Ask a Doctor: What Causes Yeast Infections?

"For this reason I recommend lubricants without glycerin such as Astroglide Free and those that are silicone based (K-Y Intrigue) over the counter," Marnach said.

What’s a woman to do to prevent these pesky infections? According to Zeichner, petrolatum and petroleum jelly can interfere with the proper functioning of the skin, alter the vagina’s natural pH, and contribute to bacterial overgrowth. Overall, the evidence is pretty strong that oil and latex don’t mix. What kind of coconut oil should I use? As a person ages, the tissue of the vagina thins.

It’s super common and usually easy to treat. Hybrid lube is often called the “silk lube”, though their texture is often more oily or creamy than your regular water or silicone based lubes alone. Having said that, some people have a difficult time using water-based lubricants that contain glycerin.

Synthetic oil-based lubricants may contain additives that increase the likelihood of irritation or allergy.
It's a good idea to wash the penis regularly with plain warm water, avoiding shower gels and soaps, and drying well after.
We also advise to try to avoid any lube that might have parabens, glycerin, or propylene glycol.

Let me break this down: Conditions that suppress the immune system can also be a trigger for thrush. “Coconut oil cannot be used with latex condoms because it can break down the latex and cause the condom to break," states Dr. "

Vaginal lubricants Share on Pinterest There are a number of vaginal lubricants available in pharmacies and online.
When absorbed through the vagina, they enter our system and mimic estrogen.

Why is my vagina dry? Common causes of vaginal dryness

“When used during intercourse, flavored lube can increase the risk of vaginal infections, especially yeast, due to the sugar component that can’t be completely removed from the vagina,” Hutcherson says. It can also occur from douching, which has a variety of harmful effects on the vagina in many women. The itchy, irritating infection happens when there's an overgrowth of Candida albicans, a naturally occurring yeast in the vagina. Comfort refers to your pleasure; the amount and staying power of the lubricant can make a difference in how good the sexual activity feels, and whether the lubricant irritates your genitals. Here’s what we found: Even regular plain lubricant increases Bacterial vaginosis (BV) by at least 13 percent. Many couples use saliva as it is watery but it dries out very quickly.

Yes and No… according to Michigan State University, there are two ways in which condoms can promote yeast infections.

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Get out of wet work out clothes and bathing suits as soon as possible. But if you want to invest in something created specifically for intimacy, check out: Parabens (methylparabens) are included as preservatives in many cosmetic, personal care and food products to prevent bacterial growth and have been potentially linked to breast cancer. Seek medical attention if the irritation persists. A young girl with vaginal symptoms must also be evaluated for possible sexual abuse. Some people are lucky and only develop vaginal yeast infections after a long day at the beach, or when they sports too hard in sweaty, skintight spandex. Of course, if lubricant is the only thing that's changed about your sex life, it's likely that one of its ingredients is the culprit.

Another common cause of irritation is “irritant dermatitis,” or “contact dermatitis.
It is found in small numbers in the normal vagina.
Everyone’s body is different, so things that lead to irritation in some people don’t cause problems for others.
If the vagina feels itchy or sore after using one of these products, this could indicate an allergy or sensitivity to an ingredient in the lubricant.
How is trichomoniasis treated?

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Scientists also tested this question in the bedroom by instructing hundreds of couples to have sex a dozen times using different combinations of condoms and lubes. Choose a trusted brands that has been researched and thoroughly tested that tell you the ingredients, pH and osmolarity. Some warming lubes do not contain capsaicin, instead they contain L-Arginine. Treat yeast infections: is it ever ok to treat a yeast infection on your own? Your body produces less estrogen: If you have problems with personal lubrication, you’re not alone! So, how's a girl to know the difference between a yeast infection or something else?

Who needs Astroglide personal lubricant?

The following oil-based lubricants can destroy latex condoms. Is oral thrush contagious: dare i kiss?, wash or boil all objects that the baby puts in his or her mouth, or run them through the dishwasher. Dweck said that although having sex with an active yeast infection isn't necessarily dangerous, it could be uncomfortable or lead to a longer healing process. Use and procurement of additional lubricants for male and female condoms:

Visit INSIDER's homepage for more. This article is also available in: Bajekal also suggests using unperfumed, non-biological washing detergents to wash underwear and ditching the fabric conditioner.

Flavored lubes, like the name implies, comes in a variety of tastes. If you’re going to use a sex toy. You would apply (and reapply) the lubricant as needed in and around your vagina to relieve friction and ease dryness and pain. What is bacterial vaginosis? How is it treated? That's because excess estrogen increases glycogen (a stored form of glucose) levels in the vagina and glycogen promotes yeast growth.

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Different things. Someone could be very aroused and turned on but be completely dry, which is another reason we encourage using extra lube for any penetrative/bottom sex. In men, common symptoms are: Having frequent or vigorous sexual intercourse can cause the bladder to become inflamed or infected. Check the expiry date. Although lauric acid by itself inhibits bacteria, virgin coconut oil is completely harmless to a broad variety of bacteria. They usually consist of water with the addition of glycerin, polymer and antibacterial agents.

