posted
I had the same problem about a year ago...i saved a response i got here from fuzzy. I will copy and paste what she wrote me it was very helpful...read below:
I have had good results with Yeast Arrest vaginal suppositories. They have not only helped me with yeast but also with bacterial infections.
I also like the Vitamin E vaginal suppositories that are carried at Rockwell Nutrition, and I also use the CandaClear suppository by Pharmax. I juggle the different products depending upon what I feel I need. After 15 years of experiencing vag. symptoms, these 3 products at Rockwell stopped the problems for me.
I've had yeast issues for a long time. Undergoing Lyme treatment has made my yeast issues more challenging. I have used natural anti-fungals and also use Diflucan and Nystatin (again rotating treatments as needed). I have found that I need to use products for vag. support in addition to taking oral antifungals and probiotics.
Boric Acid has safely been used for vaginal infections for a long time. There a many medical articles on its use. And many of the more enlightened doctors will recommend the use of Boric Acid to women with vaginal infections.
You can also make your own Boric Acid vaginal suppositories. And I do this also. It is very easy and inexpensive. The only drawback is that it will not have the often helpful and soothing herbs that the Yeast Arrest product contain. And if the tissues are really inflammed and irritated, sometimes using a Vitamin E suppository or a product that has the herbs (Yeast Arrest) or the probiotics for vaginal application are more helpful.
To make your own Boric Acid suppositories you need to purchase:
1. Empty Gelatin Capsules (Size 00) -- Available online and at some pharmacies.
2. A bottle of Boric Acid Powder -- Available online and at some pharmacies.
Simply fill the empty capsules with Boric Acid powder. Each Size 00 capsule filled with Boric Acid will supply 600 mg of Boric Acid.
These vaginal suppositories can be used once every 12 hours (am/pm) for as along as needed. Then they can be used prophylatically to help keep the vaginal Ph in the healthy acidic range and to keep future infections from surfacing.
Do not ingest the Boric Acid capsules. They are for vaginal use only.
It's certainly been a lifesaver for me.
Below is an article by Dr. Tori Hudson, N.D. from the Rockwell Nutrition site. I found it to be very helpful.
Fuzzy (I'm not affiliated with Rockwell. I'm just a satisfied customer of theirs.)
Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (Yeast Infection) by Tori Hudson, N.D.
Introduction and General Observations
One of the most common chief complaints among female patients is vaginitis. Although it is often assumed that it is due to a yeast infection, only 33 percent of women with this complaint will have vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC).
VVC encompasses a broad range of issues, ranging from patients who have colonization of yeast but are asymptomatic, to those who have frequent, recurrent and symptomatic episodes. An estimated 75 percent of all women will have at least one VVC infection in their life, 45 percent will have multiple episodes, and 5 to 8 percent will have recurrent (RVVC) episodes, which are defined as four or more episodes within one year.1
Microbiology
Studies throughout the world have shown that Candida albicans is the most common cause of VVC and is the organism identified in 85 percent to 90 percent of positive vaginal yeast cultures. However, there are infections with non-albicans species, such as C glabrata, C tropicallis, and C krusei, which are becoming more prevalent in the US. Of the non-albicans species, Candida glabrata is the most common. The number of VVC cases that are due to non-albicans species has steadily increased, from 9.9 percent in 1988 to 17.2 percent in 1995.2 It is thought that this increase is due at least in part to the increased use of over-the-counter medications and that non-albicans species are becoming less susceptible to these agents.3
Evaluation
A diagnosis of VVC is made by a combination of history, clinical examination, specimen collection, a microscopic examination of a specimen using a potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparation, and, if necessary, a culture. A history that is consistent with VVC includes itching, burning, a thick white vaginal discharge, dyspareunia, and dysuria. Keep in mind that deferential diagnoses include vulvar hyperplasia, vestibulitis, genital ulcerations, lichen sclerosis, or other dermatitis conditions.
Prevention Concepts
Preventing infections is almost always easier than treating them. Here are some simple strategies:
Tight clothing can predispose one to candidiasis.4
Women who wear panty hose are about three times more likely to experience an incidence of yeast vaginitis infections than those who do not.5
Safer sex practices, such as use of condoms, may be helpful in preventing even infections not clearly considered to be sexually transmitted, such as yeast and bacterial vaginosis.
Support a healthy vaginal ecosystem and immune system by having a generally whole foods diet and very little to no sugar and refined carbohydrates.
Consider food, pollen, clothing detergent and semen allergies.
