For the past 8 years I've had chronic yeast infections. Which in my case is usually one or more times a month. I've gone a few months here and there symptom free.
It affected my social life, sex life and relationships, body image, self love and mental health. I've also had more physical exams than I can count, often in desperate situations where I wanted relief, by doctors I didn’t feel totally comfortable with. All of them prescribed me fluconozol (an anti-fungal) over and over. This March I had 3 infections, and my new family doctor again prescribed me fluconazol for 7-14 days. It cost hundreds of dollars and it ended up making my body totally resistant to treatment. I would also like to add I've always used it as the last form of treatment. I've done the candida diet/cleanse (which starves yeast and essentially kills it all off safely) many times and made permanent changes to my diet such as zero sugar, low to no bread or carbs etc. I've tried every natural remedy from probiotic suppositories to apple cider vinegar rinses.
Many times doctors would tell me "this happens to many women", "some people just have this forever" - never giving me hope or information. Through the grapevine I'd hear someone's sister or wife gets chronic yeast infections but as it’s considered taboo, there was never an open conversation about it.
However, I have finally found a treatment plan and prevention! I started going for acupuncture treatment. I have been symptom free for over 7 months. I still watch my diet according to the candida diet recommendations along with taking Chinese traditional herbs my acupuncturist prescribes. And surprisingly: no beer (ever), as she calls it a "yeast infection in a bottle" haha.
I want anyone with this infection to know they are not alone, they are not gross or dirty, and they too can have relief and learn to love their vulva again instead of fear it.
S. - 28 years old