She’s understandably biased, so I reached out to clinical sexologist and couple’s therapist Dr. Better yet… go commando from time to time. Too much scratching can tear the tissue, opening you up to other infections and STIs. When it comes to the most intimate part of your anatomy, it’s important to know the ins-and-outs of any product you put down there. Some lubricants, even on prescription, can contain parabens. These moisturizers are safe to use alongside vaginal lubricants. If you have recently changed sexual partners, or have multiple sex partners, getting regularly tested for STIs will tell you if you have an infection.

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Try less restrictive, more breathable panties or undergarments and aim for a cotton crotch. Stop inserting petroleum jelly and baby oil down there. Researchers found that: An object in the vagina, such as a forgotten tampon. Make sure your partner has been tested for gonorrhea and other sexually transmitted diseases. Oil based lubricants include many readily available products, such as kitchen oils. Another way to ensure that everything stays fresh down there is to pee immediately after intercourse, he says. Oh, the wonderful world of lube.

Feeling itchy in the areas that came in contact with the lubricant. Contact allergy from wet wipes, bubble baths and wash products is a common cause of vulval itching and these products can also be a trigger for thrush. Also, you may have decreased lubrication if you are dehydrated, or if you’re not fully aroused. However, when the balance of bacteria and yeast in the vagina is altered, the yeast may overgrow and cause symptoms. “You need to see if you like the feel, the comfort, the smell, and the taste. Many women, young or old, suffer from vaginal dryness at some time during their life but are often too embarrassed to discuss the problem or seek help.

How to Choose the Best Lubricant for your Pelvic Floor?
Oil-based products, such as petroleum jelly, baby oil, mineral oil, or vegetable oils are not healthy to use internally, and are likely to damage latex condoms and/or diaphragms and make them less effective at preventing pregnancy or STIs.
Drugstores stock dozens of vaginal lubricants, which come in different flavors depending on a person’s preference.
However many young women go through an early menopause a s a result of Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) or following cancer treatments, both medical and surgical.
On the other side of the coin, Marashi says there’s nothing wrong with getting in a little cooling action.
During pregnancy, tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of urinary tract problems.

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There are six different kinds of lube we discuss below, each with unique properties that make them ideal for different people and situations. Common causes of yeast infections, when your body is functioning optimally, infections are very unlikely. Sex drive may be lower when more progesterone is produced during the luteal phase (the days after ovulation and leading up to menstruation) (7). Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use KY Jelly if you: What are the symptoms of a yeast infection?

From cooking oils to premade store-bought brands, there are a wide variety of lubricants on the market. Keep your genital region very clean by washing the exterior areas of the vagina and anus every day, being sure to spread the labia while washing and gently remove the built up smegma which naturally accumulates around the clitoris. Some lubes contain lidocaine or benzocaine, which are used to numb or desensitize the part of the body, or are sometimes used by penis owners to “last longer”. Many women have experienced the common “yeast infection,” which may cause itching and soreness, and red swollen skin. They’re also safe for the vagina and safe to eat. As for old ladies – well, let’s just take a second on that one. If this is an issue for you, you can make it last a little longer by using a little dab of water as it dries out or if you’re into it spit on it! Dickinson advises on several scenarios where the type of lubrication you use makes a difference.

Those symptoms can easily be misdiagnosed as an infection, for which you might be prescribed an antibiotic. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to expand your lubricant collection, there’s one out there for you, guaranteed. And most importantly, is this stuff conducive to safe sex? If you’re like me, lube might be something you don’t usually think you need, until you really, really need it. Hormonal changes during pregnancy and your menstrual cycle can also increase your chances of getting thrush.

Understandably, this leaves a lot of sufferers unspeakably frustrated, because sex and orgasms are good, healthy things many of us want to have on the regular. Noninfectious vaginitis. The third thing could very well be the lubricant. What you should—and shouldn't—be doing to keep your lady parts in good shape: Retained tampon, birth control device, or foreign object.

A smaller group will have severe, or lifelong problems that most people know little about; I see many of these women in my practice and reassure them that they are not alone and that there are people who care. Warm up the lubricant in your hands before applying. Using extra lube can make penetration safer, and feel better. 1 World Health Organization (2020) Advisory note: Sorry, we could not find any Health Center for your search. Additionally, female condoms are another easy alternative as they’re made out of a soft non-latex material called nitrile. Elizabeth's Medical Center in Boston, who was not involved in the study. Tips for Avoiding Preservatives in Lubricants:

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Diabetics have a higher risk of getting yeast infections, especially if they have trouble managing their blood sugar levels. All in all, whether or not you opt to have intercourse while dealing with a yeast infection is up to you — but you may want to discuss it with your doctor and your partner first. How can I reduce my chance of getting a sexually transmitted infection (STI)? What treatments are available for vaginal yeast infection? Your vagina will thank you. Good hygiene can help prevent yeast infections and even treat them.

How to use lubricant When using over-the-counter lubricants and moisturizers, people should always follow the directions on the box.