Increase intake of acidophilus yogurt and/or take supplemental lactobacillus supplements when using antibiotics.
Consider using condoms to prevent all types of vaginitis and to maintain a normal pH, and use condoms until the treatment regimen is complete to prevent recurrence.
Overview of Alternative Treatments
An important aspect of treating vaginal infections is looking at the problem more holistically and systemically rather than just finding drug alternatives to killing unwanted organisms. To this end, we try to improve the vaginal immune system, support the systemic immune system, restore the proper balance of normal microflora in the vagina, restore the normal pH of the vagina, decrease the inflammation and irritation of the tissue itself, provide symptomatic relief and, when necessary, curb the population and overgrowth of the offending organism. Although this approach sounds basic and logical, it is radically different from the conventional approach, which is essentially to kill the overgrowth of the causative organism. Although in severe, acute cases pharmaceutical antifungals may ultimately be necessary, there is evidence that the organisms are becoming resistant to overuse of these products. Even when the pharmaceutical over-the-counter medications or prescription medications need to be used, the principles and methods of some of the natural treatments can be an important part of a healthy vaginal ecosystem and immunity for the future.
Although the vaginal ecosystem is in a variable state throughout a woman's lifetime, nothing is more key to this ecosystem than lactobacillus. Perhaps no other concept is as important as the health of the ecosystem of the vagina.
The vaginal microflora of healthy asymptomatic women consists of a wide variety of anaerobic and aerobic bacteria dominated by lactobacillus. The range of bacterial types isolated is immense, including Staphylococcus species, Gardnerella vaginalis, Streptococcus species, Bacteroides species, Lactobacillus species, Mobiluncus, even Candida species (most commonly Candida albicans), and others. Again, the predominant organisms isolated from the normal vagina are members of the Lactobacillus genus.
Alternative Treatments
Nutrition
It cannot be overemphasized how the health of the entire body affects the internal ecosystem of the vagina. The pH of the vagina, the microflora that live there, the hormonal cycles, and the immune tissue in the vagina are all influenced by our general health and our dietary habits, and this in turn determines how susceptible we are as a host to the overgrowth of the unfriendly organisms that cause the vaginitis. A generally healthy diet supports our body's defense system. A diet low in sugars and refined carbohydrates is particularly important in preventing candida vaginitis. In general, a well-balanced, whole-foods diet that is low in fat, sugars, refined foods and alcohol is optimal in preventing many common infections. Some women who have severe, stubborn cases of chronic candida vaginitis may benefit from more strict diets that avoid fermented foods. These "anti-candida" diets can be rigorous and stressful and are often unnecessary.
Botanicals
Garlic (Allium sativum)
Garlic extracts have been shown to inhibit the growth of Candida albicans by blocking lipid production, which thereby inhibits its growth.6 The major growth inhibitory component in garlic extract is allicin, and garlic products that have the highest amount of allicin would therefore be the most desirable. Garlic is diverse in its uses for vaginitis because it is both antibacterial and antifungal.7,8 Although I am not aware of any research on the use of garlic inserted in the vagina, this has consistently been one of my recommendations for women over the years for both candida (yeast) vaginitis and bacterial vaginosis. A carefully peeled clove (so as not to nick the garlic) can be inserted into the vagina for 6 to 8 hours. The garlic can be threaded like a necklace so that it can easily be removed, as if it were a tampon. "Garlic tampons" or garlic capsules can be inserted intravaginally in the evening and then lactobacillus capsules can be inserted in the morning to create a plan that both inhibits growth of the offending organism and repopulates the microflora to a normal healthy state.
Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) and Oregon grape (Berberis vulgaris)
Goldenseal and Oregon grape root contain a substance called berberine, which acts both as an antimicrobial and immune enhancer. This immune effect is especially specific in epithelial mucus membrane tissue as is found in the vagina, mouth, and even the stomach. Berberine has been shown to possess antimicrobial activity against a wide variety of microorganisms, some of which are found in the vagina, such as Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Staph aureus and others.9 Preparations of goldenseal and Oregon grape have been used both orally, in teas, capsules and liquid extracts, and intravaginally in douches and suppositories. Because of their ability to affect both yeast and bacteria, these two herbs would seem a logical choice in cases where multiple infectious agents are involved.
