Yeast infections are very common, and unfortunately about half of all sufferers get them several times a year.  In cases like these, the typical treatments dealing with the immediate symptoms just aren’t enough.  Here are some things you can do to deal with recurring yeast infections.

                The first step to take if you suffer from multiple yeast infections every year is to go to your doctor to get tested to make sure you really are just suffering from yeast infections and not from some more serious condition. There are some serious sexually transmitted diseases that share some of the symptoms of a yeast infection, and you don’t want to let such a disease go untreated while you are dealing with its superficial symptoms.  If you constantly get yeast infections, there may also be some underlying causes for excessive yeast production in your body that might need to be dealt with.

Once you and your doctor have determined that you truly are suffering from recurring yeast infections, she might prescribe Diflucan, which is used to treat fungal infections. Typically, you take one dose, followed by another one 72 hours later, or take a ten-day course, followed by a once-a-week suppressive dose for the next several months.

                Another course of action is to try something like Terazol, a prescription used to treat fungal infections via a topical cream or a vaginal suppository.  A full course of this can be followed by a 14-day boric acid treatment, also available in vaginal pills. The boric acid tablets can be used one to two times a week for up to six months to prevent future infections.

                You may also wish to look at some lifestyle choices that may contribute to recurring yeast infections.  The use of highly perfumed soaps and prolonged soaking in chlorinated pools and Jacuzzis can upset the natural balance of yeast and bacteria and contribute to infection.  Likewise, using broad-spectrum antibiotics can create this same imbalance. If you find yourself often using prescription antibiotics, talk to doctor to see what alternatives you have. The use of oral contraceptives in high doses, as well as the use of spermacides has also been shown to increase the incidence of yeast infections. 

Of course there are other reasons for a predisposition to yeast infections that you will have less control over. Some women simply are more likely to get an infection in the second half of their menstrual cycle, or during pregnancy.

When dealing with recurrent infections, it’s important to make sure you rule out other conditions, and look at all possible reasons for the frequency of the problem. Once it’s been correctly identified, your doctor can help you to find the correct treatment.

For more information, check out these other yeast infection related hubs;

* Yeast Infection Cure
* Yeast Infections Men
* Yeast Cure
* Natural Cure Yeast Infection