Yeast infection question (this is probably really dumb)

caffinated_tulip

Are there risks to having a yeast infection while you're pregnant?

I know it's really common, but I've never had one before. Last week at my dr's apt I mentioned that I'd been having some strange discharge, so they checked me out to make sure that it wasn't my water breaking. That business is all cool, but they noticed I had a yeast infection so they gave me a difflucan and sent me on my way. She was real not concerned about it, so I wasn't worried either.

I know that it can take a couple days to work, but this was a week ago and I'm still having the unusual discharge (my only symptom). Should I call and ask about it or give it a few more days? I have an apt next thursday as well.

w2smd

I never had a YI while pregnant but I had recurring BV infections from 8wks on.. It was ridiculous. They kept trying to treat with antibiotics since according to them an infection could trigger preterm labor.. so.. I am not sure if a YI is the same in the risk department. I guess that didn't really answer your question..

Excitedtostart

It should be taken care of, but it's not a huge deal. Diflucan does take a few days to work, so call them back and see if they want to do anything else before then. 

The reason it needs to be taken care of is that the good bacteria, yeast, and the bad bacteria (that is present on the outside, ie your skin) have a 3 way tie. So long as they are balanced, no one singular "army" can take over. If one overgrows its boundaries (the yeast), it starts to create a hostile environment which will kill off even more of the good bacteria. The yeast will eventually change the PH of your vagina causing irritation. Irritation leads to breaks in the skin (through itching and rubbing, or just by the act of the yeast and ph changes). Breaks in the skin allow the bad bacteria (staph) to get inside. Staph on the outside of your skin is cool, because it doesn't take any shiit from other bacteria and kills off a lot of stuff so your body doesn't have to even deal with it. Like a bouncer at a club. Only the bouncer needs to stay on the outside. If he gets inside, he's just going to wreak havoc inside and that is the part that makes you sick. 

So, your yeast has gotten a little rowdy and needs to settle down. It's NBD right now, but yes, if left untreated it can become a bigger problem.  

caffinated_tulip

ETS: I love you for explaining that so well.

Excitedtostart

caffinated_tulip:

ETS: I love you for explaining that so well.

I explain stuff to kids a lot, so sometimes I get nervous when I try to explain it to adults, like I'm talking down to you. I'm glad that didn't come off as condescending.  

andrew's wifey

Excitedtostart:

It should be taken care of, but it's not a huge deal. Diflucan does take a few days to work, so call them back and see if they want to do anything else before then. 

The reason it needs to be taken care of is that the good bacteria, yeast, and the bad bacteria (that is present on the outside, ie your skin) have a 3 way tie. So long as they are balanced, no one singular "army" can take over. If one overgrows its boundaries (the yeast), it starts to create a hostile environment which will kill off even more of the good bacteria. The yeast will eventually change the PH of your vagina causing irritation. Irritation leads to breaks in the skin (through itching and rubbing, or just by the act of the yeast and ph changes). Breaks in the skin allow the bad bacteria (staph) to get inside. Staph on the outside of your skin is cool, because it doesn't take any shiit from other bacteria and kills off a lot of stuff so your body doesn't have to even deal with it. Like a bouncer at a club. Only the bouncer needs to stay on the outside. If he gets inside, he's just going to wreak havoc inside and that is the part that makes you sick. 

So, your yeast has gotten a little rowdy and needs to settle down. It's NBD right now, but yes, if left untreated it can become a bigger problem.  

If you ever decide not to be a nurse anymore, I think you would be a kick ass health teacher. 

Excitedtostart

andrew's wifey:

If you ever decide not to be a nurse anymore, I think you would be a kick ass health teacher. 

 

Aww, thanks!