Additional Treatments
Lactobacillus
Although we often think only of Lactobacillus acidophilus, several species of lactobacillus populate the vagina. The predominant species of lactobacillus isolated from the vagina of healthy women remains controversial. The mechanisms by which lactobacillus does its remarkable job are many. A low vaginal pH is believed to be a primary mechanism controlling the composition of the vaginal microflora. Lactic acid is produced by the metabolism of lactobacillus; although there may be other ways in which the vagina maintains its normal acidic environment, the role of lactobacilli seems evident. Lactobacilli thrive at an acidic pH of 3.5 - 4.5 and these values are indeed found in the normal vagina throughout the menstrual cycle. Lactobacilli have also been shown to interfere with how pathogenic bacteria adhere and colonize the cells of the vagina.10
The concept that lactobacilli might be useful when supplied in the diet, either as an oral supplement or intravaginally, dates back to the 1890s. While scientists have vacillated on the value of lactobacilli in prevention or in treatment, patients in need have not. In fact, lactobacillus therapy is quite popular both with alternative practitioners and with women who seek simple self-treatment methods. A study was done in 1992 on the daily ingestion of yogurt containing Lactobacillus acidophillus in women with recurrent candida vaginitis. In the women who ate 8 oz daily of the yogurt, there was a threefold decrease in candida colonization when compared to the women who did not eat the yogurt.11 It is now also popular to ingest Lactobacillus acidophilus supplements in oral form in place of or in addition to eating yogurt. Another popular method is the application of lactobacilli directly into the vagina. Douching used to be a popular method but, since research has shown that douching may contribute to infertility and pelvic infections, a safer and more convenient method is available by introducing lactobacillus capsules or tablets into the vagina.12 As either a solo therapy or in combination with other vaginal or oral interventions, lactobacillus is the key to establishing normal vaginal microflora, preventing recurring infections, as well as treating acute candida and bacterial infections of the vagina.
Boric Acid
The most successful natural treatment for VVC that I've encountered is the use of boric acid suppositories. Several studies confirm its success, ranging from 64% to 98% effective.13,14,15,16 Although regimens may vary, the most effective treatment in women with chronic, persistent VVC was using a 600 mg capsule vaginally, twice daily for 2 to 4 weeks. The only downside I have observed is that if the tissue has been irritated enough by the infection, the boric acid leaks onto the vulva as the capsule melts and then passes over this tissue, and burning can occur. Using vitamin E oil or lanolin or even Vaseline on the external genitalia to protect them from the boric acid seems to avert any significant discomfort.
Arden's Powder
A colleague of mine has been using a product called Arden's vaginal douche powder for over twenty years. She attributes its antifungal properties to the essential oils of eucalyptus, thyme and boric acid powder. The menthol crystals in the oils provide quick relief from itching and burning even before the infection is cleared. Although I have not been a strong proponent of douching, this old-fashioned approach can most likely be used safely under low pressure.
Directions: Mix 1 tsp of Arden's Powder in 1 pint of warm water. Fill the douche apparatus with the solution and gently insert the nozzle into the vagina. Use two applications daily for the first two days, then reduce to one application daily for 5 more days. Avoid during menstrual period or pregnancy.
Sample Natural Treatment Plan for Yeast Vaginitis Acute:
Avoid sugars, refined carbohydrates, and alcohol. Eat 8 oz. acidophilus yogurt daily or take lactobacillus species capsules containing 2-4 billion organisms per day.
Insert one boric acid powder capsule a.m. and p.m. for 3-7 days in mild cases, and up to 14 days for resistant cases.
Chronic:
Avoid sugars, refined carbohydrates, alcohol, and fermented foods.
Eat 8 oz. acidophilus yogurt daily or take lactobacillus species capsules containing 4-8 billion organisms per day.
Take one garlic capsule one to two times daily by mouth.
Insert one boric acid powder capsule a.m. and p.m. for 14 days. Repeat for an additional 14 days if responding but not completely resolved after the first 2 weeks.
Prophylaxis
Avoid sugars, refined carbohydrates, alcohol, and fermented foods.
Eat 8 oz. acidophilus yogurt daily or take lactobacillus species capsules containing 2 billion organisms per day.
Take one garlic capsule daily by mouth.
Insert one boric acid powder capsule once daily at bedtime, during menstruation only, for 4 consecutive months.
During Pregnancy
Avoid sugars, refined carbohydrates, alcohol, and fermented foods.
Eat 8 oz. acidophilus yogurt daily or take lactobacillus species capsules containing 2-4 billion organisms daily.
Take one garlic capsule daily by mouth. Avoid boric acid suppositories and herbal suppositories.
