Why Do I Keep Getting Thrush After My Period?

Why Do I Keep Getting Thrush After My Period

Is thrush common after period?

Why Do I Keep Getting Yeast Infections After My Period? It’s not uncommon to get yeast infections after your period because the pH balance of your vagina changes over the course of your cycle due to hormonal fluctuations, which can create an environment in which yeast thrives.

  • If you’re experiencing what seem to be recurrent yeast infections, it’s also possible that rather than developing a new infection each month, the previous infection was never resolved.
  • Yeast infections are caused by overgrowth of a fungus called Candida,
  • The normal pH balance of the vagina keeps this naturally occurring yeast from multiplying.

But if the acidity of the vagina changes for some reason, then yeast can grow—triggering itchiness and a thick, white discharge. Yeast infections are easily treated with over-the-counter medications or the prescription pill Diflucan (fluconazole) and usually clear up in a week or less, but only if you finish the whole course of treatment.

Just like any other infection, stopping treatment too early can allow bacteria to multiply again when conditions become favorable. So it’s important to use the whole dose even if you start feeling better after a couple of days. To help minimize the frequency of yeast infections (or to avoid aggravating an existing one), stick to cotton underwear, and stop using products that are known to cause irritation to the vulva and vagina, like perfumed soap, vaginal douches, bath oils, and colored toilet paper.

You’re also a lot more likely to get a yeast infection while using certain antibiotics. If that’s the case, the infections should subside when you stop taking the medication. Thanks for your feedback! : Why Do I Keep Getting Yeast Infections After My Period?

Why did my thrush come back after my period?

Prevention – Although yeast infections are easily treated, they can still be a hassle to deal with and an unpleasant experience. The good news is that there are some lifestyle changes you can make to lower your chances of getting a yeast infection after your period.

  • Change pads and tampons often: Excessive moisture can increase the risk of developing a yeast infection, so changing your pads and tampons frequently can help keep your vagina as dry as possible.
  • Avoid scented products: Many feminine products on the market come with light scents. They can potentially aggravate the vaginal area and increase the risk of developing a yeast infection.
  • Avoid douching : Douching used to be thought of as a good way to clean the vagina, but it can actually upset the balance of bacteria and yeast in the vagina and lead to a yeast infection or other vaginal infections.
  • Wear breathable underwear and change out of sweaty clothes or a wet bathing suit immediately: Since yeast thrives in moist areas, wearing breathable underwear such as those made of cotton to keep the vaginal area dry and changing out of wet clothes as soon as possible can help lower the risk of developing a yeast infection.

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

  1. U.S. Department of Health and Social Services: Office on Women’s Health. Vaginal Yeast Infections,
  2. Salinas-Muñoz L, Campos-Fernández R, Mercader E, Olivera-Valle I, Fernández-Pacheco C, Matilla L, et al, Estrogen receptor-alpha (ESR1) governs the lower female reproductive tract vulnerability to Candida albicans, Front Immunol.2018 May 24;9:1033. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2018.01033
  3. Jensen JU, Hein L, Lundgren B, Bestle MH, Mohr T, Andersen MH, et al, Procalcitonin and Survival Study Group. Invasive Candida infections and the harm from antibacterial drugs in critically ill patients: data from a randomized, controlled trial to determine the role of ciprofloxacin, piperacillin-tazobactam, meropenem, and cefuroxime, Crit Care Med.2015;43(3):594-602. doi:10.1097/CCM.0000000000000746
  4. Lanternier F, Cypowyj S, Picard C, Bustamante J, Lortholary O, Casanova JL, et al, Primary immunodeficiencies underlying fungal infections, Curr Opin Pediatr.2013;25(6):736-747. doi:10.1097/MOP.0000000000000031
  5. Atabek ME, Akyürek N, Eklioglu BS. Frequency of vagınal candida colonization and relationship between metabolic parameters in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus, J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol.2013;26(5):257-260. doi:10.1016/j.jpag.2013.03.016
  6. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Yeast Infection,
  7. Martin Lopez JE. Candidiasis (vulvovaginal), BMJ Clin Evid.2015 Mar 16;2015:0815. PMID:25775428.
  8. Health Link British Columbia. Recurrent vaginal yeast infections,
  9. Yapar N. Epidemiology and risk factors for invasive candidiasis, Ther Clin Risk Manag,2014;10:95-105. doi:10.2147/TCRM.S40160
  10. Office on Women’s Health. Vaginal yeast infections,
  11. Bona E, Cantamessa S, Pavan M, Novello G, Massa N, Rocchetti A, et al, Sensitivity of Candida albicans to essential oils: are they an alternative to antifungal agents? J Appl Microbiol,2016 Dec;121(6):1530-1545. doi: 10.1111/jam.13282
  12. Avci P, Freire F, Banvolgyi A, Mylonakis E, Wikonkal NM, Hamblin MR. Sodium ascorbate kills Candida albicans in vitro via iron-catalyzed Fenton reaction: importance of oxygenation and metabolism, Future Microbiol,2016 Dec;11(12):1535-1547. doi:10.2217/fmb-2016-0063
  13. Noyes N, Cho KC, Ravel J, Forney LJ, Abdo Z. Associations between sexual habits, menstrual hygiene practices, demographics and the vaginal microbiome as revealed by Bayesian network analysis, PLOS ONE.2018;13(1):e0191625. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0191625
  14. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Office on Women’s Health. Douching,

