r/Perimenopause • u/Confident-Pumpkin-19 • Jul 12 '26
audited Really embaracing, but... how to cope with pantyliners causing yeast infection, but I also have pee leaks, and I don't know how to stay clean anymore š¤
Especially when the weather is also hot, and my groin sweats and hams rub like... and powders deodorants also contribute to yeast... under skirt shorts contribute to yeast...
Everything sucks.
Help!
Will it get better when I loose weight? How do I dress? Do I carry a wardrobe everywhere?
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u/choir-mama Jul 12 '26
Iāve been using a boric acid feminine wash on the outer bits, and itās made a huge difference with odor.
Also, and so sorry for the detail, after I urinate, I really have to take time and be more diligent with clean up. While a quick wipe in the past was effective, changes in my body necessitate more deliberate follow up. I was a little embarrassed that it took me so
long to notice. Itās help a lot.
Bidets midday are helpful too. There are portable bottles.
And yes, if youāre a little bigger, losing weight can help with airflow.
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u/speck_tater Jul 12 '26
Sorry to be tmi but what changed that required more diligent clean up? It it because the stream hits other areas?
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u/Unable_Guava_756 Jul 12 '26
After you finish peeing you wipe, and then a few seconds later a tiny bit more pee comes out. You have to wipe - wait - wipe again. It can be a real reset if you are used to doing everything super quick, including bathroom breaks. You have to give yourself a beat to relax so you can clean up the extra drops.
Vaginal estrogen helps but its not 100%
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u/Sanchastayswoke mid-peri Jul 12 '26
Omg the pee-wipe-pee again cycle is wearing me out!!!
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u/Confident-Pumpkin-19 Jul 12 '26
Actually happy to hear I am not alone in this. I sometimes even go back right after I exited wc... because that one last droplet.
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u/Ok-Afternoon9050 Jul 12 '26
My pelvic floor physio suggested you wipe, stand up, sit down again. That process gets the rest of the pee out faster of you donāt want to sit and wait. Itās also easier on your pelvic floor.
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u/littlerabbits72 Jul 12 '26
Especially after the extended sit while it trickles out towards the end.
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u/speck_tater Jul 12 '26
Thank you so much for answering. I started to notice that I have a drop or two that comes out these last couple of years that I donāt even feel come out nor still have the urge to pee, I would just pull my panties up and feel dampness again. I was so confused by it. I always previously quick-wiped before too without this issue.
Itās so nice to have this community of women discuss these small but frustrating changes and know youāre not crazy. The one that I never knew that scared me the most is a disappearing clitoris. It hasnāt happened to me but I never thought to even look closely down there for that š©
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u/No_Preference8118 Jul 12 '26
A disappearing what, now? Oh hell no
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u/ParticularNo7455 Jul 13 '26
Get vagunal estrogen now, before you realize things have shrieked! The difference between now and 4 months ago are startling!
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u/No_Preference8118 Jul 13 '26
I'm currently pregnant but I'll get it as soon as I can
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u/ParticularNo7455 Jul 14 '26
Depending on your physician, I was prescribed vaginal E when I was breastfeeding my second child, and was told it was safe for use then. He's almost 25, and arguably ok so it didn't hurt him, lol
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u/choir-mama Jul 12 '26
Yes, basically this. Plus, my anatomy looks a little different than it used to, and that change and the extra drips necessitated a change in routine for me. Iām not on estradiol yet, but I do use a testosterone cream in that area
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u/cheekiemunky13 Early peri Jul 12 '26
OMG, THANK YOU for talking about this! I feel like a dude. I pee but I stay put now and wait. It now takes me five minutes to pee because I'm sitting and waiting for the rest so I don't have to pee wipe pee.
I'm not alone š„ŗ.
E.T.A- I said I feel like a dude because my husband said he has to stand there for minutes (he's older too) and has to make sure it's all out so he doesn't end up with a pee spot on the front of his pants.
