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The Rash That Crashed An Italian Adventure
This following story is a 100% true cautionary tale about my dear friend whose family vacation was somewhat compromised due to her yeast infection not getting properly solved prior to departing America.
During my friend’s last week at home before departing to Europe for over a month, she spent ample time sunbathing and swimming as wanted to look and feel her best for the journey ahead.
Since she was leaving for such a prolonged time it also meant she had to soak up as many moments with her boyfriend as she could. Unfortunately this combination of nonstop swimming & swooning led her to develop a yeast infection. She knew something was wrong so she went to her gynecologist to receive tests for a UTI and a yeast infection.
Sadly, the gynecology office took over a week to get back to her and it wasn’t until multiple days into her travel that she received the news of a positive yeast infection test.
She felt uncomfortable, itchy, and overall sick, though she didn’t want to spoil the rest of the family’s plans so she kept quiet assuming they couldn’t notice, until one day, the infection made itself known.
The yeast infection had started to spread and my friend’s entire body was soon covered with a red uncomfortable rash. She was not only experiencing physical symptoms by this rash but she was also embarrassed to be out in public looking this way.
It was a complicated and long process to try and receive the correct medication for her situation. She tried a cream at a nearby Italian drugstore, and when that did not work she went to five other local drug stores near and far, with her father, trying to find an alternate solution while showing her diagnosis.
It wasn’t until her family moved locations to a larger city, two whole weeks later, that she was able to consult with a hospital. Even then, they were not sure what to prescribe and she had to do her own research and ask for a specific medication.
This story truly highlights the urgency of getting both tested and treated immediately when you are feeling onset symptoms to prevent spreading, and prolonged pain. Going forward, my friend has since been stocked up on our yeast infection tests, so she will never leave the country before receiving instant access to care again and treatment.
Google can be very misleading with at home remedies.
That is a lesson I have learned countless times before with at home hair dying, face masks, and more; but nothing solidified that lesson further than when my best friend and I turned to douching.
We both had serious boyfriends at the time and were having sex frequently. We were very open to talking about our sex lives and we would always share tips and tricks to improve the experience. One thing we were always conscious about was odor and cleanliness. We never wanted to feel embarrassed and always wanted to feel confident so we turned to the internet and tried many different outlets that were in our reach at home.
One day as we were walking the aisles of CVS together we saw douches and remembered seeing them as a great option to keeping your vagina at its healthiest state, so of course, we decided to try it. From the packaging, our understanding was that it just gives a thorough clean, and there are no real downsides to trying it.
We were wrong!
After we got back to our dorms we were excited to try our new product so we went to the communal bathrooms and were dying of laughter from a few showers away about how we get so easily persuaded into these things.
The next morning is when we realized that we made a big mistake.
We were both dealing with the itchiest, most uncomfortable situation we have ever endured. We texted each other during class so confused what happened and wondering if we did something wrong.
It turned out that douching can actually cause an overgrowth of harmful bacteria that can cause you to develop a yeast infection.
After class we made our way to the health center and had to sheepishly admit what we had done as well as call our moms so they were aware what the medication charge was for.
Thankfully any young women who get bold with online suggestions can now purchase SheMed’s Bundle and be prepared for any aftermath from the comfort of your own home.
Our menstrual cycles are indeed a marvel of the female body. However, let's face it – they aren't always a walk in the park. Beyond just our periods, our energy levels, emotions, and even susceptibility to specific issues fluctuate throughout the month.
The fantastic thing is that understanding these rhythmic shifts can help us feel more in sync with our bodies. Incorporating small, grounding rituals can ease discomfort and build a healthier relationship with this natural process.
The Four Phases & Your Inner Seasons
Let's break down the four main phases of your menstrual cycle and what you might experience using the seasons as a guide:
Menstruation (Days 1-7 approx.): Your Winter
- Think of this as your season of rest and shedding. Cramps, fatigue, and a more inward focus are typical.
- Grounding Rituals: Think warm baths, comfy clothes, gentle yoga, and journaling to process emotions.
Follicular Phase (Days 7-14 approx.): Your Spring
- Like nature, you're blossoming! As estrogen rises, you'll likely have more energy and a brighter mood.
- Grounding Rituals: Channel your focus through creative projects, invigorating exercise, and socializing.
Ovulation (Around day 14): Your Summer
- You're radiant! You might feel super outgoing and confident as your energy peaks.
- Grounding Rituals: Time to shine! Dance, tackle those challenging tasks, and connect with loved ones.
Luteal Phase (Days 15-28 approx.): Your Autumn
- You're winding down. PMS symptoms might appear, and you'll naturally crave more quiet and rest.
- Grounding Rituals: Gentle walks in nature, calming hobbies, sleep, and aromatherapy can offer peace.
A Healthy Cycle, A Healthy You
While some discomfort may be expected with your period, infections can pop up sometimes. Your changing hormones make you more prone to UTIs or yeast infections at certain times in your cycle. Always follow good hygiene: gentle washing, breathable undies, and peeing after sex!
If you are feeling off, our Women's Health Kits (UTI and Yeast/BV) are convenient and offer discreet relief. If infections are recurrent, though, be sure to see your doctor.
The Power of Ritual & Self-Care
- Track Your Cycle: Get to know your unique rhythms. There are great apps such as Flo (https://flo.health/): and Clue (https://helloclue.com/ for this.
- Listen to Your Body: Need extra sleep? Craving chocolate? Honor what your body is telling you.
- Be Kind: It's okay if you're not always 100%. Honor those emotions and treat yourself with compassion.
Remember, your menstrual cycle is a potent force of nature within you. Embrace those ebbs and flows, and you'll discover more profound harmony with your unique body!
To purchase or learn more about our Women’s Health Kits, go here and follow us on Instagram to keep caught up on new product launches, exclusives, women’s health tips, and more. @SheMed_official.