Why do i get a yeast infection after my period?

Are you tired of dealing with the dreaded yeast infection every month after your period? Well, fear not my friend, for we are about to take a deep dive into the world of vaginal flora and all the wonders that it holds.

The Menstrual Cycle

Before we start talking about yeast infections, let’s first discuss what happens during your menstrual cycle because yes ladies and gentlemen (and non-binary friends), yeast infections have a lot to do with your monthly visitor. So here’s a quick rundown:

• Day 1-5: Your period kicks in.
• Day 6-14: Estrogen levels rise and ovulation can occur.
• Day 15-28: Progesterone increases preparing your uterus for pregnancy.

Now onto the good stuff…

What Is A Yeast Infection?

In simple terms, it is an overgrowth of fungi (mostly candida) in or around your vagina area which leads to irritation, itching and burning sensations. Often causing discharge that looks like cottage cheese, these infections are one of those things most people don’t want to talk about but they happen way more often than you’d think – so don’t feel weird okay?

The reason why most women tend to get them right after their periods is rather straightforward as well.

pH Balance

Your body undergoes various changes throughout its cycles especially when estrogen levels change which impacts vaginal pH balance. During periods this balance tends towards alkalinity making you more susceptible to infections since yeasts thrive better in this condition making it easier for them to multiply leading eventually culminating into an infection.

Once estrogen starts building back up again post-periods; acidity will be restored putting everything back on track but till then just sit tight!

Blood = Sugar

Did you know blood-contaminated pads harbor sugar content? An interesting fact indeed giving us another clue into the infection puzzle! Where there’s sugar bacteria and yeast thrive. Going with this forever cycle women go through, period blood serves as nutrients too creating ideal conditions for these fungi to grow sigh.

Tight Clothing

So you’ve put on that amazing frilly dress or buttoned-up blouse after doing away with week-long bleeding – devilishly upending self-care while flaunting your style but who cares cause it makes you look fabulous. But hang on…what about all those synthetic fibers and tight clothing interfering down there? It is important to allow some breathability so any moisture gets evaporated instead of being held close enough to create the perfect environment for a yeast infection to start mutating from day 1!

Antibiotics

Being sick sucks and nobody wants antibiotics more than once but when we do take them we often don’t realize their unintended consequences in terms of destroying our body’s natural bacterial balance – killing off both good AND bad bacteria; something not conducive at all towards maintaining optimal vaginal health resulting in (drumroll please)….you guessed it…yeast infections!

Doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be taking antibiotics because well let’s face it they’re an essential part of modern medicine but if possible try discussing dosage or availability of alternatives that might work better.

Menstrual Products

Let’s talk menstrual products….menstrual cups are convenient, comfortable & eco-friendly alternative to traditional pads/tampons people have been absolutely raving about lately. However, hygiene still matters lots even when using one since they need proper cleaning once used which isn’t always feasible especially at schools where privacy concerns come into play which could end up leading towards an unexpected YI situation anytime mishandling occurs during usage.

Traditional options like Pads/Tampons also require changing frequently throughout the day (especially during heavier days) since prolonged use leads to accumulated dampness again having negative effects as discussed beforehand.

Making informed decisions while picking menstrual items might seem quite troublesome yet makes an enormous difference in keeping infections away.

Stress

Ah, the culprit behind so many health mishaps and yes lady friends your period’s flow can notoriously fluctuate when stressed! And that’s not it; during stressful situations, our bodies produce higher levels of cortisol which interfere with hormone balance down there making yeast proliferate more conveniently!

Breathing exercises/calming rituals or even mediation techniques are a good idea to squash some of that anxiety & maintain hormonal equilibrium thus reducing the likelihood of vaginal infections.

Douching Hygiene Products

Vaginal douches, sprays, and washes don’t help anyone – like never ever!! Remember how we said previously flora homes thousands of species coexisting together?! Really meaning anything throwing off that balance by changing pH lets say won’t be appreciated by those residing inside!

So stop douching/bombarding with fragrant soap/multiple products leaving no room for natural self-cleaning processes. Let nature take its course!!

Unprotected Intercourse Sessions

Come on now this one should go without saying but yeap – unprotected acts tend to increase STD risks including YI risks too!!

Condoms exist for a reason entirely – sexually transmitted diseases have risen significantly recently making STIs unfortunately easy/accessible for everyone involved! Unexpected pregnancies aside condoms keep most infection-related worries at bay ensuring you get maximum peace of mind 🙂

Prevention Is Key!!!

There is no denying yeast infections often hurt like hell but prompt treatment can bring relief soon enough sometimes just simple medication usage clears these up easily sometimes hint towards other underlying conditions demanding care/warning shots.

Route taken varies depending upon personal situation seeking medical advice as always being ideal (seriously). However doing what we already talked about would shield from common yeast infection causes preventing them in entirety giving one less thing to worry about potentially freeing yourselves from unnecessary affliction!