2nd infection in a month, what am I doing wrong?

Contributor: cmm cmm
I have absolutely no idea why she keeps getting these things and I feel like shes really starting to resent me for it. I try and keep everything as clean as possible, but somehow she keeps coming down with infections. I've never gone ass to vag with her.
08/26/2013
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Contributor: Ansley Ansley
That depends on what kind of infection it is...if it's a yeast (looks like cottage cheese...a little) infection, the culprit is most likely her diet. If it's a bacterial (smells like dead fish) infection, she's having a severe imbalance in her pH and that can be adjusted with OTC products like RepHresh (they also make a personal lubricant). But, she'll first need a round of metrogel or metronidizole pills (get the gel!!!) to kill the initial infection and then start taking care of her pH balance.

When I was going through the nightmare that is BV infections, I discovered it was my sex toy collection (rubbers, vinyls and PVC); as soon as I switched to silicone, everything cleared up and I haven't had an infection in three years!
08/26/2013
Contributor: BlackOrchid BlackOrchid
I had a friend that always got yeast infections right before/after her menstrual cycle. Some women are sensitive to that.
Also, antibiotics! Is she taking any?
If you're using lubricants.. what kind of ingredients are in them? Oil based lubricants are very bad for the vagina.
There are many, many things that can cause vaginal infections... not just switching from anal to vaginal sex.
08/26/2013
Contributor: Wicked Wahine Wicked Wahine
Quote:
Originally posted by cmm
I have absolutely no idea why she keeps getting these things and I feel like shes really starting to resent me for it. I try and keep everything as clean as possible, but somehow she keeps coming down with infections. I've never gone ass to vag ... more
She may also be reacting to the lubricants and the materials. I have had a heck of a time finding a lubricant that didn't give me yeast infections and/or bladder infections (read my lube reviews, such as for Sliquid Silk)!

When I say material, I am adding on to what Stormy said --she mentioned materials that are porous or semi-porous and the problem with these id that NO amount of cleaning will be able to remove microbes hiding inside the pores, eek! So you can be reintroducing the infection every time you use them. However, what I wanted to add is that it could be the material itself causing an irritation that results in an infection. Jelly, for instance, causes chemical burns in some women and for me personally, if I get irritated, I become inflamed which then traps already present bacteria. That bacteria is normal, but if it is allowed to grow like crazy because no oxygen impedes it, I get an bladder infection. That happens to me from both the toy material and from lubes. Basically, the same mechanism is behind the yeast infections, the already present yeast grow like crazy because there is an imbalance (can be of several things, pH, no bacteria to compete with them, etc.).

An easy way to check if you and the toys are the source, is to wear condoms for a few weeks - yes, on the toys as well. If everything clears up, you will know it's probably the toys, though I'd get myself checked for being a carrier of an infection. Many men don't have symptoms when they have a low grade infection an can unwittingly pass it to their partner. And treating it is simple for men, so it's worth getting checked to be safe.

