For at least three years, I have been fluctuating between a yeast infection, a fungal infection and a urinary tract infection. Doctors prescribe Flagyl, but the cycle just continues. My last doctor said I had a classic yeast infection, but when he took a sample, it came back fungal. Since the prescriptions haven't been effective, I have followed cleanliness and sex rules and have tried apple cider vinegar, yogurt, cranberry pills, acidophilus and boric acid. I did have chemotherapy right before this started. Is there anything I can do? Should I just live with it and buy stock in Uristat? --T.M.

Yeast is a type of fungus, so it sounds as if you did have a yeast infection last time. Some women have the bad luck of getting frequent yeast infections, often associated with their periods. Using a short course of an over-the-counter cream or Diflucan each month can be helpful in this case.

In your case, the chemotherapy probably caused suppression of your immune system, which in turn made you more susceptible to infections. Treatment of those infections can alter the normal vaginal environment, leading to more infections; this vicious cycle can be difficult to break. Taking acidophilus regularly may help. You should also be screened for diabetes and HIV, two conditions that are also associated with frequent vaginal infections.

Because you have been dealing with this so long, you may want to see a gynecologist who has a special interest in difficult vaginal infections. There are several medical centers across the country with special vaginitis clinics. Your gynecologist should be able to direct you to the closest.