Some people find that reapplying the lubricant several times provides the best results. One ingredient you really want to watch out for is alcohol or anything alcohol-based, which will usually end in an –ol, he says. You may like a water-based lube like Aqua Lube for masturbation with toys and a silicone-base lube like Wet Naturals Silky Supreme for protected sex. She recommends sticking to water-based lube without glycerin if you're prone to yeast infections. Apply lubricant to the penis or sex toy.

B. Silicone-Based Lubricant Ingredients

Petroleum-based products suck water out of the surfaces they contact, and could make the sensitive skin of the vagina more prone to infection, said Katz, who was not involved in the new study. HPV and HSV currently have no cure, so when in doubt, get checked together. Also they do have non-latex condoms other than sheepskin that could be an option. A topical steroid like one percent hydrocortisone applied around the vaginal opening can also help relieve itching, she says. Also, think about it this way: Keep the bottle, tube, or container tightly closed and sealed when not in use.

There are numerous additives and preservatives used in formulating lubricants.

Some women will develop thrush after taking a course of antibiotics which can disrupt the balance of healthy bacteria in the body, allowing candida to take over. Some women just get a particularly virulent strain of yeast and that’s why they get the infection, but others have issues with the gatekeeper bacteria called lactobacilli that control the vaginal ecosystem (yes, that’s a thing). Usign a condom, such as “Skins”: For instance, 40 percent of the women who used petroleum jelly as a vaginal lubricant had bacterial vaginosis - an infection that can be caused by a number of common bacterial species - compared to 18 percent of women who did not insert petroleum jelly.

Some of the confusion about oils and pH might come from the fact that natural oils have an “acidity” value.

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In most older women, the tissues of the urethra and bladder become thinner and drier after menopause. Oral thrush. causes, symptoms & treatment of oral , however, when your immune system is weak, the fungus can grow and lead to oral thrush — a condition that’s marked by creamy white lesions, usually on your tongue and inner cheeks. There are also lube alternatives. Some women may have problems with silicone-based lube—it lasts longer, "which is great but it's going to cause more of a change in the vaginal environment," Rowen explains.

“If it’s supposed to go in your food, it shouldn’t go anywhere else,” she warns. If you have vaginitis 4 or more times in a year, it’s called recurrent vaginitis. The most common symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection include: Tell all your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all the medicines you use. While vaginal dryness does increase as we age, with up to 44% of women between the ages of 40 and 59 experiencing vaginal dryness as a result of hormonal changes, and 70% after age 60 for the same reason, nearly 20% of younger women (as young as 18 years old!) The lactobacillus-killing ingredient in most lubes is likely chlorhexidine (an antibacterial chemical), notes researcher Charlene Dezzutti. Just like a face, each vulva is unique, and there is no one way that it “should” look. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

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Read about other home remedies for vaginal dryness. Leaky gut syndrome: mystery illness triggered by candida albicans . This condition may occur any time when female hormone levels are low, such as during breastfeeding and after menopause. You need to treat your partner to avoid reinfection. You assume you made the wrong diagnosis,” Dr. What happens if I overdose? Some people like using it for massage before sex and as lube during sex. Read more about vaginitis and sex. Assuming you are healthy without getting a test can result in PID, since a lot of STDs and other transmittable medical conditions are asymptomatic (meaning you experience no physical changes or side effects, yet you are carrying the STD and are able to pass it along to others).

Ingredients may vary slightly between the different KY products. Some make your vulva want to sprout spikes and sound the thrush alarm - like, say, a clitoris piercing. For more information on how you can reduce your chance of getting an STI, see HealthLinkBC File #08o Preventing Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). Flavoured lubricants are ideal for oral sex but if you know you are sensitive, it is advisable to wash it off before penetrative sex and use your glycerin free lubricant.

However, water-based lubricants are safe to use with condoms and sex toys.

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That said, coconut oil’s widespread use as a natural remedy for yeast infections is proof that coconut oil could help sway the flora in a good direction — even if it might also move some women’s in the wrong direction. If you’re experiencing vaginal dryness, personal lubricants can help make sex wetter, more comfortable and more satisfying. Seek treatment for the vaginal thrush from a pharmacist or doctor and talk to them about alternative lubricants.

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Using the best lubricant for your needs can help: But many women think that they have a yeast infection when they actually have another problem. Some of the brands we like include, Good Clean Love and Slippery Stuff Paraben Free, which are water-based; Uberlube, which is silicone-based; and Sliquid, which comes in both water-based and silicone-based formulations.

Parabens are found in a lot of beauty and personal care products. Important things to remember when using condoms: Douching, especially with a solution that contains vinegar, iodine, or another cleaning agent, can seriously disrupt the normal pH of the vagina and cause overgrowth of yeast or harmful bacteria. Dickinson says this type is a good lube alternative and the easiest to purchase discretely — i. Pre-cancerous or cancerous growths can also present as irritation, itch, or rash. Irritate vulva, destroy latex condoms, stain fabric.

The research into lubricant safety is currently lacking despite its widespread use.

Several types of bacteria are associated with NSU, but it is not easy to test for them.