Embarassing Health/Hair Question

[NorthernCalGal]

I finally have a hair regimen that works for me, but it seems every 6-8 weeks, I'm hit with a yeast infection. I know this is TMI, but I wonder if my body is just overly sensitive to the conditioner/shampoos trickling down there. Am I alone on this one? Am I shampooing completely wrong? I'm tempted to go back to the sink and poo, but the tangles were a beast. Maybe I'll just wear a swimsuit in the shower. Any insight or advice is appreciated.

I did a search, but every "yeast" post I could find had to do with putting the medicine on your head.

 

[Neith]

I finally have a hair regimen that works for me, but it seems every 6-8 weeks, I'm hit with a yeast infection. I know this is TMI, but I wonder if my body is just overly sensitive to the conditioner/shampoos trickling down there. Am I alone on this one? Am I shampooing completely wrong? I'm tempted to go back to the sink and poo, but the tangles were a beast. Maybe I'll just wear a swimsuit in the shower. Any insight or advice is appreciated.

I did a search, but every "yeast" post I could find had to do with putting the medicine on your head.

That made me laugh

Maybe you could get a hand held shower head. It would make it easier for you to rinse without getting product on your body.

 

[BostonMaria]

Sorry to hear that! I mean, it could be anything really. Have you gone to the doctor for this? Because I would start there first. This can be anything - a certain birth control, you could need vitamins, maybe you can eat more yogurt to fight the yeast infection, it could be your diet, maybe cleaning your bathroom with some bleach (a few drops of bleach in a small bucket of water) to kill any germs you can't see. But before you try anything else, you really should talk to your doctor because your body is obviously trying to tell you something *hugz*

 

[Bene]

I don't think your shampoo/conditioner would cause a yeast infection. They could be caused by diet, antibiotics, undiagnosed diabetes, underwear fabric, and even douching (which flushes out the natural flora and fauna that's supposed to be there). Unless you're shooting shampoo/conditioner up your hoo-hah, you should be ok.

Your best bet would be to take care of the yeast infection, whether going to a gynecologist or using monistat (for its intended purposes), and then re-assess your underwear choice and diet.


Oh, and eating yogurt is a good way to prevent yeast infections. If you like yogurt, it would be a good idea to add it to your diet

 

[almond eyes]

No shampoos/conditioners do not cause yeast infections. If you have a yeast infection every 6-8 weeks, you might want to make an appointment with an OBGYN. While yeast infections are common in women and can be triggered by a variety of things (pantyhose, g-string panties, tight jeans, a new sex partner, std, skin fungal infection, too much sugar in the diet, antiobitics, you use deodorant soap to wash your crotch, allergy, prexisting medical condition, etc), you might want to check it out especially if it is followed by any fishy, yellow, green or cottage cheese discharge and intense itching.

Best,
Almond Eyes

 

[didismirage4]

No I don't think so but there is a great alternative to the messy creams and it's completely organic. 600mg of boric acid in 00 capsules inserted twice daily for about 7 days should clear you up. It also balances the pH so you won't have worry about BV either.

 

[NorthernCalGal]

Neith: I do have a handheld, but lack the type of coordination to make it work. I end up with water outside the shower.

BostonMaria: I was just there last month for a pap. Oh how I hate to see those stir-ups, but you're right. Time to make that call. ARGHH!!

 

[didismirage4]

P.S. Also a good thing about boric acid capsules is that you can keep using them to keep recurrent yeast under control. pH balance is very important when it comes to yeast/BV.

 

[NorthernCalGal]

P.S. Also a good thing about boric acid capsules is that you can keep using them to keep recurrent yeast under control. pH balance is very important when it comes to yeast/BV.

Are these sold at regular drug stores or health food stores?

 

[nakialovesshoes]

I agree somewhat with the ladies. Yeast infections are usually a result of an internal issue. If you believe in holistic health, I would definitely encourage you to go to www.dherbs.com & type yeast or candida in the search field and read what he has to say. I used to suffer from chronic yeast infections until I learned why. HTH...

