Yeast Infections.
Yes, they mostly plague women, and they plague most women (75%). But they can also plague men, although this is much more rare.
This may not connect to BDSM, but it certainly connects to sex. And with our sex life at a grounding halt, our BDSM life followed suit.
First, there is a lot of much-known information on yeast infections in women. They can be caused by pregnancy, diabetes, HIV, taking antibiotics, and a host of other unknown causes. Most women (75% of them) will have a yeast infection in their lifetimes, and once you get it once, it's easier to get them again. Many women start experiencing the symptoms between 16 and 35, and many others during menopause, pregnancy, or some other hormonal fluctuation that affects healthy yeast cells in the vagina.
What is not so well-known about yeast infections is the following. First, men are at risk for it, too, so if your partner starts showing redness, itching, and swelling in the genital area, you might want to get him a good antifungal cream, too. Luckily for him, this is pretty rare. Also, yeast is not "bad" for the vagina. Healthy vaginas have yeast, but yeast infections occur when there is too much yeast. This can be caused by a decrease of other healthy yeast-inhibiting bacteria(caused by douching) or by an increase of yeast (caused by hormonal fluctuations or a chemical imbalance in the vagina.)
Here are some causes of too much yeast in the vagina:
- douching
- using scented soaps, pads, tampons, or bubble bath
- using menstrual products with deodorant on them
- fluctuations in blood sugar (diabetes, change in diet, etc.)
- fluctuations in immune system (antibiotics, HIV, AIDS, etc.)
- fluctuations in hormones (pregnancy, menopause, PMS, medications, etc.)
- using lubricants with glycerin or sugar
- wearing tight clothing that restricts air flow to the genitals
- remaining in a wet bathing suit too long
- not drying genitals properly after showering or bathing
- wiping from back to front (bringing anal yeast into the vulva)
- using feminine hygiene sprays, scented sprays or wipes, etc.
- playing with food in or near the vagina (upsets the chemical balance)
Another clue it's a yeast infection and not something else? Other remedies won't work. At-home treatments for itchy, red vulvas like soaking in a warm bath with apple cider vinegar or salt will offer temporary relief, but no more. Over-the-counter meds like Vagisil won't do a bit of good. If you're like me, before you figure out what's wrong, you'll spend days lounging around the house wearing nothing but a t-shirt, legs spread open to keep the area dry and as itch-free as humanly possible. If you absolutely MUST go out, you'll settle for a long, flowing skirt with no underwear, because the idea of making that area hot, wet, and itchy is just too darn painful to consider.
Trust me, it's no fun.
You may want to consider staying away from sex, although you'll probably do that, anyway. Itchy, painful vulvas and vaginas don't generally make for sexually charged women.
It is my unprofessional opinion that BDSM activities put us women more at risk for yeast infections as well. Since 75% of us will get one, anyway, I'm not saying we wouldn't get them if we stayed vanilla, but it seems to me that the more you are experimenting with flavored lubes, fisting, food near the genitals, and toys, the more at risk you are for accidentally upsetting your body's natural balance. Just be careful to keep everything clean and you should be okay.
In the end, the best solution is a trip to your doctor. If you're like me, however, currently drifting amid the uninsured because I can't convince a health insurance company to take on a depressed person, that isn't an option. Thankfully, for the mere price of your dignity at your local grocery store, we can get over-the-counter meds that boast 1, 3, or 7 applications til a cure. And frankly, after having fists and dildos and vibes stuck up there, that tiny, thin little applicator is a joke. It's painless and cheap (under $20 for all brands at my store) once you've completed the Walk of Shame to the counter. And frankly, they're never going to see you again, so what do you care?
You don't. You are too darn eager to get home, use it, and feel the blessed relief. And then, finally, in a few days or so, you and your partner can be at it again, happily beating or torturing or humiliating or whatever it is that brings joy to your life. Amen.
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