Answers to questions about yeast infection during pregnancy

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Will a yeast infection during pregnancy affect your baby, or when you're trying to get pregnant? See below for answers to these frequently asked questions ...

Question ~ I have a yeast infection during pregnancy -- can I douche?

Answer ~ When you are pregnant, it is best not to douche. Douching can help bacteria ascent your cervix and to your uterus -- something you don't want happen. If your doctor diagnosed you as having a pregnancy yeast infections, using a vaginal product such as an over-the-counter (OTC) medication or a natural suppository are your best options. Click here to view some natural remedies for your yeast infection during pregnancy.


Question ~ I have recurring yeast infection during pregnancy. I have tried treating it multiple times with an OTC such as Monistat, however they did not work. What other remedies for yeast infection during pregnancy can I use?

Answer ~ Have you seen your doctor? If you have not, I would encourage you to do so. If you have used an OTC antifungal medication and have not been able to get rid of your yeast infection, there is a good chance that your infection is not due to yeast. Go in to have your doctor examine you when you have discharge so that she can obtain a sample for proper diagnosis. If in fact you are diagnosed with a yeast infection during pregnancy, you can try some of these other natural yeast infection remedies such as garlic, yogurt, or tea tree oil. Click here for more information.


Question ~ My husband and I would like to try for a baby. However, I currently have a yeast infection and will be ovulating in a few days. Will this yeast infection affect my ability to conceive?

Answer ~ Yeast infections are not life threathening. Having intercourse while you have a yeast infection is not life threatening. But, yeast infections will make having sex a lot less pleasant because of vaginal / genital soreness. If you must attempt to conceive while you have a yeast infection, it is best not to treat the yeast infection until your ovulation cycle is over. Antifungal creams, other yeast infection remedies (such as suppositories), and yeast infection discharges will be added physical "roadblocks" to the sperms. Also, yeast infections do not interfere with the woman's ovulation cycle.


Question ~ I have a yeast infection and am trying to get pregnant. Will the yeast infection affect the results of my home pregnancy test?

Answer ~ In general, having a yeast infection will not adversely affect the results of a home pregnancy test -- i.e. tell you you're pregnant when you are not.


Question ~ Is having a yeast infection during pregnancy as sure sign of gestational diabetes?

Answer ~ Gestational diabetes is when there is a high level of glucose in the blood. Yeast feeds on glucose. However, having a yeast infection during pregnancy is not an automatic diagnosis for gestational diabetes. There are many factors that can contribute to a yeast infection during pregnancy such as tight clothing (especially pants and underwear), perfumed soaps, diet, etc. Be sure to see your doctor for a proper diagnosis before jumping to conclusions.




* Photo courtesy of Vinícius Zimmer/www.obraprima-id.com.br
** Photo courtesy of Grzegorz Niewiadomski, Lodz, Lodzkie, Poland