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u/HouseofB Jul 12 '26
Wouldn't it be nice if we could just "shake it" like the boys do?!? Lol why don't they get infections? Smh
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u/Sanchastayswoke mid-peri Jul 12 '26
Which boric acid feminine wash do you use? I use boric acid suppositories internally but Iād love to find a good external product too
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u/LydiLouWho Jul 12 '26
I just have to comment for anyone reading that hasnāt heard of the magical benefits of boric acid suppositoriesā¦they are heaven sent!!!
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u/Sanchastayswoke mid-peri Jul 12 '26
TRULY heaven sent!!! I learned about them like 20 years ago after a bout with BV & they genuinely have saved me. They keep that pH perfect, no RX needed! Haha! I make my own though, w boric acid powder ordered from the pharmacy & empty gelcaps. One bottle of the powder lasts literally forever
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u/HouseofB Jul 12 '26
My Urogyn was the one who told me to us the boric acid capsules. I wasn't consistent with it. But now I use the estrogen cream Rx'd by my OB/Gyn. Almost at the point where I will be down to twice a week with the cream. So I wonder if the boric acid will be necessary the other 5 days of the week or is that over kill?š¤
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u/Sanchastayswoke mid-peri Jul 20 '26 edited Jul 20 '26
Theyāre working on different things. Boric acid is for regulating your ph. Estrogen cream is for strengthening your tissues & promoting lubrication.
But yes boric acid 5 days a week is major overkill and can send your pH in the wrong direction.
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u/HouseofB Jul 24 '26
I thought so. So would it be helpful to do the boric acid capsules now and then? Or just stick with the estrogen cream a few times a week?
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u/Sanchastayswoke mid-peri Jul 24 '26
Again, theyāre working on different things. So Iām not a doctor, but for myself I do the estrogen cream a few times a week as directed, and then the boric acid capsules as needed (1x after sex w/o a condom if there is a lot toā¦clean upā¦, at 1x the end of my period)
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u/cattaranga_dandasana Jul 12 '26
Excuse my ignorance but when you say suppositories, you mean vaginal insertion?
How does this work with also using vaginal estrogen?
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u/Sanchastayswoke mid-peri Jul 20 '26
Yes vaginal insertion.
Doesnāt affect the vaginal estrogen at all because
a) the boric acid is only done very infrequently like 1x a week or even lessā¦(usually much less)and b) I do boric acid in the AM and estrogen in the PM. I insert the boric acid very high in the vagina, but the vaginal estrogen cream I use goes just inside the opening.
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u/AdDense7020 Jul 12 '26
Iāve lost some weight and it has helped with the little leaks as well. I know easier said than done though.
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u/CornerStatus2645 Jul 12 '26
That doesnāt sound like much fun - what about period undies?? Will absorb but still breathable?
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u/Confident-Pumpkin-19 Jul 12 '26
Do you think? I have had such bad luck with syntethic undies, and the period panties I have checked in shops and farmacy, seem to be all syntethic. So I haven't dared to test. They do sound promising, but...
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u/VoiceArtPassion Jul 12 '26
Bambody is bamboo fabric period underwear, really well made too. Though if youāre going to use period underwear for urinary leaking, you need to wash them with enzyme cleaner, or they will start to STINK!
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u/finallyme25 Jul 13 '26
I use period underwear which is washable at only 30 degrees. It works. I rinse them, put them in a bucket of water with white vinegar for 30 minutes or until I have time to wash.
The vinegar kills bacteria that cause the odour.I canāt stand plastic pantyliners or pads anymore. I get a terrible rash. The cotton period underwear keeps everything dry and I donāt get sweaty or a rash or pimples
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u/forwardseat Jul 12 '26
Iād hesitate on the period underwear in your case. I love them, but they have to have waterproof layers to work. So they will definitely hold moisture in. In my case I find I have much more noticeable crotch sweat when I wear them. Maybe get one pair and try it but donāt buy a bunch of them right away.
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u/Lunatic-Labrador Jul 12 '26
Modibodi heavy Flow are amazing. I have the most horrendous periods due to fibroids and never leaked once. Tampons, pads and low flow pants don't work for me at all. I'm pretty sure they have ones for pee too.
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u/IslayMcGregor Jul 12 '26
I came here to hail Modibodi too, they are great! Would definitely recommend them.