By Angelica Bottaro Angelica Bottaro is a professional freelance writer with over 5 years of experience. She has been educated in both psychology and journalism, and her dual education has given her the research and writing skills needed to deliver sound and engaging content in the health space. Thanks for your feedback!

Can period flush out yeast infection?

Treatment – Getting your period won’t “flush out” a yeast infection. A mild yeast infection might clear up on its own, but often, you’ll need to treat the fungus to get the infection to go away. Antifungal medications treat yeast infections. You may need a prescription, but many can be purchased over the counter at a pharmacy.

  • Your provider will let you know which treatment to try first.
  • For mild yeast infections, try miconazole, clotrimazole, or terconazole.
  • These are OTC products available in cream, ointment, tablet, or suppository.
  • These products are “short-course therapy” that you use for one to seven days.
  • You can use a product like Monistat if you’re on your period.
You might be interested:  Why Is Liverpool V Fulham Postponed?

Another option for a mild yeast infection is a single-dose oral medication called fluconazole, People with moderate yeast infections may need to take two doses of this medication. However, this treatment is not safe for people who are pregnant.

How do you stop hormonal thrush?

Thrush treatment – You’ll usually need antifungal medicine to get rid of thrush. This can be a tablet you take, a tablet you insert into your vagina (pessary) or a cream to relieve the irritation. Thrush should clear up within 7 to 14 days of starting treatment. You do not need to treat partners unless they have symptoms.

How long does vaginal thrush last?

Testing and treatment – You can usually treat mild thrush without prescription medication from your local pharmacy The main types of treatment are:

pessaries – a special pill that you insert into your vagina using a special applicator intravaginal creams – these are also placed into the vagina using an applicator capsules – these are swallowed and may be more convenient to use than pessaries or intravaginal cream

The symptoms will usually clear up within a week or two. However, for some women, vaginal thrush can be difficult to treat and keeps coming back. It’s a good idea to make an appointment at one of our clinics if:

you have thrush for the first time you’re under the age of 16 or over 60 symptoms are unusual, such as coloured or smelly discharge sores appear on the skin around your vagina you have abnormal vaginal bleeding or pain in your lower tummy you’ve had two episodes of thrush within the last six months you’ve reacted badly to antifungal treatment in the past or it didn’t work you or your partner have previously had a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and you think it might have returned symptoms don’t improve after 7-14 days of treatment

Thrush isn’t usually anything to worry about in these cases, but we may want to take a swab from your vagina to confirm the diagnosis and/or carry out tests to check for any underlying cause. Sores can also be a sign of genital herpes, The nurse or doctor may take samples to decide whether it is possible to provide treatment there and then.

Can stress and anxiety cause thrush?

Now, to answer the question, “Can anxiety cause thrush?” – No, anxiety itself doesn’t cause thrush. However, the stress caused by anxious behavior can contribute to the development of thrush since stress can disturb the balance between other bacteria and microorganisms in the body, allowing thrush to flourish.

So, while anxiety itself doesn’t cause thrush, it can contribute to thrush’s development. If anxiety has led to an episode of thrush, containing anxious behavior and reducing stress can help reduce and eliminate periods of thrush. You might also want to cut back and eliminate foods high in sugar and yeast, which can encourage Candida growth.

