Yeast Infection After Menstruation

Introduction

In addition to the exhausting symptoms of period cramps, mood swings, and tiredness some women also develop yeast infection. 75 percent of women experience yeast infection once in their lifetime. Women tend to develop yeast infections before or during periods. Few believe that periods can flush out vaginal infections. This article discusses the causes, management, and preventive measures for yeast infection after menstruation.

What Is a Vaginal Yeast Infection?

Vaginal yeast infection, candidiasis, or vaginal thrush is a common condition in women that leads to discomfort. It commonly occurs in women after puberty or before menopause. Women with vaginal yeast infection experience a thick and white vaginal discharge, irritation or itchiness, burning sensation or discomfort while urinating or intercourse, swelling or redness near the vulva, and vaginal soreness due to inflammation.

Candida albicans cause most of the vaginal infections. Other fungal strain causing yeast infections is Candida glabrata, Candida parapsilosis, Candida tropicalis, Candida krusei, and Cryptococcus neoformans.

What Causes Yeast to Develop After Menstruation?

Vagina contains Lactobacillus bacteria and Candida fungi. Both the bacterias help keep the vagina healthy. The Lactobacillus ensures the fungal growth is in check. Any disruption or elimination of vaginal bacteria causes Candida fungi to grow out of control. The overgrowth of Candida causes yeast infection.

Antibiotics and hormonal imbalances cause bacteria destruction and yeast infection growth. High estrogen levels facilitate fungal overgrowth. Pregnant women or those on hormonal contraception are more likely to develop yeast infections. Additionally, medical conditions that suppress immunity, like HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), diabetes, and stress that disrupt the immune system, facilitate yeast growth. Women undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy have a weak immune system contributing to yeast growth. All these factors disrupt the body’s natural balance of progesterone and estrogen.

Therefore, it is expected to get yeast infection soon after periods. Some women tend to get yeast infections during the same time of the menstrual cycle every month, known as cyclic vulvovaginitis. The hormonal changes especially estrogen levels during the periods kill bacteria living within the vagina and cause yeast infection. Estrogen levels tend to rise gradually after periods until they reach the highest levels right before ovulation. Estrogen helps cells within the vaginal lining to absorb glycogen and stimulate Candida fungi growth. Yeast infections after menstruation are treated with medications such as antifungal cream.

Additionally, the estrogen levels in the blood are also an indicator of vaginal pH (potential of hydrogen). When the estrogen levels rise, the vaginal pH drops, whereas low estrogen levels make the vaginal pH more alkaline. Yeast infections like Candida tend to grow more in alkaline environments. Therefore, vaginal pH can also be a factor for developing yeast infections. During periods the vagina's pH increases and creates an unfavorable environment for the yeast to grow. Therefore, killing the yeast cells and preventing the growth of newer yeast cells is easier. But one or two days after menstruation, vaginal sugar levels are low and are a significant factor for the infection to grow. Additionally, using sanitary products like tampons can worsen yeast infection by trapping moisture and creating an ideal environment for yeast cells to develop.

Women taking an estrogen-based contraceptive pill have artificially raised estrogen in the body which promotes yeast growth. Women can get yeast infections several days after periods or just before ovulation due to excess sugar within vaginal tissue.

How Is a Yeast Infection in the Vagina Diagnosed?

Doctors can diagnose yeast infection within the vagina by analyzing symptoms and medical history. A pelvic examination will also help with infection diagnosis. If vaginal discharge is not available, the doctors will take a swab from within the vagina to analyze yeast strain. A laboratory diagnosis is necessary if there is frequent yeast infection or when the infection does not clear with treatment.

How Is a Yeast Infection of the Vagina Treated?

Yeast infections are treated at home with over the counter (OTC) antifungal medicines. Most OTC medications available treat yeast infections caused by Candida albicans. If other strains of fungus cause yeast infection, OTC medication might not work.

Doctors treat persistent yeast infections with antifungal creams, suppositories, ointments, or oral medication for 14 days. Boric acid capsules also help cure vaginal yeast infections. The commonly prescribed antifungal medications are Butoconazole, Clotrimazole, Fluconazole, Miconazole, and Terconazole. After the resolution of symptoms, a follow-up with a doctor is necessary to ensure complete resolution.

In addition to antifungal treatment, maintaining vaginal hygiene becomes necessary. Avoiding the use of tight or dirty underwear, vaginal douching (washing the vagina with water and fluids) or taking hot baths can inhibit yeast from growing. Sanitary pads are a better option than tampons.

What Are the Home Remedies for Vaginal Yeast Infection After Menstruation?

Some of the home remedies to treat vaginal yeast infection are:

• Insertion of plain Greek yogurt into vagina.

• Applying tea tree oil cream to the vagina.

• Taking baths with apple cider vinegar.

• Consuming probiotics to promote the growth of healthy bacteria.

• Insertion of coconut oil into the vagina.

• Hydration helps flush out bacteria and toxins and keeps the vagina healthy.

Most home remedies help clear the infection within a few days to weeks. If the symptoms persist for more than a week, a doctor’s consultation is necessary.

How Is Yeast Infection After Menstruation Prevented?

Some lifestyle changes can help prevent yeast infection following menstruation, including:

• Avoid taking antibiotics as they could kill bacteria within the vagina. If antibiotics are necessary, consuming probiotics such as yogurt, kimchi, and kombucha will promote the growth of good bacteria.

• Changing sanitary pads frequently during menstruation can prevent yeast from growing.

• Wearing loose-fitting or cotton underwear and avoiding wet underwear prevents yeast growth. Yeast infection thrives in warm and moist environments.

• Using soap or scented washes to clean the vagina and vulva can irritate vaginal bacteria and produce yeast infections. The vagina is self-cleansing and can be cleaned with warm water. Douching is also not recommended unless indicated as it could cause complicated yeast infections.

• Yeast requires sugar to grow and thrives with a high-sugar diet. Therefore, consuming less sugar in the diet can prevent yeast growth.

• Make sure that the vaginal area is cleaned from front to back.

Conclusion

Yeast infections are common fungal infections affecting females. The infection arises after menstruation due to changes in the hormonal balance that facilitate east growth. Most of the infections are treated with home remedies or antifungal medications. Adopting preventive measures can reduce the incidence of fungal growth.