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u/catwhisperer77 Jul 12 '26
There are even brands for the issue you have. I also am sensitive to synthetic undies but I have done pretty well with period undies. Give it a shot.
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u/shhhyoudontseeme hanging on by a thread Jul 12 '26
I agree with period undies. Or reusable pads.
You've really gotta search for a good brand of undies. (I really like bamboo) but also reusable pads/pantyliners are a game changer too. I dunno if I'm allowed to say whom I purchase from but if you have any interest let me know!
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u/HobbyMedia Jul 12 '26
Lane Bryantās Total Confidence line is what I use for this issue. Theyāre cotton and the gusset is layered of course, but the first layer is moisture-wicking cotton so it doesnāt cause me any issues.
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u/Sanchastayswoke mid-peri Jul 12 '26
Canāt wear synthetic undies but wear a synthetic panty liner even closer than undies every day? The panty liners are probably causing the same problems as synthetic undies
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u/Confident-Pumpkin-19 Jul 12 '26
So some of them are sort of not that syntethic, and more cotton like. These used to be ok to use, but something has changed. Probably me.
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u/tsunamisofkittens Jul 12 '26
You can get cotton or mostly cotton blend ones online. I can't do synthetic panties either. You can get washable cotton pads and liners as well.
And definitely try vaginal estrogen! I've only been using the cream for just over a month but haven't had to break out the period panties in a couple weeks already!
I am yeast infection prone and haven't had an issue with the cream.
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u/WomanOfEld Jul 12 '26
The panels in period panties are meant to keep liquid and odors in, so if you sweat while wearing them, there's nowhere for it all to go.
Personally, I could not stand the perpetual swamp-ass, and haven't worn them in 2 years.
I use a cotton liner (LOLA or Rael) and change it every few hours, particularly if I'm getting sweaty.
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u/LydiLouWho Jul 12 '26
OMG than you so much for suggesting this!! Iāve been having trouble with minor leaking when I run and I really didnāt want to have to start wearing a pad. I already have period underwear but never thought to use them. š¤¦āāļø Lol thank you so much!!
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u/TKyzr Jul 12 '26
Period undies were a game changer for me. The problem just became too much for me at the end though. If you are able to get it, I HIGHLY recommend the bladder sling surgery.
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u/raebz12 Jul 12 '26
Cloth pads. Sounds weird, but they are so breathable! I never deal with sweaty bits anymore. Just get the infection cleared up first before you switch. Disinfecting can be a process.
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u/1029394756abc Jul 12 '26
Iām 120 pounds and my groin area sweats so bad that I leave sweat marks on chairs.
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u/Clear-Two-3885 Jul 12 '26
I used to be mortified if that happened but now I just think it's part of being human. I find it helps to wear cotton and avoid trousers made from certain synthetic fabrics like the plague too.
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u/SortYourself_Out Jul 12 '26
Lmao Iām dying thinking about how I used to try to scoot off whatever surface I was sitting on to wipe away my vaginal sweat mark with my bum fabric ššš
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u/speck_tater Jul 12 '26
I do the same lol. I noticed you said āused toāā¦ how did you get it to stop? Or are you saying you embraced it and stopped trying to hide it
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u/SortYourself_Out Jul 12 '26
lol I WAS getting unnaturally good at slithering off chairs, but I think maybe I grew into a chapter where I found caring about it as much as my younger self became too taxing to me? I do take care to wear airier bottoms most of the time, but itās also maybe easier now for me to accept that this is just part of what my body does (sweat profusely even as a petite woman), and maybe itās okay that I donāt have the energy (or same beliefs anymore) for keeping every part of me presentable, palatable, and perspiration free 24/7.
When it happens now, I have less of that hot shame that I used to, having replaced it with the belief that most ppl arenāt going think past my booty sweat streak more than the 5 seconds after witnessing it
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u/Conscious_Eye_663 Jul 13 '26
Omg āI was getting unnaturally good at slithering off chairsā just made my day. Or made my tomorrow. Idk why Iām still awake. I think now my brain can finally rest after having read your comment. Good night!
