recurrent vaginal (yeast?) infection. . .

[lisa]

Hello all,

I started working on healing my gut at the end of November last year (about 4 months ago).  I added water kefir (slowly), cut out sugar, added more raw fruits and veggies, ACV.  In December I had a terrible vaginal infection (what I thought was yeast) after my period that I basically dealt with, used coconut oil topically and coconut oil, garlic, oil of oregano internally for a few days.  I figured it was just some die-off since I had started kefir and quit sugar at the same time (figured those yeasty beasties were starving).  Since that time I have had recurrent infections after my period every month.  I've tried used a homeopathic remedy of suppositories to  no avail.

Two other factors might be important:  I had a miscarriage at the end of October, which was the biggest motivation to try to get my body a little healthier and I started using the Diva Cup.  The first 3 months I thought it was a fluke, my body rebalancing, etc. but this is the 4th month it has happened and it is starting to get very irritating (not to mention I would like to start thinking about trying to conceive again but don't want to with this problem).

Any advice?

TIA.  Lisa

ETA:  the symptoms are extreme itching, some discharge (no odor), swelling, redness, pain, a little cracking.

[Pat Robinson]

Coconut oil, kefir, diluted lavender EO, Epsom salt compress, yogurt will help topically. Is it possible that dh is sharing it with you? Oftentimes, the spouse reexposes with candida and must address his yeast issues concurrently to have resolution.

I don't know about diva cup cleansing. I might be sure it gets sunlight to kill the beasties.

Other nutrients to consider are Vit A and D (sunshine). Cod liver oil, pastured eggs, liver, sardines are other sources. Nettles are anti-inflammatory as are Omega 3. Vit C can help acutely, zinc. And MAGNESIUM is crucial to effective detoxification.

Maybe do an Epsom salt bath during the non-heavy flow days?

Another thing to observe for is any food craving changes just before or during your period, DAIRY or increased wheat might be adding an inflammatory component.

Pat

[lisa]

Thanks Pat.

Do you suggest a magnesium supplement?  I take a Vitamin D supplement in the winter and am starting to get out and get it from the source now that the weather is nicer!  Just started nettles about a week or two ago (should I use the infusion topically as well?) 

I have lavender EO.  Should I dilute it in sweet almond oil or coconut oil? (already applying coconut oil topically with a few drops of oil of oregano, which doesn't seem to be doing it!)

I'm a little concerned about the Diva Cup, too.  I wash it and boil it after use.  Going to not use it next time just to see.  It's so hard to implement the scientific method in real life. . . too many variables.

Thanks for your suggestions!

[Pat Robinson]

I'm not keen on supplements. But, magnesium and zinc are two I give our son cause he is not keen on nettles. Nettles have magnesium, so does Epsom salt baths.

I'd just add the EO to the coconut oil, when applying.

nettles are for internal use. I'm not sure about topical benefits. off to google.

Actually, nettles have sulfur which could help topically.

[lisa]

Ah, magnesium in Nettles. . . I forgot :o)