 

[Tayw29]

The shampoo/cond may be triggering something. Many years ago I got one from using FDS spray and I also cant use regular soap down there due to sensitivity, I have to use a feminine wash or else I get a YI. Its quite possible the chemicals from the poo/con could be the culprit. I would suggest going to the doc and getting it checked and once cleared try the swim suit or whatever to prevent it. If it doesnt come back then you know what it was.

 

[shunemite]

Go see a doctor. It has nothing to do with your conditioner. I would suggest an over the counter cream, but you said it's recurrent. You don't wanna mask the issue.

The vagina naturally has friendly bacteria that live there and ward off the bad yeast. All women do. If you have a yeast infection frequently, something is killing the friendly bacteria and causing the yeast to overgrow. Here's some common things women do:
1. Perfumed soap to wash your vaginal area. Stop.
2. Using those feminine sprays down there. Stop.
3. Douching- it's the worst thing you could ever do- you're washing out the friendly bacteria
4. A new sexual partner takes a new woman's vagina some time to get used to.
5. If you're taking anti-bacterials for another reason unrelated (a sore throat etc) they kill the good bacteria and the yeast grows
6. Jeans that are too tight (Is there any more room for me in those jeans?) cause a warm environment.

Lastly and most importantly, you may not have a yeast infection at all. You may think you have one, but actually have something else, that only a lab test in the clinic will show.

 

[QBOE2001]

Do you wear undies with white cotton linings? I used to get them all the time until I switched my undies and got rid of all of the underwear with dyed linings or linings that were made out of material that was synthetic and didn't breathe. At any rate as Boston Maria suggested now might be the time to call the gyn. Good luck....Yeast infections are definitely not fun.

 

[Khaiya]

Cant say about the shampoo or conditioner, i know i used to get an infection right around the time aunt flow was exiting the building. I started eating 1/2 garlic daily for overall health and for shedding, haven't had an infection since. Its the only remedy that has worked 100% for me so far without fail or recurrence. I assume if i stop taking the garlic it woud recur though.

 

[tenjoy]

if its recurring like this, you need to make sure you dont have an STI (sexually transmitted infection).

Go to the doctor.

 

[C@ssandr@]

Interesting thread. I was wondering this for some time now.

 

[Nonie]

if its recurring like this, you need to make sure you dont have an STI (sexually transmitted infection).

Go to the doctor.

Recurring yeast infections could be due to systemic candidiasis; that's when candida albicans (the fungus that causes yeast infections) is in your blood stream and thus infecting your whole body. Symptoms could extend way beyond vaginal yeast infections but because vaginal YIs are very uncomfortable, they tend to get your attention more. This has been discussed quite a lot on the health forum. Treatment goes beyond just topical meds or swallowing a pill (Diflucan). Your diet has to change drastically as well as all the things mentioned above. Even using soap to wash your hoo-ha would have to stop. Plain water sprayed from a shower and your fingers should suffice.

You can read a bit about systemic candidiasis here: http://www.breathing.com/articles/candida.htm

 

[poookie]

yeast infections are caused by an overabundance of yeast in your diet, not your shampoo & conditioners. & don't be embarassed, it's totally normal, and happens to a lot more people than are willing to admit.

how's your diet? are you eating high amounts of carbs & sugar? that's probably the key. do a forum search on "candida".

pills and tablets are only a temporary fix, you need to make changes in your lifestyle if you want this to stop for good.

 

[NorthernCalGal]

I'm going to try and get into my OB this week. Your posts have been quite informational. I've read a few things that could be the culprit from diet to underwear lining. Now if a sister pops up with a STD, the news headline will read "California woman kills husband in his sleep, STD to blame".LOL.

 

[QBOE2001]

BTW you may want to have your husband checked. Its possible that you inadvertantly passed the yeast infection to him and that he is reinfecting you. Man...the fun never ends.....Good luck to you

 

[shunemite]

Another thing....... have you sat in some public pools or jacuzzi's lately? Or used the shower at the gym? Some of these public places don't always get cleaned well. One of my classmates got a UTI from a hotel bathtub.... 5 star hotel, she said it was, but I was still like "what were you thinking! Sitting in a public tub!"

 

[carameldelight87]

Now if a sister pops up with a STD, the news headline will read "California woman kills husband in his sleep, STD to blame".LOL.