As with all anxiety and anxiety-related symptoms, it’s best to discuss your thrush with your doctor, as there are other medical and medication causes of thrush. Your doctor can also provide the most appropriate treatment based on your specific situation.

What can thrush be mistaken for?

How is vaginal thrush diagnosed? – Thrush can be confused with other conditions that cause itching and redness with or without discharge. These other conditions include herpes infections and bacterial infections, Your doctor will examine you and take a swab or do further tests to confirm the diagnosis.

Why am I getting constant yeast infections?

It’s not a yeast infection – Some conditions can mimic the symptoms of a yeast infection, such as:

bacterial vaginosis STIs skin allergies ureaplasma

It’s important to see your doctor for a first-time yeast infection or for a yeast infection that returns. They can take a sample (culture) of the suspected yeast infection to determine if it’s attributed to another condition. The genital area naturally contains Candida,

douchingmoist conditionspoor hygieneantibiotic use

Genital yeast infections are also more common in people with compromised immune systems and who have diabetes. Sexual activity and high estrogen levels are other risk factors. There are also some studies suggesting chronic yeast infections may be due to hypersensitivity to Candida,

  1. A genital yeast infection can cause burning and itching sensations.
  2. You may also notice a red rash, especially around the vulva or anywhere on the penis,
  3. When you urinate, you may see a cottage cheese-like discharge and feel burning on the surrounding skin.
  4. Over-the-counter suppository medications can usually treat vaginal yeast infections,

However, if this is your first yeast infection or first recurring yeast infection, you may want to see your doctor. They can rule out the possibility of other infections. Once treated, you can help keep genital yeast infections from returning by keeping good hygiene habits and promoting normal vaginal bacterial balance.

Wear cotton underwear and loose clothing.Take daily showers.Wash and sterilize any clothing and towels you used during your infection.

Like the genital area, Candida is naturally occurring inside your mouth. But if Candida levels get out of control, you may develop thrush, Symptoms include thick, white lesions that grow on the insides of the cheeks, tongue, and back of the throat. You may also have an uncomfortable feeling of fullness in your mouth.

babiesthe elderlypeople who have an autoimmune disorder

Wearing dentures or taking antibiotics can also lead to Candida overgrowth in your mouth. Oral thrush is easily treatable. It involves taking antifungal medication taken by mouth. Poor oral hygiene can lead to recurring thrush infections. Chronic oral thrush can also occur in babies who need to continue breastfeeding. Ways to cut down on chronic oral thrush include the following:

You might be interested:  Why Does My Calf Hurt When I Walk?

Replace your toothbrush or any mouth gear after an active oral thrush infection so you don’t re-infect yourself. Clean and sterilize retainers and other dental gear like dentures, mouthguards, and water flossers. Consider consulting a dentist or doctor for tips.For babies with oral thrush, both mom and baby need to receive treatment. Having the household take preventive measures at the same time is also important.

It’s also possible to develop a throat and esophageal yeast infection, Mucocutaneous candidiasis is behind this type of yeast infection. It affects the mucous membranes in the throat and esophagus. Esophageal yeast infections can occur if oral thrush is left untreated.

These types of yeast infections are also most common in people with weakened immune systems. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, mouth and throat yeast infections occur in about a third of people living with HIV. Treatment and preventive measures for yeast infections in the throat and esophagus are similar to that of oral thrush.

Your doctor will likely prescribe an antifungal called fluconazole, The sooner you treat a yeast infection, the faster you can get rid of the associated discomfort. Call your doctor if your yeast infection seems persistent. Once your doctor confirms the diagnosis, it’s important to take the necessary steps to make sure you get rid of it for good.

Make sure you take your full course of medication, even if symptoms go away before the medicine is gone and even if you don’t think it’s working right away.If you’re sexually active, ask your partner to get tested for Candida, too. This will help prevent the infection from spreading.Change and launder your clothing and fabrics, like towels and sheets, regularly and separate from other clothing. Consider adding bleach, or distilled white vinegar to the wash.Wash items that come into contact with infected areas directly after use to prevent spreading yeast cells or re-infecting yourself.Call your doctor if your symptoms worsen or if the infection returns after the treatment is complete.

