This Woman Spent A Year Trying To Find The Cause Of Her Unrelenting Yeast Infection, Turns Out The Culprit Was Something We Use Every Day.
As a woman (and anyone with a vulva), a yeast infection is one of the most uncomfortable things we can deal with. The most common type of infection – affecting up to 75% of women at some point in their lives – including symptoms of itching, pain or discomfort when urinating, irregular vaginal discharge, and possible pain during sex.
Although there are many precautions to prevent yeast infections, sometimes the symptoms appear in others, leaving many women frustrated and confused. Unfortunately, that’s what happened to 30-year-old Jeneka Jool (@jenekajool). In a video that is now going viral, the content creator shared his experience with chronic yeast infections. The real kicker here is some type of household item that we all have in our homes that caused it. Yes, I am still confused by this!!!
At the beginning of her video, Jeneka explains that she had yeast infections that didn’t go away for a year. “I’ve tried everything – trying to improve my sleep, eat less sugar, change the fabric of my underwear, go commando, change my lube, change my condoms. I was ready to change my relationship status because I thought it was all on the inside. My life has changed on the outside my man, he has to go, and I love him so much, but I also love having skin on my vulva.”
“I asked my partner if he was willing to change the soap he was using to reduce the variables, and he agreed, but it didn’t change anything for us. We also discussed suspending our sex life for a while until the end. I always thought my partner was innocent,” Jeneka told BuzzFeed.
“There are many artificial substances that can disrupt the natural ecosystem and pH balance of the vagina – laundry detergents, junk food or high sugar, chronic illness, the fabric of your underwear, your period, menstrual products you use, soaps and body washes, -antibiotics and medicines, lubricants and condoms, your partner’s semen (if you have sex with men or people with a penis), saliva…the list is endless, that’s why it’s very important to get checked regularly, get a second opinion and do your research if you feel something is wrong,” he continued.
Jeneka took the necessary steps to find out what was causing her persistent yeast infection. Dr. Michael Reed, a board-certified OB-GYN, explained in detail what causes a yeast infection in the first place. “Yeast infections are often caused by an imbalance in the private microbiome, which allows Candida, a naturally occurring yeast, to overgrow. Causes can range from hormonal changes and antibiotic use to lifestyle factors such as diet or stress,” she told BuzzFeed.
“Everyday irritants, such as scented menstrual products, bubble baths, or washes with harsh chemicals, may contribute by causing inflammation or disrupting the natural defenses of the female genitalia. External factors such as prolonged exposure to wet clothes or high levels of chlorine in hot tubs can cause conditions favorable conditions for yeast growth,” he added.
Jeneka explained to BuzzFeed, “I was mixing the yeast infection cycle with my period, and that’s not the way to live. The only time I got relief was during my period, and the itching afterwards was so intense and uncomfortable to the point of tears.”
“Despite all of this, I never went into a deep, deep state of grief because I had my Pap smears three times a year, urine samples, blood tests, and even an ultrasound with negative results, but I always questioned the idea of whether or not life with yeast infections was manageable and that how can happiness come into the equation,” he added.
Jeneka was given antibiotics by her doctor, but they only gave her temporary relief. “I was informed that a possible side effect of the antibiotics was yeast infections, which seemed to be of little benefit if you ask me. I’m also a natural person, so you know I DO respond to meds. I just got fed up and had exhausted all my other options,” she said.
In her video, Jeneka explained how she finally discovered the cause of the yeast infection when, one night, the itching and scratching became too much for her. “So I go do my Google and find myself on a Reddit page filled with thousands of women and vulva owners who also had chronic yeast infections. Want to know what the common theme was in the group?”
I sat on the edge of my seat, waiting for Jeneka to continue her video. “Toilet paper!! I changed my toilet paper, and nary an inch or scratch will be found in three and a half weeks,” he explained in his viral video.
It should be noted that he was exclusively using Costco Kirkland Signature 2-ply Bath Tissue, 30-pack count.
Let that sink in for a while.
Jeneka has thrown away her toilet paper and now only uses the bidet. He never found out what it was about the toilet paper he was using that was causing him such bad yeast infections. “However, my belief is that the culprit resides in the fibers and the chemicals themselves. I may not know which compounds caused the problem, but I do know that I no longer feel the urge to go inside my body.”
“Although it is rare for toilet paper to be the direct cause of yeast infections, certain ingredients or manufacturing processes may contribute to the irritation. Many toilet papers, especially those that are mass-produced, may contain chemicals such as bleach or perfumes. For people with sensitive skin, these supplements can disrupt the private microbiome, creating an environment where yeast or other bacteria can thrive,” added Dr. Reed.
“Many toilet papers, including those from big brands like Costco, are designed to be hypoallergenic. However, sensitivity is individual. In some cases, it’s possible that switching to a lighter, unscented, unbleached paper can reduce irritation. Chronic. Yeast infection can also be caused other underlying factors, such as hormonal fluctuations or the use of antibiotics, so it is important to address this issue completely,” he said.
Jeneka’s video not only has more than 3 million views, for good reason, it also received 13,000 comments – most of which are related to her story.
This problem is very common!
We may all have to boycott toilet paper.
This woman was so surprised that she couldn’t even speak!
When asked about the negative response to her video, Jeneka said, “There’s a reason why 3.7 million people watched that video and took the time to share, comment, or thank me, and it’s because the experience was shared. I’m happy that I can be a face and a space that people go to for exposure and to feel normal.” in the natural phenomena of the body.”
“The more we have open conversations about what society has deemed ‘disgusting’ and the trials women and vulva owners face on a regular basis, the more we feel empowered to be in our bodies with confidence and without shame. When I carry my abuse. labias online (metaphorically, of course) make even one person feel less alone and informed, I will,” he added.
You can watch Jeneka’s full TikTok video here.
“Everyone is different, and while toilet paper may be the cause of yeast infection for some people, it may not be the cause for everyone. To prevent infections, focus on creating an environment that supports balance. Choose hypoallergenic personal care and fragrance. products, wash underwear with mild detergents, and prioritize breathable fabrics such as cotton Simple changes, such as changing wet clothes quickly and managing stress, can make a big difference Additionally, adding probiotics—can with food or supplements – it helps to maintain the levels of healthy bacteria while avoiding douching and other unnecessary personal products protecting the natural ecosystem,” explained Dr.
Have you experienced a similar situation? Share your story with me in the comments below – this is a safe place!