I'm 22 and this is my second infection. I'm also a diabetic, and the second infection was due to high blood sugar. It hasn't been bad, just the itching and the weird ricotta looking substance. I REALLY despise the gynocologist, and get panic attacks when I'm at the office. Right now, I'm trying over-the-counter alternative, particularly Monistat. The cream works fine, but I'm afraid to use the applicator. I'm still a virgin ( yes, we still exist), and am afraid to stick ANYTHING up there that ain't a penis. Last night, I attempted to try the Monistat applicaor, but I had such an adverse reaction about putting something foreign in my vagina that I felt lightheaded and nauscious, and I cried the rest of the night because I felt like such a prude and idiot. I think I was afraid of hurting myself or doing something wrong, and that's eleven bucks down the tube. So, needless to say, the gynocological experience has been EXTREMELY difficult for me, resulting in embarassment, crying, anxiety, anger, and frustration. The doctors don't give a damn, so their attitude turns me off and I don't go. The first time I went, the doctor hurt me and I've become tense and frightened of the exams, and any doctor touching me down there. Anyway, I'm trying O-T-C remedies, particularly NATURAL remedies, and am considering using a pill called AZO Yeast. I've done research, and it seems to be a safe, natural alternative to curing Y.I.'s. I've been drinking cranberry juice and am considering the yougart as well. I want to try the AZO, mainly because my anxiety of gynocologists plays a HUGE part, and I feel comfortable trying a natural alternative. I just wanted to know what it is I should do? I know all of you will say "Get over your fear of gynos and get checked." I've never liked my experience with them and am extremely reluctant to go now. I'm afraid of the applicators. I don't know what to do. I'm a mess.

Welcome Breadbandit!
You have joined a site where you will get all kinds of support and hand holding. There is also a TON of valuable info, from experts and just us plain girls.
I would suggest you go to the top of the page and click on the "go to the power-surge site. Through there you can access "Ask the experts" and "educate", both sites should be able to answer some of your questions. One of the Experts is a great doctor who can probably talk you through some of your fears, or at least have valuable info about OTC and applications.

That being said, I know what you mean about being afraid about "putting something up there" I remember trying to use my first tampon. Gosh, I must have ruined at least a dozen, but there was this great pool party and I didn't want to look like a wimp. The mom of the hostess quietly took me aside and handed me a tube of KY jelly, and it went in like nothing! . I Don't know if a lubricant would be a problem interacting with the medication, (ask the expert), but I DO know that Monostat has cured infections for me with no problem. You MUST make sure first that it is actually a yeast infection before using the product, tho.
I get the combi-pack that also has a tube of external cream. That helps greatly with the itching while the med is taking care of the problem.

Best of luck

Hi, Bandit. Sorry to hear you're having a rough run--the yeastie-beasties can be a real problem when you deal with diabetes. Sounds like you are on the right track with some of the alternatives. You don't mention where you are at...Do you have access to a Planned Parenthood clinic, any type of feminist women's health clinic or female OB/GYN practitioners in your area??? Those are all likely places to find female Gynos, Nurse Practitioners and/or Physician's Assistants, and the atmosphere is often less-rushed than in hospital clinics or some private practices.

I spent several years working in a small feminist clinic, and yes, issues like yours came up pretty frequently, and no, you certainly aren't a prude and don't need to beat yourself up for being nervous and scared. It's how you feel and it's perfectly valid and is what it is. You deserve to have a healthcare provider who will respect your feelings and treat you with kindness and dignity.

Whatever healthcare practitioner you may choose to deal with, let her/him know up-front about your concerns/trepidations/fears...before you ever get to the exam stage. Sometimes, it can be helpful to write down questions/issues you need to discuss before you go in for an appointment. Get all of your questions and concerns addressed to your satisfaction BEFORE you proceed any further in the process. And, if possible, it can be really comforting to have a trusted friend along for some support, even if he/she is just going to the office and back with you and hanging out in the waiting room.

Good luck to you and hope you find some relief--and a healthcare practitioner you can work with comfortably--soon!

Liz

Hi BreadBandit ~

I agree with Chef - are you sure it's a yeast infection? I had them when I was younger but... that was before this over the counter stuff and the 'cure' was by prescription only. One had to contact the doctor each time.