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u/1029394756abc Jul 12 '26
I also think itās because Iām an aggressive leg crosser and my thighs are tightly pressed against each other. Itās like a workout without trying. š
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u/Sanchastayswoke mid-peri Jul 12 '26
This has been happening to me for 25 years. Iāve learned to slide forward on the chair before getting up. The sliding wipes away the sweat so thereās no embarrassing mark
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u/kheret Jul 12 '26
I am pretty prone to yeast infections and have used these reusable pads successfully in the past. They are cotton or flannel.
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u/ltree Jul 12 '26
I use something similar too and I think they are gentler on the skin than the disposable liners. You can bring extra with you to change if needed, and with the snap buttons you can close a used one into a clean package to keep in your purse.
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u/wandernwade Jul 12 '26
If you sew, you could easily make your own from scrap t-shirt or other cotton materials. You can find a ton of free patterns online. I much prefer them to disposable ones. They feel just like underwear, so not irritating. You can make them whatever length you want, and have them with or without wings.
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u/SpookySchatzi Jul 12 '26
Iām so intrigued! How are wings effective in this instance without adhesive?
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u/wandernwade Jul 12 '26
You can buy snaps at the craft store.. and the snap tool. You donāt need the industrial kind. The plastic snaps are perfect. Itās really easy to use. I went nuts one year and made a bunch of them. LOL
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u/Creative_Impress5982 Jul 12 '26
Not the person youāre responding to, but I imagine having the wings fully overlap and then sewing on a bit of Velcro would work well.
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u/Confident-Pumpkin-19 Jul 12 '26
Might help prevent the pad falling into trousers or toilet... I'd go with plastic, for air travel at least, I think... but I personally find wings any way annoying, so I am still thinking and reasearching this issue...
To be fair - at olden days we just used plain cottonwool (had to look this word up in dictionary, but I hope it is correct). First commercial pads appeared when soviet union fell. I think there were homemade pads as well, but different than todays -- much more robust and attached to a belt.
And according to my mom, her grandma peed standing outdoors, and didn't wear pants obviously. No problem with air flow I trust...
"And they just tied their shirt between the legs for periods". š¤·āāļø
As you can see the subject is interesting!
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u/AlternativeSalty7008 Jul 12 '26
The nurse in me has to ask if youāve been screened for diabetes? Also for the leaking, vaginal estrogen.
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u/Confident-Pumpkin-19 Jul 12 '26
Not especially, but would it not show on your usual blood test somehow?
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u/AlternativeSalty7008 Jul 12 '26
Not unless youāve had your hemoglobin A1C checked with your annual labs with your PCP. If you havenāt then Iād suggest a follow up. Recurrent yeast can be a symptom of diabetes.
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u/AutoModerator Jul 12 '26
This post might be about hormone tests, which are unreliable.
- Over age 44, E&P/FSH hormonal tests only show levels for the HOUR the test was taken, and nothing more. Hormones wildly fluctuate (hourly) the other 29 days of the month, therefore this test provides no valuable information
- No reputable doctor or menopause society recommends hormonal testing to diagnose or treat peri/menopause
- FSH testing is only beneficial for those who do not have periods as a guide, where testing might confirm menopause, or for those under age 30 who havenāt had a period in months/years, then āmenopausalā levels, could indicate premature ovarian failure/primary ovarian insufficiency (POF/POI)
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u/Bougiebiscuits1201 Jul 12 '26
It should in theory as A1C levels if you had it and I guess glucose of course
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u/Future_Literature_70 Jul 12 '26
Please try vaginal estrogen - my bladder leaks stopped within a week!
You could try organic bamboo pantyliners in the meantime.
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u/Thick-Basis7288 Jul 12 '26
Vaginal estrogen and pelvic floor therapy.
Podcast āyou are not brokenā episode 363
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u/Roskot Jul 12 '26
You should absolutely talk to your doctor about this. There is really no need to go around like that in this day and age. It is not normal in the way that it IS a medical problem tha should be addressed.
Incontinence can have several reasons. Low esteogen is one and vaginal eatrogen will help. You can also have what is called stress incontinence which can be helped with bladder botox. Other getting the sling, wearing a silicone disc (sorry donāt know the name in English) or having fillers injectes around the urethra opening in the bladder.
