Yeast Infections

[Pam]

I know, I know, not pretty but I find that many women my age don't know much about them. I'm no medical expert but can share some tips for this condition. A yeast infection occurs when there isn't enough good bacteria to fight off the bad. It is common for Diabetics to have them because of sugar in the urine. Other unlikely culprits can be condoms, spermicides, even toilet paper! Many spermicides and lubricated condoms contain an agent called non-oxynol 9. It kills the good bacteria needed to keep infections at bay. Scented or colored toilet paper can cause them. Also, recycled toilet paper because it contains antibacterial agents which, again take out the good bacteria along with the bad. Oh, and another culprit, the one which prompted me to write this, is antibiotics.
I thought that you could only get medicine for yeast (svamp) infections here in Sweden with a doctor's prescription but cream and vaginal suppositories (vagitorier) are available over the counter with the brand name Pevaryl.
One more tip, while we're already grossed out! The same bacteria that causes yeast infections can also cause bladder infections. Back home I used over the counter tablets called AZO Standard for bladder infections. So far I haven't found a replacement here but a dose of the cream for a yeast infection usually takes out a bladder infection in the early stages.
Above statements have not been proven and are not intended to replace the advice of your physician...blah....blah...blah....

[Leslie]

Thanks for the info Pam!!!

Very interesting that the same bacteria also causes bladder infections. I had constant bladder infections when I lived in the States, but not so much here in Sweden. I thought it was because I cut way back on the amount of cokes I drank, but when you mentioned yeast infections I realized I haven't had a single once since moving to Sweden. KNOCK ON WOOD! Just for saying that I am going to wake up in the morning with the mother of all yeast infections! LOL!

But anyway, I wonder what I am doing differently here.... Maybe it is the toilet paper. Interesting though!

[Carolyn]

Okay, I have to say I have NEVER had a yeast infection, but I think I have one now. As you all may know, for the last 10 days, I have been on massive amounts of penicillin to knock out my luftrörsinfektion, and not only does that take out the bad bacteria, but also the good stuff.

So now I find myself with massive itching "down there" and a lot more moisture, but no nasty smells or cheesy stuff (sorry about the specific details, folks, but ...). No pain, no bladder problems. But for those of you familiar with that stuff, does it sound like a yeastie beastie is in action and should I go with the cream Pam mentioned above?

Or should I get myself down to a barnmorska (or is this handled by a regular dr.) at vård?