Principles of Treatment
The main concepts for managing VVC are: Be certain of your diagnosis, manage other influences, and be creative and persistent when what you are doing is not providing relief or the patient has recurrences. Remember that VVC is frequently misdiagnosed by both patients and practitioners. Taking shortcuts in history, physical exams and testing can result in misdiagnosis, unnecessary treatments, and delays in effective treatment. Most cases of VVC will be very effectively treated with natural methods. For those unusual cases that are not, there are various oral and vaginal regimens including butoconazole cream, clotrimazole cream or vaginal tablets, miconazole cream or suppositories, terconazole cream or suppositories, fluconazole oral and nystatin vaginal tablets. Treatment options for non-Albicans candida infections include more aggressive fluconazole and terconazole regimens, flucytosine vaginally, and boric acid vaginal capsules.
VVC may seem trivial to many, but for some, the discomfort, the chronicity, and the health care costs incurred are far more than trivial. The practitioner who is methodical, arrives at an accurate diagnosis, and offers empathy and intellect in treatment, will provide the best care to the most patients.
Posts: 58 | From Silicon Valley | Registered: Sep 2008
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RZR
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Thank you butterfli.
I will try some of the suggested products.
-------------------- Tick bite May 2009 Diagnosed June 2009 Posts: 2329 | From SouthEast | Registered: Jun 2009
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cantgiveupyet
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Please go to your gyn and have them do a culture. If it is yeast causing your symptoms it could be resistant to Difflucan. Also it could be a bacterial infection and not yeast.
The Pain during intercourse also could be unrelated to the yeast and needs to be checked by your Dr.
-------------------- "Say it straight simple and with a smile."
"Thus the task is, not so much to see what no one has seen yet, But to think what nobody has thought yet, About what everybody sees."
-Schopenhauer
pos babs, bart, igenex WB igm/igg Posts: 3156 | From Lyme limbo | Registered: Oct 2005
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Yes, i never had pain from intercourse just the yeast, you should definitely get that checked with your doctor.
Posts: 58 | From Silicon Valley | Registered: Sep 2008
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i once had a yeast infection (before lyme/lyme treatment) that lasted over three months! it was awful. the only thing that finally killed it for me was the heavy gun- ketoconazole (oral and topical for 14 or 21 days- can't remember).
anyway, i kept taking diflucan and it would not kill it....
also if your ONLY symptom is pain during intercourse, it may not be yeast, but vulvodynia/vestibulitis. I suffered from this for over 2 years after trying to self-treat what i thought might be a yeast infection with over the counter meds. it was awful- for me it was pain 24/7 though, not just intercourse. i was even working with a specialist in philadelphia, but nothing helped resolve it..... sometimes i remember back to that time and really think it was just as worse as lyme for me.
that yeast infection i mentioned that lasted three months was after i already had the vulvodynia/vestibulitis. it made it all so much worse....
good luck, i really feel for you- it is so awful! i would get cultures though before just assuming it is still a yeast infection. if it is truely yeast, then i would consider nizoral. many rounds of diflucan and nystatin did not work for me and i refused to do the treatment involving suppositories since i already had vulvodynia from doing suppositories in the past!
good luck....
Posts: 871 | From NJ | Registered: Mar 2007
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cantgiveupyet
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8165
posted
maureen- your story is almost exactly what happened to me and that is why I stressed to the jennie to see a Dr for culture.
and the same antifungal helped me as well.
what resolved your vestibilitis?
-------------------- "Say it straight simple and with a smile."
"Thus the task is, not so much to see what no one has seen yet, But to think what nobody has thought yet, About what everybody sees."
-Schopenhauer
pos babs, bart, igenex WB igm/igg Posts: 3156 | From Lyme limbo | Registered: Oct 2005
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cantgiveupyet- not sure exactly what resolved it. I made some changes back then- went on a gluten free diet for awhile, was taking tons of probiotics, and then got pregnant with my son. it just seemed to get better and better over time. sometimes i think it was the hormone change with pregnancy, but i was actually starting to feel better before the pregnancy, so who knows.
i just irritated the crap out of the area and i think that brought it on for me. i was using monistat a few times, then i was trying some other cream over the counter and i think i had some sort of allergic reaction because the burning started. then the gp and obgyn back then just made things worse for me by giving me other creams to try, doing a biopsy down there, etc....
i got a yeast infection this past august and i hadn't had one since 2004 (when i had the 3 month yeast infection) and i was so, so nervous... but luckily one diflucan cleared it right up.
Posts: 871 | From NJ | Registered: Mar 2007
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