Why Do You Get Yeast Infection After Period? Every Answer For Your Question

What is a yeast infection?

Candida or Monilia, a yeast-like fungus, is the most common cause of yeast infections. This fungus is a natural part of your body’s ecosystem. This fungus is usually kept under control by your body’s immune system. If you are unwell or using antibiotics, it can cause infection. This fungus can infect your lips, skin, nails, food pipe (esophagus), vaginal area, or even blood. A vaginal yeast infection is a fungal infection that produces inflammation, discharge, and severe itching in the vagina and vulva, the tissues that line the vaginal entrance.

Vaginal yeast infections, also known as vaginal candidiasis, affect up to three out of every four women at some point in their lives. At least two episodes are common in many women.

Symptoms of yeast infection:

• Swelling around the vagina
• Pain during sex
• Soreness
• Irritation and itching in the vagina after periods and vulva
• A burning sensation, especially during intercourse or while urinating.
• Redness and swelling of the vulva
• Vaginal pain and soreness
• Vaginal rash
• Thick, white, odor-free vaginal discharge with a cottage cheese appearance.
• Watery vaginal discharge

The causes of yeast infection after periods:

Hormonal shifts can alter the equilibrium of yeast and bacteria in the vaginal area, resulting in yeast infections after a period. When hormones, particularly estrogen, rise and fall, they may kill the bacteria that live in the vaginal area and keep yeast at bay. Candida, the yeast that causes the majority of yeast infections, can overgrow if bacteria aren’t present to stop it. A vaginal yeast infection, commonly known as vaginal candidiasis, results as a result of this. Another hormone secreted during the menstrual period, progesterone, aids in the efficacy of Candida-killing cells. Changes in the amounts of beneficial and bad bacteria and yeast in the vaginal area are caused by the regular cycling of hormones.

Common knowledge on yeast infection is given in the above content. Now you may be thinking, “why do I get yeast infection after my periods?” There are many factors like hormones, hygiene, infections after periods, bacteria etc. But what are the risk factors for the same?

Risk Factors:

• Antibiotics: Drugs that are used to kill bacteria that are causing illness. However, they frequently kill off beneficial microorganisms in the process. This can result in Candida overgrowth and a yeast infection.
• Immune system weakness: A weakened immune system makes it more difficult to combat infections. People with a weakened immune system are frequently prescribed drugs, which can cause bacterial imbalances and raise the risk of yeast infections.
• Unregulated diabetes: People with diabetes who do not maintain control of their illness may experience blood sugar increases. Because yeast feeds on sugar, it can grow when blood glucose levels are high. This can make it more likely for yeast to proliferate uncontrollably.
• High-stress levels: High-stress levels can have a deleterious impact on general health, particularly immune function. Candida overgrowth is more likely when the immune system is compromised by stress.
• Recurrent yeast infections after periods: People who get yeast infections regularly are more likely to get another one after a period. It may be due to poor hygiene or a compromised immune system. In this case, people are prone to having itchy vaginas after periods.

But in some cases, you could have worse scenarios. It can also be termed a complicated case. But how to know if you are facing a complicated case? The following are the symptoms of complicated cases:

• You experience significant signs and symptoms, such as a lot of redness, swelling, and vaginal itching, which can lead to tears, fissures, and sores.
• In a year, you experience four or more yeast infections.
• Your infection is caused by a fungus that isn’t very common.
• You’re expecting a child.
• You have uncontrolled diabetes.
• Due to certain medications or illnesses, such as HIV infection, your immune system is impaired.

How can you know if you have a vaginal yeast infection?

Your doctor will diagnose you with a vaginal yeast infection. You’ll need to make an appointment to talk about your symptoms. To confirm the yeast infection, your healthcare professional may need to obtain a sample of your vaginal discharge. Your healthcare professional will be able to detect what type of yeast infection you have based on your symptoms and the sample of discharge you provided, as well as the best strategy to treat it.

Treatment for yeast infection:

It’s crucial to understand that there are many distinct forms of yeast when it comes to treating a vaginal yeast infection. Depending on the type of yeast infection, your healthcare professional may discuss several treatment options with you.

A vaginal yeast infection is usually treated with an antifungal drug prescribed by your doctor. This type of drug is used to treat yeast overgrowth in the body.

The medication comes in two forms: oral and topical. Topical treatments are applied to the afflicted area while oral medications are taken by mouth. Boric acid, nystatin, miconazole, and clotrimazole are examples of topical medicines. Your healthcare professional will offer you information on each type of medication as well as instructions on how to take it properly. When using these medications, it is critical to constantly follow your provider’s directions to ensure that the infection is completely treated and does not return.

Prevention tips for yeast infection:

Making a few lifestyle modifications can typically avoid vaginal yeast infections. These modifications may include:

• Do not douche—douching can kill the germs that regulate the fungus.
• Use feminine deodorants as little as possible.
• Using deodorant (scented) tampons or pads is not recommended.
• Changing off damp clothing as soon as possible is especially important for bathing suits.
• Using sexual water-based sexual lubricants.
• If you have diabetes, it’s critical to keep your blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible. Diabetes management can aid in the prevention of vaginal yeast infections.
• A vaginal yeast infection has symptoms that are similar to those of other illnesses. A physical examination by your healthcare professional will answer any queries you may have.

FAQs on yeast infection:

Can I get a yeast infection after my periods?

After your period, it’s common to acquire a yeast infection. Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during your period, can destroy the bacteria in your vaginal area, resulting in a yeast infection.

Can low estrogen cause yeast infections?

Low estrogen levels are rather frequent during and after menopause. Vaginal atrophy can alter the pH, bacterial levels, and yeast levels in the vaginal area, potentially increasing the risk of yeast infections. The alterations caused by vaginal shrinkage can leave your vagina more susceptible to yeast infections and overgrowth.

Do tampons cause yeast infections?

So, tampons don’t cause yeast infections directly, and using them when you have one isn’t dangerous, but there’s a risk they’ll make you feel worse: Tampons have been linked to vaginal mucus alterations and, in some circumstances, vaginal ulcerations (sores that appear on the vaginal walls)

Can you get a yeast infection from pads?

As soon as you discover any irritation from a pad, treat it. Because the yeast normally presents in your body can impact the inflamed areas, untreated rashes can progress to a yeast infection.

If you have tried everything, yet you are getting a yeast infection, then this is something you should be considering:

If you experience a lot of yeast infections, you should talk to your health care physician about it. Your service provider may:

• Confirm that you have a vaginal yeast infection by taking a test.
• Get a blood sugar test to see if you have diabetes.
• Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is a treatment for HIV/AIDS.
• Any possible hormonal changes should be discussed (birth control or pregnancy).

Your test findings will be used by your healthcare practitioner to ensure that you are receiving the proper treatment. While treating your yeast infection, it’s crucial to address the underlying cause. Controlling the source of the illness can help avoid vaginal yeast infections in the future.

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