Why Do I Keep Getting Yeast Infections Every Month?

Yeast infections are annoying and painful, and if you’re wondering, “why do I keep getting yeast infections every month?” you are certainly not alone. It’s estimated that 75% of women, at one point or another in their lives, will get a yeast infection.

There are several reasons women get yeast infections, and about 8% of women have four or more each year, which doctors call chronic yeast infections. At Rapid STD Testing, we can help distinguish between symptoms of a yeast infection and an STI, plus provide tips to help you lower your risk of recurring yeast infections and how to stop a yeast infection from coming back.

All About Yeast Infection

Yes, they’re maddening, and some people may be more susceptible than others to yeast infections. Fortunately, in most instances, they are curable. If you think you’re suffering from one, same-day std testing at Rapid STD Testing can let you know what’s going on.

What is Yeast Infection?

A yeast infection is a fungal infection. It may sound scary, but our bodies naturally contain several types of fungi.

A type of fungus called candida, which lives in your digestive tract and mouth, is responsible for yeast infections. A yeast infection occurs when the candida starts to grow rapidly, causing itching, burning, and redness in the outer parts of your vagina.

Men can develop similar issues, known as jock itch and penile balanitis (an inflammation). Jock itch is an ugly, red rash that can appear on a man’s penis, thighs, and buttocks. Penile balanitis is a redness and swelling on the head of a penis.

Curing men’s yeast infections is possible and starts with a rapid STD test to rule out STIs.

For women, you may hear other terms for a vaginal yeast infection, like vaginal candidiasis and vulvovaginal candidiasis. They’re all a type of infection called vaginitis, a problem that occurs when the vagina is painful, swollen, and possibly infected.

Most cases of vaginitis have similar symptoms, and one of the most common types is a vaginal yeast infection.

Symptoms

Some of the symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection include:

• Soreness
• Redness
• Swelling around your vagina
• Vaginal itching
• Pain during sex
• A burning sensation while urinating or having sex
• A rash
• Clumpy, watery, or yellow-white vaginal discharge

Yeast infections are more common conditions in women than men. Reasons you may develop a yeast infection include:

• Using spermicidal creams and jellies
• Wearing sweaty clothing for too long
• Using a vaginal deodorant or scented tampon
• Wearing a wet bathing suit for too long

Recurrent Yeast Infection

Are you dealing with your second yeast infection in a month and wondering, “why do I keep getting yeast infections every month?” You could be suffering from chronic yeast infections. If home remedies (which we’ll discuss later) aren’t working, the problem could be related to lifestyle changes or certain behaviors.

Possible Causes of Recurrent Yeast Infections

What causes constant recurring yeast infections? Let’s explore the most common reasons:

• Panty liners: Panty liners can prevent airflow and trap moisture, creating conditions that cause the growth of yeast. Yeast can also build up on panty liners, aggravating an existing infection.
• Blood sugar levels: If you have diabetes, you’re more susceptible to chronic yeast infections. It’s important to keep a natural balance in your blood sugar, and even if you don’t have diabetes, eating too many carbohydrates can cause yeast to grow.
• Sexual activity: Sexual partners can transmit candida during sexual intercourse. If your infection goes away, your partner can re-infect you. Spermicides are another cause of recurring yeast infections.
• Lubricants: The glycerin in many lubricants triggers yeast infections, so look for a glycerin-free lubricant.
• DNA: While a healthy immune system prevents infections, if you have two genetic mutations, you could be prone to chronic problems.
• Pregnancy: Hormonal changes occur when a woman is pregnant, increasing the sugar in vaginal secretions, which feed the fungus.
• Menopause: If you’re approaching menopause, your hormones go through changes. These shifts can upset the balance of your vaginal bacteria, causing the fungus to grow.
• Immune system issues: You might be susceptible to chronic yeast infections if you’re taking any prescription or over-the-counter medication that suppresses your immune system.

If you’re not sure if you’re suffering from a UTI or yeast infection, it’s a good idea to get tested at a facility like Rapid STD Testing.

Yeast Infection and Menstruation

Your period is gone for the month, and all is good. If you suddenly feel burning and itching in your vagina, you might wonder, “What does it mean if my yeast infection keeps coming back?” and” Why do I have a yeast infection again?”

The hormonal fluctuations that happen during your period can unsettle your body’s natural balance of estrogen and progesterone. When estrogen levels spike, the fungus that causes yeast infections grows.

Some women get yeast infections after their period every month, but how many yeast infections are too many? If you get a yeast infection every month, talk to your gynecologist about the best course of action.

Treatment and Prevention

While yeast infections are annoying and inconvenient, they are treatable and preventable. For infrequent yeast infections, over-the-counter antifungal creams can clear up the infection. If you’re wondering, “why do I keep getting yeast infections every month?” you should visit your doctor for a lab test, diagnosis, and treatment. 

How do you stop recurring yeast infections? To manage and reduce the risk, consider:

• Wearing cotton underwear and changing it often.
• Using gentle detergents that don’t have colors or fragrances. Wash your underwear in hot water and use bleach.
• Not sitting in or putting back on a wet bathing suit. Make sure to let bathing suits fully dry before storing them.
• Avoiding sex with someone who has a yeast infection. Even if your partner doesn’t have any symptoms, they can still transmit the infection to you.
• Wiping properly by wiping from front to back when you use the restroom. This helps to prevent unwanted microorganisms from the anus from entering your urinary tract or vagina.
• Eating foods like yogurt that have natural probiotics, which can help to prevent yeast infections.
• Visiting your doctor for prescription antifungal or oral medication.

Home Remedies for Yeast Infections

You may consider some home remedies to alleviate the pain and discomfort of vaginal yeast infections. Use these methods with caution, and consult with your doctor or gynecologist if your symptoms persist.

Some home remedies include:

• Probiotic supplements: These pills can restore the good bacteria in your body to balance out the fungus. You can also consider probiotic suppositories. With oral supplements, they could day a few days to weeks to fully work. Probiotic vaginal suppositories work faster.
• Apple cider vinegar: Adding apple cider vinegar to your bath is a good option to get rid of a yeast infection. Add half a cup of ACV to your bath water and soak in it for about 20 minutes.
• Vitamins: Vitamin C is a good way to boost your immune system. Vitamin E can help to reduce the inflammation that infections cause.

We Know Yeast Infections Aren’t Fun—But There Is Help!

If you’re still wondering, “why do I keep getting yeast infections every month?” some simple lifestyle changes and home remedies can help to prevent and clear up those pesky yeast infections. If symptoms persist, see your doctor or gynecologist.

If you’re not sure if your symptoms are due to a yeast infection or something else, schedule a 10-panel STD test at a Rapid STD Testing clinic near you. You’ll get fast, confidential, and accurate results so that you know your health status.