Troubled By A Yeast Infection After Hysterectomy? Get Rid Of It Once And For All

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Do you suspect you have a yeast infection after hysterectomy?

• Can you see redness and irritation around the entrance of the vagina, and does it burn when urinating?
• Maybe you noticed a foul odor after the hysterectomy?
• Or does the white discharge make you suspicious that something is wrong down there?

Most women are familiar with these annoying symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection. Yeast infections are unpleasant and can even be painful, especially when you are having sex.

After hysterectomy surgery, let’s first see which factors lead to vaginal yeast infections.

Causes of yeast infection after hysterectomy

Are yeast infections more common after a hysterectomy?

For several reasons, a woman is more likely to develop a yeast infection after surgery.

One of the main reasons is the use of antibiotics during and after the operation. Usually, all women having an abdominal or vaginal hysterectomy get antibiotics to reduce the chance of infection. Unfortunately, antibiotics can also destroy the healthy bacteria in the vagina, giving the rapidly growing yeast a chance to take over.

Another reason for yeast infections after hysterectomy is the decreased blood flow to the ovaries. This affects the normal estrogen production by the ovaries. Lower estrogen levels can make the vaginal tissues drier and thinner, making you much more prone to developing a yeast infection.

Last, after a hysterectomy, your immune system may be weak, and your body may lack a natural defense against bacteria and yeast infections.

Treatments

Under normal circumstances, taking OTC anti-fungal medication like Monistat is enough to treat a vaginal yeast infection. Though, I would recommend not to use any medication you need to insert into the vagina in the postoperative period. Ask your doctor; he can prescribe you the right anti-fungal medication you can take through the mouth.

No matter what, if you have symptoms like smelly discharge and irritation post-op, you better make an appointment with your surgeon. He can verify you are healing well from the operation and see if you have a yeast infection but not a bacterial infection. The moment you find out the source of the problem, then it is not difficult to treat.

There are more than 20 different species in the Candida family that live in our intestines, mucous membranes, and skin. However, usually, the cause of the problem is a fungus named Candida albicans.

6 Good practices to avoid and treat a yeast infection after hysterectomy:

1. Take care of hygiene:

If you suffer from repeated vaginal yeast infections, take strict hygiene care. A moist, warm, and cramped environment is ideal for the growth of Candida. Be conscious of the clothes that you wear. Do not wear tight synthetic clothes, leggings, or tights; opt for loose, cotton clothing. Change wet bikini bottoms immediately for dry ones after you have swum. Always wash underwear at high temperatures, or, as my doctor suggested, press the crotch with your steam iron to kill any lingering microorganisms.

2. Avoid harsh treatments:

Harsh medicines or treatments irritate the vagina and disrupt the vaginal flora, making you susceptible to yeast infection. Avoid vaginal douching, strong medication, vaginal sprays, and deodorants, and opt for mild unscented products.

3. Take a probiotic supplement:

Choose natural ways to solve a yeast infection after hysterectomy. Probiotics are healthy bacteria that normally live in your body. These good bacteria keep a check on harmful bacteria and help them to maintain a healthy internal environment.

Lactobacillus tablets nourish your body with good bacteria and keep other unwanted flora in the body under control. You may find that some doctors will prescribe probiotics when you need to take antibiotics.

4. Minimize sugar intake:

Taking care of your diet can reduce the symptoms of vaginal yeast infections. Eating less sugar or sugary foods can help, as yeasts multiply on sugars. Add fresh fruits and plenty of veggies to your diet. Also, avoid products made of refined flour, which your body converts into sugar.

5. Take care of hormonal imbalance:

If you take hormone replacement after a hysterectomy, be aware of the fact that it can cause repeated yeast infections. Increased estrogen in the vagina will fuel Candida growth because estrogen regulates glycogen levels in the vagina.

Women with type 2 diabetes are also at an increased risk of vaginal candidiasis. Keeping blood sugar levels under control is very important to prevent repeated yeast infections.

6. Try natural home remedies:

Boric acid has antiviral and antifungal properties and is often prescribed as a second-line treatment when other antifungals fail to solve the problem. It creates an inhospitable acidic environment in the vagina for yeasts and bacteria. You can purchase Boric acid vaginal suppositories over the counter or online.

Conclusion

A yeast infection after hysterectomy can be due to a hormone imbalance, an unhealthy diet, or a course of antibiotics. It’s also possible that a yeast infection is transmitted during sex, but the chance is minimal. No matter what, you need to fix these issues to successfully stop recurring infections.

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