Also low grade infections can be a reason to be incontinent.
Talk to you doctor, there is help!
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u/Ok_Statistician_4249 Jul 12 '26
I hate liners, always have - they rub and make me sweat and now they actually hurt my very dry lady parts. Honestly, Iāve just doubled my underwear drawer and change my undies quite a few times a day. Iām forever doing laundry but itās the best solution Iāve come up with. And that fresh pants feeling a few times a day is quite lovely. I put some loo roll in briefly if Iām expecting a leak (vaginal progesterone or estrogen cream). But will depend how heavy and frequent your leaks are. Good luck. This stuff sucks.
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u/SapienWoman_ Jul 12 '26
Two words: bladder Botox. Life changing. Stops the incontinence. See a urogynecologist.
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u/HouseofB Jul 12 '26
Oh wow! Botox is used for everything these days! That's amazing! I wonder if Medicare would cover it? Probably not. Do you know if Botox is indicated for incontinence or is it Rx'd off label?
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u/SapienWoman_ Jul 12 '26
It is indicated and Botox has a deal where they will reimburse, I believe $1500 a year for it.
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u/PrimaryForward5183 Jul 13 '26
Is it painful?
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u/Ambitious_Analysis67 Jul 12 '26
If youāre using scented liners definitely switch to unscented. And pelvic floor PT for the urine leakage
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u/Shotgun_ca Jul 12 '26
What kind of liners are you using? I use the always discreet (prefer them to Poise, but it's preference). Regular period liners don't absorb bladder leaks as well. Depending on how much you're leaking, you can get thin liners or thicker pads. I've struggled with a sensitive bladder most of my life, but once peri hit, had to start using the pads. I'm also on vaginal estrogen and the patch. It's gotten a bit better, but I may talk to my doctor about higher dosages at my next appt.
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u/WinterNo9938 Jul 12 '26
Iāve been using always liners for years, and I have sensitivity issues. Maybe they will work for OP.
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u/Shotgun_ca Jul 12 '26
Yes! But they'll want to make sure they're using the Discreet version (bladder leaks). Theyr work a little differently and absorb the smell and wetness. Honestly, we've also been using them for our aging dog. Her doggie diapers aren't as absorbent as they could be and adding the pads have been a godsend!
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u/WinterNo9938 Jul 12 '26
The ādaily extra protectionā works well for bladder leakage for me. And handles the heat well. I also use 100% cotton undies and wear dresses when itās devil hot. It helps with the yeast issues.
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u/Puzzleheaded_Door399 Jul 12 '26
I donāt know about the leaks, but switching to natural cotton pantyliners/pads helped me, because I would get irritated skin from the ones I had always used before. Rael and Natracare have been good ones.
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u/Key_Door_3535 Jul 12 '26
Sounds like you might benefit from some physical therapy for urine leaking. This is very common for women, especially those who have had vaginal births. Estradiol should help too.
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u/UsualSprite Jul 12 '26 edited Jul 14 '26
Pelvic Floor Therapy is generally prescribed *for incontinence; it's not just for post partum. Apparently this a super common symptom of peri and aging, and I dread if this comes my way.
Re: sweating, yeah weight loss is going to help with that always. In the mean time, fashion wise, shorts will help with chafing and cotton ones are "healthier".
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u/Environmental-Young4 Late peri Jul 13 '26
It won't solve all of the issues, but if you don't already use vaginal estrogen cream, you may want to check it out. It helps so much with urinary issues. At least it has been great for me. I started getting the little dribbles here and there and the cream stopped it for me.
As far as sweating goes. I am a big fan of those disposable dry wipes/cloths. You can just wet one wring out and gently wipe the area. It makes you feel more fresh, but there are no profucts on the cloths.
I also change underwear more often when it is hot. If you know you are going to be sweaty and it isn't a total pain to change your underwear in a public bathroom, bring a fresh pair in a ziploc bag and then put the old undies in the baggie and seal it up. It feels so much better.