If she still gets the infections, then at least you've narrowed the playing field, so to speak. Since there are so many different variables, I think it would be easier if you told us exactly what infections your are talking about. Then I can give you better advice. Let me know and I'm going to follow this discussion, so I'll know as soon as you post to it.
08/26/2013
Contributor: Wicked Wahine Wicked Wahine
Quote:
Originally posted by BlackOrchid
I had a friend that always got yeast infections right before/after her menstrual cycle. Some women are sensitive to that.
Also, antibiotics! Is she taking any?
If you're using lubricants.. what kind of ingredients are in them? Oil based ... more
I am very susceptible to yeast infections right before my period and no matter what I have done, I still cannot totally stop them from happening. However, I have helped reduce them a lot.
08/26/2013
Contributor: shorejen9 shorejen9
Not to be too graphic but if you are giving her oral and she's getting infections it could be avoided. Make sure you brush your teeth and tongue and she has to clean up afterward. Your mouth (especially if you are a smoker) can contain yeast and then you introduce it to a moist environment. Just another angle to look at.
08/26/2013
Contributor: cmm cmm
Quote:
Originally posted by Wicked Wahine
I am very susceptible to yeast infections right before my period and no matter what I have done, I still cannot totally stop them from happening. However, I have helped reduce them a lot.
Shes at the doctor right now getting checked out, but shes pretty sure that it's a yeast infection. And I'm pretty sure she's right at the point to start her period.
08/26/2013
Contributor: cmm cmm
Quote:
Originally posted by Ansley
That depends on what kind of infection it is...if it's a yeast (looks like cottage cheese...a little) infection, the culprit is most likely her diet. If it's a bacterial (smells like dead fish) infection, she's having a severe imbalance ... more
We mostly use silicone, glass, and metal, those of which I understand to be the safest materials. The only thing we have that's a plastic is a We-Vibe Salsa. I can boil or throw the others in the dishwasher, but how should I clean the Salsa? That one might be the culprit since both of us use it and it's made from a material that probably isn't as safe as the others.
08/26/2013
Contributor: cmm cmm
Quote:
Originally posted by BlackOrchid
I had a friend that always got yeast infections right before/after her menstrual cycle. Some women are sensitive to that.
Also, antibiotics! Is she taking any?
If you're using lubricants.. what kind of ingredients are in them? Oil based ... more
We typically use water-based lubes, but before this infection set in we used Wet Platinum.
08/26/2013
Contributor: Ansley Ansley
Quote:
Originally posted by cmm
We mostly use silicone, glass, and metal, those of which I understand to be the safest materials. The only thing we have that's a plastic is a We-Vibe Salsa. I can boil or throw the others in the dishwasher, but how should I clean the Salsa? That ... more
It's most likely not the plastic. While deep scratches could harbor bacteria, if the surface is smooth you're pretty much good to go. I'm sure she'll be fine. If it is a yeast infection, she may want to cut back on carbs, beers, and processed sugars right before she starts. Eating a cup of plain, naturally sweetened yogurt once a day the week before should help keep things manageable. (And contrary to all points of advice, please never ever insert a tampon soaked with anything (like yogurt) in the vaginal canal. Warm, dark and moist + dairy products is a fast-track to disaster.)
08/26/2013
Contributor: Wicked Wahine Wicked Wahine
It really does not sound like your toys are the problem, but certainly be diligent in cleaning them. Did you know that you should not use dish detergent in the dishwasher when cleaning toys? Just the hot water will clean it, but wash with soap and water beforehand. Also, antibacterial soap and toy cleansers need to be left on the surface for 3 minutes before rinsing, otherwise you may as well just use regular soap and water.

Stormy's advice above about the dietary steps your GF can take are all good ideas! But also, I have to say that I will get a yeast infection before my period if I use silicone lube! I am already prone to them during that time and even when I try all the dietary and other controls, I sometimes get them anyway. One sure fire way is for me to use an all silicone lube then. Interestingly, I can use them other times with no problem, except I find them too thin for my tastes.

Her Dr. should be able to tell her all the other potential culprits affecting her. But one more thing, the soap she uses to wash off that silicone lube could be adding to the problem. That area needs to maintain it's pH and delicate balance. Only a super gentle cleanser should be used there! I'm glad she went to a Dr. and am sure all will be fine. I like that you show concern for her health, good BF!
08/26/2013
Contributor: Ansley Ansley
Quote:
Originally posted by Wicked Wahine
It really does not sound like your toys are the problem, but certainly be diligent in cleaning them. Did you know that you should not use dish detergent in the dishwasher when cleaning toys? Just the hot water will clean it, but wash with soap and ... more
Oh and not to totally freak him out -- a yeast infection can also be an indicator of pregnancy.
08/26/2013
Contributor: Wicked Wahine Wicked Wahine
Quote:
Originally posted by Ansley
Oh and not to totally freak him out -- a yeast infection can also be an indicator of pregnancy.
HAHAHA, I purposefully didn't tell him that!
08/26/2013
Contributor: cmm cmm
Quote:
Originally posted by Wicked Wahine
HAHAHA, I purposefully didn't tell him that!
No worries on that! Shes feeling much better though. The doc told her to rinse out the monistat because that may have been causing irritation. We'll be having sex tonight!
08/27/2013
Contributor: edeneve edeneve
keep it simple. she needs to see a Dr. & have some tests done to determine what the infection is & treatment for it.
08/27/2013
Contributor: lana'sart lana'sart
Quote:
Originally posted by Ansley
That depends on what kind of infection it is...if it's a yeast (looks like cottage cheese...a little) infection, the culprit is most likely her diet. If it's a bacterial (smells like dead fish) infection, she's having a severe imbalance ... more
that is so true
08/28/2013
Contributor: cmm cmm
Update: we finally had sex last night and everything seems to be good now!
08/29/2013
Contributor: cmm cmm
Update: we finally had sex last night and everything seems to be good now!
08/29/2013
Contributor: Wicked Wahine Wicked Wahine
Quote:
Originally posted by cmm
Update: we finally had sex last night and everything seems to be good now!
Congrats! I hope it is all settled!
08/29/2013