There is
no shame in having a Vaginal Yeast Infection (VYI)
Myths about vaginal
yeast infections
Myths about
vaginal
yeast infections
There is a lot of misinformation out there, so let’s bust some myths and misconceptions about vaginal yeast infections.
Myth 1. “Vaginal yeast infection is caused by having lots of sex.”
Not true. Vaginal yeast infection is not an indicator of a person’s sexual habits.
Myth 2. “Vaginal yeast infection is usually passed on through sex.”
Not true. Vaginal yeast infection is not a sexually transmitted disease; however, it can be triggered by unprotected sex. For example, friction4 can make it easier for vaginal yeast to thrive, and semen can sometimes disrupt the natural vaginal ecosystem5.
Myth 3. “Vaginal yeast infection is caused by being dirty.”
Not true. It can be triggered by all kinds of things, like being stressed out6, and you may be more at risk if you have recently finished a course of antibiotics, you are pregnant, or you are on your period.
What does
vaginal yeast infection
look and feel like?
Here are the most common symptoms of vaginal yeast infection:
- Sore and itchy vagina / vulva area
- Soreness, burning and redness around the vaginal entrance, especially during intercourse or while urinating
- Swelling of vaginal lips (labia)
- Cottage cheese-like white discharge
Tips for avoiding vaginal yeast infection7,8,9
- Take off wet clothes or synthetic clothes (workout clothes) as soon as you can
- Avoid using vaginal deodorants and douches
- Manage stress levels and look after your immune system
- Avoid high-sugar foods
- Change tampons and pads frequently
- Wipe from front to back after using the toilet
- Avoid very long, hot baths
If you think you might have a vaginal yeast infection, you should first get it diagnosed by a doctor instead of trying to diagnose yourself. Remember, there is no shame in having a vaginal infection and medical professionals are used to answering all kinds of questions about vulvas and vaginas. Always be careful when looking at solutions for vaginal yeast infections online, the internet is filled with home remedies for vaginal yeast infections10,11,12, but these aren’t proven to work. In fact, some could make the infection worse13.
If you have a vagina and you notice a change that involves discomfort, pain, discharge, or smell that is not normal for you, then speak to your doctor or gynaecologist to get a professional diagnosis and treatment. If you have a neo vagina, feel free to reach out to transgender medical and support services if you need.
Ref:
- https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/vaginal-thrush
- https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/yeast-infection-before-period
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/thrush-in-men-and-women/
- https://patient.info/sexual-health/vaginal-discharge-female-discharge/vaginal-thrush-yeast-infection
- https://playsafe.health.nsw.gov.au/2015/05/21/thrush/
- https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/related-conditions/common-symptoms/thrush/
- https://www.webmd.com/women/guide/10-ways-to-prevent-yeast-infections
- https://www.healthline.com/health/recurring-thrush#prevention
- McKinley Health Centre 2014: paper provided
- https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/fact-or-fiction-a-clove-of-garlic-can-stop-a-vaginal-yeast-infection/
- https://metro.co.uk/2017/11/02/gynaecologists-warn-that-putting-yoghurt-in-your-vagina-wont-help-to-treat-thrush-7048179/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/TwoXChromosomes/comments/2dlxm9/have_you_ever_used_garlic_or_yogurt_for_a_yeasty//
- https://health.clevelandclinic.org/do-home-remedies-actually-work-for-yeast-infections/
You might
also want to read:
There are no ‘normal’ vulvas. They’re all different.
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