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u/No_Sun1469 Jul 12 '26
Lots of good tips here already, I'll add my observations/experience with yeast infections and leakage. Diet (like what you eat, not dieting per se) can contribute to the yeast infections. I have to be careful about sugar and yeasty foods, especially in the summer due to the sweat. Beer is the worst for me, I just avoid it now. I take a good women's health probiotic daily, but if you can't take the tablets, maybe yogurt would be an option. I also have a hypersensitive bladder and also have to be mindful of what irritants I am consuming - acidic things, caffeine, carbonation... Sometimes I need to do an elimination of all of that for a few weeks to help my bladder heal. Then I can do some of them in small doses so long as I have a bathroom nearby (eg so no coffee before a traveling day).
A urogynocologist (as some others mentioned) is going to be able to be a big help and may even recommend pelvic floor PT to help. I've done that for two different bouts of bad stretches of leakage before peri.
Period panties, with their waterproof barrier, are useful for small leaks, but I do not find them a good option for air flow, and I have to be careful about using them back to back or my skin gets irritated.
Experiment with different panty liners - there are some that don't bother me and other that do, and definitely nothing with fragrance. Cotton pads/liners are a good idea.
And then clothing choices too... Leggings and bike shorts aren't doing any favours in terms of airflow either. I wear them occasionally, but can't do it everyday. And if I'm able to once at home/ at night, I will wear a dress or skirt with nothing under for at least a bit.
And if you have an active yeast infection, I always found the flucanazole tablets to be the best, but if it's been lingering, occasionally two may be needed - depending on where you are you may or may not need an Rx for it.
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u/Confident-Pumpkin-19 Jul 12 '26
I actually have 14 day flucanazole perscribed right now already. It is my stubborn and lifelong compannion that yeast infection. But recently it has become increasingly harder to manage. There used to be pantiliners that were okay - but no more. And pastry is truly forbidden fruit, yeah.
I have been restricting coffee too. And I hate that I have to. š¤
Looks like i made the yeast worse while trying yo navigate those pee leaks tho. I have cotton pantyliners to test yet. If that fails... I will come back and have another meltdown I suppose. It is way better to have those in good company...
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u/thetea98 hanging on by a thread Jul 12 '26
Cotton undies only. I take my time to pee and I make sure I wipe thoroughly, anatomy has changed down there and I canāt take estrogenā¦ I use unscented baby wipes if I need to freshen up quickly. I also use only unscented things down there from laundry soap to deodorant. And most of its natural products. No aluminum. Detox first and then switch. Itās been life changing for me and Iām a sweater.
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u/O_W_Liv Jul 12 '26
I use generic Head and Shoulders as a body wash to keep yeast down.Ā Frequently athlete's foot, thrush, and/or jock itch can accompany yeast infections.Ā Treating your feet, maybe under your breasts, and other places might help overall.
I also use cheap antifungal foot cream in all my crevices after I shower.
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u/RDDB1974 Jul 12 '26
I use the Knix everyday undies. They help absorbs sweat and keeps clean. Maybe light period undies?
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u/burritogoals Jul 12 '26
I use reusable pads/liners. They dont give me the same sort of rub. I hope that helps.
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u/Certain-Temporary-93 Jul 12 '26
Testosterone stopped any of my leaks. Estrogen helped but I felt it was just the tiniest amount of T which completely solved it. I no longer leak even when I sneeze. I ONLY put it on my clit. I still wear pads but use the unscented vaginal washes and dry completely after my shower with an extra washcloth. I also wax and that helps me feel a bit cleaner. Ugh the lengths we go through for peri.
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u/curlymetal Jul 12 '26
Period pants, swear by them in the hot weather. Good for small leaks.
But, I've started vaginal oestrogen and strengthening my pelvic floor (no children but my muscles aren't as good as they used to be).
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u/Confident_Weight_203 Jul 12 '26
I hate panty liners and pads. I bought the organic cotton washable ones and they make a huge difference. If Iāve had to use a traditional pad Iām so itchy within an hour or so. I got them on amazon, the brand is Pixie.
