurrent yeast infections.

Thanks to Ralaenin for use of the photo.