Ask a doctor on the topic of Dermatology

Vaginal yeast infection

January 8, 2014 | 15,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Frauke Gehring

Dear Sir or Madam,

On December 25th, I went to the hospital because I had a tingling and itching sensation in my lower abdomen. The doctor couldn't find anything wrong, as I was on my period. Due to the fact that I had to take antibiotics two weeks prior, it could have been a yeast infection. I treated it with suppositories and cream. My gynecologist has been on vacation and had no available appointments. The nice nurse said that it could still be normal after this amount of time (since I only took 4 suppositories and just used cream the rest of the time) and prescribed me 6 more suppositories with cream. It's just an unbearable feeling that accompanies me every day and drives me crazy. The so-called doctor's appointment was on January 6, 2014. Can it really last this long, even though I'm following all the instructions? I don't want it to become chronic. Is there anything else I can do and could it still be a yeast infection? I don't want to have to endure this anymore.

Dr. med. Frauke Gehring

Good evening,

I am surprised that the "nice medical assistant" simply issued you a prescription! She is not authorized to do so, and I wonder if she had blank prescription forms available?? That would also be prohibited.

And rightfully so, because one can certainly treat such symptoms with suspicion of a yeast infection on their own, but it should have improved significantly after 4 suppositories! Therefore, it was pointless to continue taking more suppositories and antifungal cream.

It is likely that you are suffering from a bacterial vaginal infection or another infection (e.g. trichomoniasis). Therefore, you cannot avoid an examination, which you should schedule promptly. In cases like this, your gynecologist is obligated to give you a quick appointment!

You should of course refrain from sex, as it will likely be painful and you could infect your partner.

All the best!

Dr. Höllering