I had the same experience as Chef did using my first tampon at a swimming event - a swim meet. Didn't get it in 'right' and ohhhhh my - how embarassing cramped up after one lap. Plus, there was a bit of guilt involved since my mom did not 'sanction' tampons (that was more than 40 years ago, of course)

As far as not liking the GYN exam goes - you really must find a doctor with whom you feel comfortable. Or, at least, discuss your concerns with your present doctor. It is not at all unusual to have such feelings but... yearly GYN exams are very much necessary through out our lives so it is best to work through this issue as soon as possible. Some people say is best to go to a woman, some say go to a man. I say, you must feel comfortable with your doctor.

The very best to you,

Liz

Hello! BreadBandit here,

Just had a delicious lunch of chicken, brocolli, and cucumbers. No bread!
Sorry I wasn't able to get to your responses. I really appreciated the advice, consciously, I feel a lot better. Unfortunately, the infection returned. I think it's a combination of things. I've realized that my blood sugar is out of control, and that I need to change my diet. I'm thinking about trying a yeast-free diet for a few weeks, probably for a while longer or at least until I lose weight. I've been diabetic for 9 years now, and overweight all of my life. I think the infections are a claer sign that if I don't change me habits, my symptoms could get much worse.

Secondly, I might be allergic to soap. I took a bubble bath a few days ago which confirmed this. STUPID! I assumed that the infection went away, but I read that it never really does go away.

Thirdly, I don't think what I have is a yeast infection. It was the first time that I had it. After looking down there, I did some research, and found that I had thrush or something similar to it. Ugh! It's terrible! This is my second time having it. It looks like spores sticking to the inside of the vagina and there's itching. I think it came from the bath and/or my uncontrolled blood sugar. Right now, I'm working on my diet. I often emotionally eat, so I make improper choices. This has a disasterous affect on my glucose levels and, of course, I can gain weight. I tried going to therapy, which was been slow and frustrating, so I've stopped. Most likely, I will return to it in the summer. I'm trying to teach myself to gain more control over my life and health, because I would like to be healthy. Goodbye chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream and doughnuts for a while...

I've been using the Monsitat cream for the itching, eating yogurt, drinking cranberry juice, etc. This morning I went shopping after I discoverd the infection, and purchased some healthier foods. It's tough not to want to reach for the snacks, but then I realize how uncomfortable I am and I walk away. I'll definitely take your advise about seeing someone at Planned Parenthood. I'm sure they'll have more patience with me, and can help me in controlling my eating habits and my diabetes. The crazy thing is I don't know what to eat! I know the basics: no processes sugars, no sugar, etc., but I'm doing my research.

Anyway, I just wanted to thank you all for the advice!

Hello! BreadBandit here,

Just had a delicious lunch of chicken, brocolli, and cucumbers. No bread!
Sorry I wasn't able to get to your responses. I really appreciated the advice, consciously, I feel a lot better. Unfortunately, the infection returned. I think it's a combination of things. I've realized that my blood sugar is out of control, and that I need to change my diet. I'm thinking about trying a yeast-free diet for a few weeks, probably for a while longer or at least until I lose weight. I've been diabetic for 9 years now, and overweight all of my life. I think the infections are a claer sign that if I don't change me habits, my symptoms could get much worse.

Secondly, I might be allergic to soap. I took a bubble bath a few days ago which confirmed this. STUPID! I assumed that the infection went away, but I read that it never really does go away.

Thirdly, I don't think what I have is a yeast infection. It was the first time that I had it. After looking down there, I did some research, and found that I had thrush or something similar to it. Ugh! It's terrible! This is my second time having it. It looks like spores sticking to the inside of the vagina and there's itching. I think it came from the bath and/or my uncontrolled blood sugar. Right now, I'm working on my diet. I often emotionally eat, so I make improper choices. This has a disasterous affect on my glucose levels and, of course, I can gain weight. I tried going to therapy, which was been slow and frustrating, so I've stopped. Most likely, I will return to it in the summer. I'm trying to teach myself to gain more control over my life and health, because I would like to be healthy. Goodbye chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream and doughnuts for a while...

I've been using the Monsitat cream for the itching, eating yogurt, drinking cranberry juice, etc. This morning I went shopping after I discoverd the infection, and purchased some healthier foods. It's tough not to want to reach for the snacks, but then I realize how uncomfortable I am and I walk away. I'll definitely take your advise about seeing someone at Planned Parenthood. I'm sure they'll have more patience with me, and can help me in controlling my eating habits and my diabetes. The crazy thing is I don't know what to eat! I know the basics: no processes sugars, no sugar, etc., but I'm doing my research.

Anyway, I just wanted to thank you all for the advice!