LMAO!!! I had to laugh at that one. But in case that does happen don't kill him, STDs can lay dormant for years! And as someone stated u could just be reinfecting urself. I know hubby's not gonna wanna get checked out though (the thought of that big q-tip goin up such a tiny hole even makes me cringe).

The simplest way to find out if it's ur poo and con is to change them temporarily. And yes underwear can be an issue, tight jeans, etc. Those are great suggestions.

I've also read about women inserting plain yogurt into the vagina to prevent yeast infections. (google it before u bust out the yoplait though. Lol) Ask ur relatives. It may be something that runs in ur family. Idk, I'm just trying to help u brainstorm.

 

[Kacie]

This thread is my favorite concerning "that" health issue.

http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=131142

 

[luckiestdestiny]

I thought I was getting yeast infections, or the start of them and they were frequent and I went to a doctor who said I had an allergy. I had developed an allergy to SOAP lol! He was right. He said that my body would naturally wash itself and I should just wash with water...I was like. But he was right that it was soap. I did a test and just water (nothing) with soap (you know whitish...). So I had to keep testing until I found soaps that work (and it wasn't ivory or any of that other b.s it was still too much for me). So anyways I found if I used organic soap from whole foods (forgot the name just know what it looks like) and I really mix it with water so it's just a little, it's all good. No more problems. Who knew I'd develop that ridiculous allergy there, but I guess I'm just really sensitive there and on my face (I can't use but certain products on my face or else rash or swelling city).

So it may be something as simple as that.

 

[MacIsMyCrack]

Trying eating plain yogurt that contains active bacteria, also try switching to an unscented body wash or soap that is for sensitive skin or one that balances pH. It could also be caused by your laundry detergent.

 

[angenoir]

I concurr with the ladies about perfumed soap and douches being a nono. simple water and dove is enough to clean.

I dont think the shampoos and conditioners could be causing the problem but I wanted to ask - what suplements/vitamins are you taking? I read somewhere that if you are taking supplements that are very high in yeast and vit B it may cause a yeast infection. Its just the way some women develop yeast infections when they have too much sugar or processed foods over a long period of time.

So try to see what you dose of these are maybe adjust accordingly.

Oh and I agree. See the doctor. Its important.

 

[luckiestdestiny]

I concurr with the ladies about perfumed soap and douches being a nono. simple water and dove is enough to clean.
Dove doesn't work for me and I don't douche either. I am VERY sensitive. OP might be too but the first thing she should do is have everything checked out with ehr daughter.
I dont think the shampoos and conditioners possible. I can't let any get there or there will be problems lol! Most shampoos have chemicals in it that could hurt the sensitive area. Especially if you're super sensitive like me.could be causing the problem but I wanted to ask - what suplements/vitamins are you taking? I read somewhere that if you are taking supplements that are very high in yeast and vit B it may cause a yeast infection. Its just the way some women develop yeast infections when they have too much sugar or processed foods over a long period of time.

So try to see what you dose of these are maybe adjust accordingly.

Oh and I agree. See the doctor. Its important. Yes! Please do so.

 

[Kacie]

I thought I was getting yeast infections, or the start of them and they were frequent and I went to a doctor who said I had an allergy. I had developed an allergy to SOAP lol! He was right. He said that my body would naturally wash itself and I should just wash with water...I was like. But he was right that it was soap. I did a test and just water (nothing) with soap (you know whitish...). So I had to keep testing until I found soaps that work (and it wasn't ivory or any of that other b.s it was still too much for me). So anyways I found if I used organic soap from whole foods (forgot the name just know what it looks like) and I really mix it with water so it's just a little, it's all good. No more problems. Who knew I'd develop that ridiculous allergy there, but I guess I'm just really sensitive there and on my face (I can't use but certain products on my face or else rash or swelling city).

So it may be something as simple as that.

OT: Have you tried Cetaphil gentle ? That's my personal fav to date.

 

[peony]

The only thing I have to add is consider taking a probiotics supplement. Get a reputable one from a whole foods or similar store. Also, when I was a young adult (18-20) I used to get yeast infections. After I reduced my sugar intake by eliminating juice and soda from my diet, the yeast infections went away.

 

[hillytmj]

I noticed the same problems until I started wearing a bikini bottom when I washed my hair. That took care of the problem.