[Smashie]

Time to introduce myself. I've been lurking for months, finding comfort in the fact that I'm not alone in feeling all this pain and confusion. I'm 34 and DH is about to turn 41. We've been TTC #1 for 10 cycles/8 months (my cycles are short, 25 days). DH's S/A came back normal, and my blood tests were normal. I ovulate every month.

We had our first RE appointment last month, and it gave me hope that we would move forward quickly with MA. But we've hit a roadblock: I have frequent yeast infections that don't seem to respond to any of the azole treatments. In the past few years, I've tried every conceivable therapy to get rid of them -- all the azole creams, gentian violet (no fun!), boric acid suppositories. I've cut all refined sugar from my diet.

The problem is, my RE won't move forward with any invasive treatments like HSG or IUI until I'm yeast free. I don't think I've been yeast-free in years! Sorry for the long post, but I feel so defeated. Is there anyone out there who has dealt with this? I'm becoming despondent.

[FusionGirl]

Has your Dr looked into what would be causing these frequent yeast infections? Could it be some type of hormonal imbalance (hormones not related to TTC)? I had frequent yeast infections when I was a young teen, but they stopped and haven't had one since. I found this article Article on Chronic Recurrent Yeast Vaginitis - What Can Be Done? that went into pretty good detail about it (and maybe you have even read it already). From what the article said - have they ruled out irritant vulvitis? I hope you are able to get it figured out so you can continue with testing. Please KUP!

[Prairiemommy]

I used to have yeast infections frequently but have not had one in well over a year. This is what I do:

I wash my underwear and wash cloths together in very hot water with vinegar, absolutely no soap. I also spray the inside of the crotch with vinegar before going into the washing machine. Do not wash underwear with socks or your hubbies things! Use only these cloths to wash.

I do not wash myself (vagina) with soap or I immediately have a yeast infection.

I try to ensure that no shampoo gets in my crotch area.

I do not use shave cream to shave my bikini area.

I do not use bubble bath.

Since doing all of this I have been yeast free. I know soap does it so I stay away from it. I hope this helps you. Good Luck!

When my thyroid was off I was having positive yeast cultures. I never really had any symptoms of a yeast infection so I was confused and yes, very annoyed!
My dr. prescribed Diflucan & for me it worked much better than vaginal creams ect! And I eat a cup of yogurt everyday ☺

[Laurenj915]

I used to get them all the time (alothough I responded to meds) and my doctor told me to stop wearing underwear to bed. It worked for me. GL, I know it must be frustrating.

[Smashie]

Thank you so much for your ideas (and sympathy). I guess I just hit a low point when this last yeast infection came back yet again. So far, boric acid is the only thing that gives me relief (diflucan actually makes my infections worse!), but the boric acid interferes with TTC.

Prairiemommy: I will definitely try your laundering techniques! Thank you.

and TTC#1inNC and MissMommy: My doctors don't seem concerned about the root cause of all this, and they should be, right? You've encouraged me to ask more questions at the next appointment.

I'll try to keep you gals posted in case any other women are struggling with this. Lord knows your posts and experiences have kept me sane over the past 8 months.