Persistent vaginal infections can be both frustrating and worrisome, leaving most women feeling helpless when repeated treatments fail to provide relief. It’s one thing to get a vaginal infection, but it’s another when, despite following doctors’ orders, stubborn infections return over and over.
Understanding the underlying causes of recurrent infections is necessary to find lasting solutions. Factors such as misdiagnosis, antibiotic resistance, and antibiotics can all play a role. Here are 5 surprising reasons why your vaginal infection won’t go away.
Reason #1: Your Vaginal Infection Was Misdiagnosed
With such similar symptoms, it’s unsurprising that yeast infections, BV, and candida have a high rate of being misdiagnosed; for example, a yeast infection may be confused for bacterial vaginosis (BV) or vice versa. In a study that looked at 220 vaginal samples, errors in misdiagnosis for BV and Candida (the most common yeast infection in the vagina)were high. And self-diagnosis wasn’t much better. A study examining the accuracy of women diagnosing their own yeast infections found they only had a 64 percent accuracy rate. For self-diagnosing BV, accuracy was down to 56 percent.
Reason #2: You’re Taking the Wrong Medication for Your Vaginal Infection
Even with a correct diagnosis, obtaining the right medication can be challenging. For bacterial vaginosis (BV), antibiotics like metronidazole and clindamycin are typically the first choice. However, specific types of BV may respond better to different antibiotics, especially when antibiotic resistance is considered.
Additionally, some antibiotics (particularly clindamycin) can disrupt the beneficial bacteria in your vaginal microbiome, increasing the risk of another infection. Similarly, while most yeast infections are caused by Candida albicans, other yeast strains may be present and some often do not respond to commonly prescribed antifungals. Some women may require a prescription for a less commonly prescribed antifungal agent, especially if the infection is caused by a fluconazole-resistant Candida species.
Reason #3: You’re on Antibiotics
If you’re taking an antibiotic, it could potentially wreak havoc on your vagina. Certain antibiotics eliminate the good bacteria down there. And when those protective bacteria are no longer present, you’re left more vulnerable to yeast infections and BV. For women who are susceptible to repeat yeast infections, a dose of oral fluconazole when you start and end antibiotics may help.
Reason #4: Bacteria Has Formed a Biofilm
Harmful bacteria can form a biofilm in the vagina, making it more difficult to treat bacterial vaginosis (BV). This complex process requires further research, but it’s believed that biofilms increase bacteria resistance to antibiotics, contributing to recurrent infections. Everyday factors like douching, wearing wet clothing, stress, and hormonal changes can also contribute to recurrent infections.
New treatment strategies are being explored, including probiotics, prebiotics, antiseptics, and plant-based, natural products.
If you’re experiencing recurring vaginal infections, consult your doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