Yeast infections are complex, but they can be cured. Severe or recurring yeast infections will just take more time. Keep in touch with your doctor if symptoms of a yeast infection get worse or come back.

What drink kills yeast infection?

Apple cider vinegar – Apple cider vinegar has long been used as a home remedy to treat candida overgrowth and protect against yeast infections and thrush. Studies show apple cider vinegar has powerful antimicrobial activities and can inhibit the growth of C.

Albicans and other pathogens. It may even be more effective than nystatin, an anti-fungal drug, in preventing candida overgrowth in the mouth. How to use it: Combine apple cider vinegar with chopped ginger, crushed garlic cloves and turmeric and let stand overnight before straining for a potent fire cider.

Or, toss shredded red and green cabbage, red onions, chopped cilantro and minced serrano peppers with apple cider vinegar and olive oil for a fast slaw.

How many yeast infections is too many?

What Are Recurrent Yeast Infections? – Content Yeast infections are caused when too much of one of the naturally occurring candida fungi grows in the vagina. Yeast infections are a common condition and treatment is available; however, the condition may recur.

Why do I keep getting thrush every month?

Many women experience thrush during their period. Before and during your period the delicate pH levels in your vagina change. This change can lead to thrush during your period, before or even after. Sanitary products can irritate the vagina and introduce infection.

Can I treat a yeast infection myself?

5 min read Yeast infections are caused by a type of fungus known as yeast, a single-cell organism that exists throughout the environment. Most of the time, your body can handle this fungus without any problems. But if your immune system is compromised or you are taking antibiotics, you may come down with a yeast infection in any soft, damp part of your body.

  • Yeast infections of the mouth are called thrush, while people with vaginas can have vaginitis, or vaginal yeast infections.
  • Treating yeast infections generally requires antifungal medications.
  • In most cases, treatment is simple and the yeast infection clears up right away.
  • In some cases, you may need to complete multiple courses of treatment or use stronger, prescription medications to put an end to your symptoms.

The most effective treatment for yeast infections is a dedicated course of antifungal medication. But you can also try several home remedies if you are waiting to see a doctor for a diagnosis and prescription. Here are six treatments for yeast infections (not all of them equally effective).

Take Probiotics Many yeast infections happen when your immune system is busy or damaged. It’s common to have yeast infections while on antibiotics because your body’s normal bacteria die off. By taking probiotic supplements, which are made of live bacteria, you can help support the natural bacteria population in and on your body that keeps yeast infections from occurring or getting worse.

Eat Yogurt Yogurt is another healthy source of probiotics. Just make sure that you eat the yogurt. It doesn’t offer any benefits when it’s put on your skin, and the sugar that’s present in all yogurt may cause other infections as well. Apply Saltwater Rinses Yeast infections can sometimes be reduced and soothed by rinsing the area gently with saltwater.

Mix a half-teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water. For oral thrush, you can gently swish the mixture around in your mouth. For other areas of your body, you can soak the infected area for several minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Apply Coconut Oil Coconut oil seems to act as an antifungal agent both in the lab and in people.

You can gently apply a thin layer of coconut oil to the site of the yeast infection. This may help kill off some of the yeast and may soothe irritated, dry, uncomfortable skin, allowing it to heal. Use Tea Tree Oil Some studies suggest that tea tree oil is particularly effective against yeast while not seriously affecting the bacteria that naturally live on the body.

  1. While more research needs to be done, tea tree oil may be a useful treatment.
  2. You can find tea tree oil in suppositories, creams, and ointments, but it should not be applied while undiluted.
  3. Frequent tea tree oil application can lead to skin irritation and rashes, so use it in moderation.
  4. Take Antifungal Medications The most effective treatment for any fungal infection is to take antifungal medications.
You might be interested:  Why Did Kasper Schmeichel Leave Leicester?

There are many medications available, from oral medications to topical creams, ointments, and suppositories for vaginal yeast infections. If you are sure you have a yeast infection, you can find many treatments over the counter. If you aren’t sure, see your doctor.

You can also request a prescription medication from your doctor if you have recurrent yeast infections or your infection is not responding to other treatments. Make sure to follow the instructions for the drug because there are a variety of different strengths and delivery methods for antifungal medications.

