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Last Updated:
Sep 10th, 2007 - 18:59:21
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Question
I am a 22 year old female with a history of frequent yeast infections. Recently I had my honeymoon and was due to start my period that week. I did a little research and found that it is safe to skip the placebo pills and go straight into my new pack of pills, so I did so. About four days after starting the new pack, I started my period. I experienced immediate vaginal irritation. The period is not normal, it has been going on for a week. It is extremely dark, almost black, and I am beginning to develop a rash on my vagina. This is accompanied by SEVERE itching and swelling, and irritation upon urination. It feels like a really bad yeast infection. Is this from messing with my pills? Is it possible to start the yeast infection medicine while I am still menstruating? It is very painful and I cannot call the doctor for two more days. If you can help in any way, please do!
Thanks, Anna
Answer
Congratulations on your new marriage! I do not think your vaginal infection is related to taking your pills in a longer than usual cycle. However, yeast infections occur commonly with birth control pills taken in any fashion. It is also not unusual to get a vaginal or urine infection on a honeymoon, due to increased sexual activity causing irritation in the presence of bacteria or yeast. There are two common types of vaginal infections (in addition to sexually transmitted diseases). They are yeast and bacterial vaginal infections. You could treat yourself with an over the counter yeast preparation until you saw your doctor, and begin during your period if your infection is severe. The worst that could occur would be making it a bit more difficult for your doctor to diagnose your vaginal infection. Also, soaking in a bathtub in warm water a couple of times a day can decrease swelling due to "overdoing" sexual activity. You might need to be tested for a bladder infection also. The bladder and urethral irritation after a honeymoon is so common it is called " HONEYMOON cystitis". The darkness of your menstrual blood is not significant. If you alter your pills or the way you take your pills, the lining of your uterus during your period might look different.
You might consider using natural family planning (NFP) rather than pills, as it is free of the side effect of increased yeast infections, as well as avoiding exposing your body to high doses of artificial hormones. The increased intimacy experienced by many couples with NFP might help get your marriage off to a wonderful start. There is an excellent new book on one couple's experience with NFP by Samuel and Bethany Torode, called Open Embrace, that can be ordered through the CANFP web site.
Dr. Mary Davenport is an obstetrician-gynecologist in private practice in El Sobrante, California.
She graduated from Tufts University School of Medicine and completed her residency at the University of California, San Diego.
Dr. Davenport is also a Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
She has an NFP-only medical practice and is a Medical Consultant in Natural Family Planning.
She is a board member for CANFP and the American Association of Pro-Life OBGyn's.
© Copyright 2005 by CANFP
The information on this page and web site is for informational purposes only,
and is not a substitute for medical diagnosis and treatment by a physician.
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