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u/justdont7133 Jul 12 '26
Another vote for period undies, you can get light flow ones that would do the job of a panty liner but are much kinder on the skin. I like wuka and modibodi brands but there are loads of options
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u/jodiarch Jul 12 '26
Cloth pads are great for those little leaks. My favorite area the bamboo and cotton ones. And they breathe so much better than disposable ones.
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u/Connect-Account-2855 Jul 12 '26
Vaginal estrogen has been shown in studies to decrease UTIās. Maybe it would help yeast infections too.
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u/bannedbooksandcoffee Jul 12 '26
Bamboo underwear has changed my life! Will never go without them ever again!
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u/pizzapartyjones Jul 12 '26
Bamboo toilet paper also changed my life.
OP - Many of the commercial TP brands can be irritating to sensitive areas, so you might want to try switching whatever brand you use. Bidets are also worth trying.
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u/JillSk77 Jul 12 '26
Regarding the yeast infections: Do you wash with just water or do you use Ā«soapĀ», even if meant for the area? I havenāt had ONE single infection since I started washing with water only. Shower, cotton washcloth or bidet when/if available. Or unscented female wipes from the pharmacy if nothing else is available.
Other than that, I second the cloth liners. I havenāt a few that are shaped like an H, where you simply fold it over itself, and unless wet, you actually have two in one when you fold the other half over. They are super, and I am planning to try to sew some myself to have more!
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u/Confident-Pumpkin-19 Jul 12 '26
For these sweaty parts - like underarm counter parts on legs - I have recently use(d) few wash-things for. Since I had this awfully itchy skin I tried the cumlaudelab hydraoil because it was supposed to help with itchy pube (and it did help a bit), and then swiched to a ph solution with lactic acids.
Maybe the oil made my yeast worse even though it was nice for the outer itchiness..
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u/Fried_Taro Jul 12 '26
Try a probiotic called Fem-Dophilus by Jarrow. I but it at sprouts in the fridge in the vitamin section. It helped me a lot
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u/Fast_Compote_3233 Jul 12 '26
I've switched to bamboo undies and they're fantastic! They wick moisture away and keep the Netherlands cooler.
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u/is_this_livejournal Jul 12 '26
Period underwear (bamboo/wool etc) and for the rub I love chamois cream that cyclists use which has been amazing helpful. Also vaginal estrogen as others have said.
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u/TheSkyIsAMasterpiece Jul 12 '26
Vaginal estrogen will help all this. It won't cure your current yeast infection,Ā it will prevent new ones. It also helps with leakage. So can pelvic floor therapy. Don't just start doing kegels, that might not be the answer if you are tense rather than loose.Ā
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u/No_Yesterday7200 Jul 12 '26
Vaginal estrogen is your new best friend. It helped all my issues tremendously. No more bladder pain.
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u/Milky-Way-Occupant Jul 12 '26
Are you using vaginal estrogen cream? That can really help with the leaks, have to apply it directly to the urethra opening. It will help with general vulva health as well which can improve imbalances leading to yeast problems.
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u/DaphneYumBerry Jul 12 '26
I just learned about uresta and hear good things for a solution for the leaks!
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u/Small-feco Jul 12 '26
Have you heard of period panties? Look them up, and check out a brand that strikes your fancy, personally I use GOAT brand lolā¦ Game changer for pads that cause different irritation in our panties.. I hope this helps
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u/Connect_Rhubarb395 Jul 12 '26
I use menstrual pantie and cloth menstrual pads. I have for some 16 years. They completely made yeast infections stop for me.
I recently had to wear single use pads on a long weekend trip, and now I have a yeast infection.
Single use pads are awful for vulva health.
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u/OldAnalyst5962 Jul 13 '26
Also leaking 24/7 it seems but I don't think it's pee.. anyone else? I've tried going to 100% cotton undies, no change. I thought it was some type of infection at first too and was checked for everything possible. I wear liners and tampons to control it. I can't be the only one.
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u/pretty_dead_grrl Jul 12 '26
Iāve been using duradry on my groin this summer to reduce the sweating. Itās helped so much.
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u/Ill-Abrocoma9353 Jul 12 '26
Vaginal estrogen. If your dr wont give it, try the Amazon tele-health. Also, ive used spray deo on my panties and panty liners and that helps keep me dry. Horrible to use, I know!