Yeast infections should go away within a few days of treatments. If you’re still having symptoms of a yeast infection after several days of treatment, or if it seems to be getting worse, reach out to your doctor. You may need a stronger course of medication if the infection is serious or spreading.

It’s the first yeast infection you’ve ever had. See a doctor to be sure it’s not a more serious problem that needs a different treatment, such as a urinary tract infection or STI, You’re pregnant. Any medications, including over-the-counter vaginal creams, need to be approved by your doctor during pregnancy. You often get yeast infections. If you have four or more yeast infections in a year, doctors call it “recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis.” If you have it, you’ll need treatment for up to 6 months with an antifungal medication. Frequent yeast infections can also be a sign that you have diabetes or another medical condition.

If you’re concerned about your symptoms or they’re different from those of past yeast infections you’ve had, you may want to see your doctor for your own peace of mind, They may recommend a prescription-strength vaginal cream to ease the itching and burning more quickly than an over-the-counter product would.

  1. There are also oral antifungal medications that might be prescribed.
  2. If antifungal medicines are not working, there is also a chance that your infection is not a yeast infection, but something that may require antibiotics.
  3. There’s nothing definitive that you can do that will prevent yeast infections entirely, but there are some things you can try that also may treat a yeast infection once you have it.

Acidophilus. Eating yogurt with live cultures of Lactobacillus acidophilus – a natural, “friendly” bacteria – may head off a yeast infection. Taking supplements with Lactobacillus acidophilus may also help prevent them. Watch what you wear. Avoid tight-fitting pants and wear cotton panties to allow your body to “breathe” and stay cool.

  • Yeast thrives in a moist, warm environment, so keep things airy and dry to prevent a yeast infection from coming back.
  • Nonprescription treatments.
  • If you’re sure you have a yeast infection based on a past episode, you could try an over-the-counter medication to treat your symptoms.
  • These products are usually creams, dissolvable tablets, or suppositories (oval-shaped doses of the medication) that you put into your vagina.

If your symptoms do not clear up, follow up with your doctor. Also, if you have diabetes, make sure it is under control.

Can yeast infection heal on its own?

Do yeast infections ever go away on their own? – Sometimes, yeast infections might go away on their own. If they’re going to do so, the infection should resolve itself within a week. But you might want to get it checked out anyway. Untreated yeast infections can cause the Candida bacteria to spread throughout your bloodstream.

Does yeast infection cause infertility?

Can you get pregnant with a yeast infection? Why Do I Keep Getting Thrush After My Period Photo credit: iStock.com / RossHelen No, having a yeast infection won’t directly affect your, but it might impact you in another way. The reason? The itchiness, irritation, soreness and swelling that the infection brings may cause sex to be uncomfortable. But don’t worry, symptoms usually subside in less than a week if treated.

Does vaginal thrush go away on its own?

Treatment for thrush – Treatment is simple and only necessary if you have signs and symptoms of thrush. You may be given:

antifungal cream to apply to the genital area vaginal pessaries (tablets that you put into your vagina) oral pills a combination of treatments

The doctor or nurse will tell you how to use the treatment. You can buy some antifungal treatments from a pharmacy. These are useful if you’re sure you have thrush and want to treat it yourself. The pharmacist will answer any questions and explain how to use the treatment.

  • It’s very important to take the treatment as instructed and finish any course of treatment even if the symptoms go away earlier.
  • Some antifungal products can weaken latex condoms, diaphragms and caps.
  • So avoid sex while undergoing treatment if this is your method of contraception.
  • You should tell your doctor, nurse or pharmacist if you’re pregnant, might be pregnant, or if you’re breastfeeding.

This may affect the type of treatment you’re given. If thrush isn’t treated it eventually goes away on its own. There’s no need for your partner(s) to have treatment unless they have signs and symptoms of thrush.

What can thrush be mistaken for?

How is vaginal thrush diagnosed? – Thrush can be confused with other conditions that cause itching and redness with or without discharge. These other conditions include herpes infections and bacterial infections, Your doctor will examine you and take a swab or do further tests to confirm the diagnosis.

Why do I keep getting vaginal thrush?

What causes thrush? – Your vagina naturally has a certain amount of yeast. Thrush is caused by the growth of too much yeast. You are more likely to get thrush if you have recently taken antibiotics, you have diabetes or your immune system is weakened (for example, because you have HIV).