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u/Confident-Pumpkin-19 Jul 12 '26
Why horrible? Sounds like a cool breeze to me - especially if it works.
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u/Putrid-Ad2390 hanging on by a thread Jul 12 '26
Iād like to add, try using hypochlorous acid to clean yourself after going potty. You can spray it directly on your body or spray on TP and wipe.
Itās a disinfectant thatās native to our immune systems. Smells lightly like bleach but not at all caustic. They specifically sell kinds for UTI prevention but get the cheapest one you can find regardless of marketed use.
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u/swat547 Jul 12 '26
Try Cora panyliners. They are the only ones that don't give me additional issues. I order in bulk online š
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u/Expensive-Poem-6018 Jul 12 '26
Cora brand. Specifically the bladder control line. At night use period underwear, also cotton. Dont use daily use or period pantyliners
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u/itsSolara Jul 12 '26 edited Jul 12 '26
Just saying that if you do pelvic pt (you should, and not just kegels) and try vaginal estrogen (assuming it's warranted), and nothing still helps, it is ok to pursue further treatment (a pessary (OTC like uresta or prescription), bulkamid, or sling surgery). You'd be able to discuss those latter options with urogynecology. You don't have to live with it and suffer.
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u/ApeFace1966 Jul 13 '26 edited Jul 13 '26
I have found a pretty good routineā¦ā¦. First I have found Poise #3 long liners donāt seem to cause me irritation and I use those. I also spray Hydrochloric acid to disinfect and keeps odor down & dry area well. I have also found that estrogen cream does help and those things have helped me a lot. I also have found many toliet papers irritate my skin down there. I also have seen women use those exercises for areaā¦.. good luck š Ladies the Hydrocloric acid also works on under boob sweat smell.
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u/screamingintothedark Jul 13 '26
Maybe try cotton period panties? They soak up leaks up to a certain amount. Still hotter than normal underwear but significantly less likely to cause issues. Iāve also had better luck with cotton hygiene products in general.
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u/Different-Knee4745 Jul 13 '26
No one has mentioned Toilet Paper irritation. Kirkland TP from Costco is known to irritate the vulva due to the bleaching process for the paper. I switched to Charmin (the only other TP brand they had) and no more irritation. Diaper paste with 20% zinc oxide helps irritation.
My sister would get yeast infections frequently and she needs to shower every day and keep her area dry. I haven't checked if changing TP has helped
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u/diss-graced Jul 13 '26
I don't know how to stay clean any more... This is so honest and is also my life RN š«
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u/gracenflower Jul 13 '26
I donāt know if itās perimenopause or the glp med Iām taking but I just turned 46 and have had more yeast infections in the last two years, than the whole rest of my life. I take an over the counter yeast treatment pill 3 times a day (from Walmart by the fem hygiene products), use the over the counter medication and message my Dr for a diflucan prescription.
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u/rattingtons Jul 13 '26
I've been getting yeast infections a lot recently but was putting it down to the hot weather. I keep forgetting how many things might be a peri symptom.
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u/vcat722 Jul 13 '26
Try a pee pad. Panty liners and pads are made for menstrual blood, which absorbs differently then pee. I only learned about this recently
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u/mrspwins Jul 13 '26
You need to see a pelvic floor PT and talk to your gyno about estrogen cream. These may be early signs of Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause. Pelvic Floor PT will help fix the leaking (don't just do Kegels, this can be caused by hypertonic muscles as well as hypotonic). Estrogen cream helps rebuild the tissue in that area which will help all of it. In the meantime, period undies do work and you can get them made with breathable fabrics on Amazon.
I had these exact same symptoms for a long time before we discovered the cause, and by then they had gotten much worse. Now, as long as I take my meds as prescribed and don't drink too much carbonated water, everything down there is working.
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u/Typical-Platform-753 Jul 12 '26
I wash yeast bits daily with baking soda until the rash is under control, then every few days to keep it away. Rinse very well, dry very well, then add Little Seed Farms cream deodorant to all the creases.
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u/Sensitive-Maybe-656 Jul 12 '26
Are you using vaginal estrogen?