As a woman (and anyone with a vulva), a yeast infection is one of the most uncomfortable things we can experience. It’s a very common type of infection — affecting up to 75% of women at some point in their lives — that includes symptoms of itching, pain or discomfort while urinating, abnormal vaginal discharge, and possible pain during sex.
While over-the-counter medicines for yeast infections might work for some (they never helped me), an oral or topical antibiotic is usually prescribed by an OB-GYN to clear up symptoms.
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While there are many precautions to prevent yeast infections, sometimes the symptoms routinely appear for some, leaving many women frustrated and confused. Unfortunately, that’s what happened to 30-year-old Jeneka Jool (@jenekajool). In a now-viral video, the content creator shared her experience of getting chronic yeast infections. The real kicker here is that a specific brand of a household item we all have in our homes caused them. Yes, I am still baffled by this!!!
At the beginning of her video, Jeneka explains how she was experiencing chronic yeast infections for a year. “I have tried everything — trying to enhance my sleep, eating less sugar, changing the fabric of my underwear, going commando, changing my lube, changing my condoms. I was just about ready to change my relationship status because I thought if everything in my life has changed except my man, he gotta go, and I love him bad, but I also like having skin on my vulva.”
“I asked my partner if he was willing to change the soap he used just to narrow down some variables, and he was receptive, but it didn’t change anything for us. We also discussed putting our sex life on hold temporarily until a conclusion was drawn, which was a no-brainer, and even then, I was reoccurring, which solidified that the loving man I always assumed my partner was was not at fault,” Jeneka told BuzzFeed.
“There are so many substances and synthetics that can disrupt the natural ecosystem and pH balance of the vagina — laundry detergent, poor diet or lots of sugar, chronic illness, the fabric of your underwear, your period, the menstrual products you use, soaps and body wash, antibiotics and medications, lubricant and condoms, your partner’s semen (if you’re someone who sleeps with men or people with penises), saliva…the list is endless, which is why it’s so important to do routine check-ups, get a second opinion and do your research if you’re intuition is telling you something is wrong,” she continued.
Jeneka took the right precautions to figure out what was causing her ongoing yeast infections. Dr. Michael Reed, a board-certified OB-GYN, further elaborated on what exactly causes yeast infections in the first place. “Yeast infections often result from an imbalance in the vaginal microbiome, allowing Candida, a naturally occurring yeast, to overgrow. Triggers can range from hormonal shifts and antibiotic use to lifestyle factors like diet or stress,” he told BuzzFeed
“Everyday irritants, such as scented menstrual products, bubble baths, or laundry detergents with harsh chemicals, may also contribute by causing inflammation or disrupting the vagina’s natural defenses. External factors like prolonged exposure to damp clothing or high chlorine levels in hot tubs can create favorable conditions for yeast growth,” he added.
Close up of legs of a woman
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Jeneka explained to BuzzFeed, “I was tethering between a cycle of yeast infections and my period, and that truly is no way to live. The only time I’d experienced relief was during menstruation, and the itching afterward was so intense and uncomfortable to the point of tears.”
“Despite all of this, I never fell into a deep, deep state of anguish because I had done my tri-annual Pap smear, urine samples, blood tests, and even an ultrasound with negative results, but I frequently revisited the thought of whether or not a life with revolting yeast infections was manageable and how pleasure would fit into the equation,” she added.
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Jeneka was prescribed antibiotics by her doctor, but they only provided temporary relief for her. “I was informed that a potential side effect of the antibiotics was yeast infections, which seemed a little counterproductive if you ask me. I am also someone who prefers the natural route, so you know I’m DESPERATE if I’m taking medication. I was just so fed up and had exhausted all of my other options,” she said.
In her video, Jeneka explained how she finally discovered the culprit of the yeast infection when, one night, the itching and scratching became too much for her. “So I go and do my Googles and stumble upon a Reddit page full of thousands of women and vulva owners who were also experiencing chronic yeast infections. Do you want to know what the common theme in the group was?”
I sat on the edge of my seat, waiting for Jeneka to continue in her video. “Toilet paper!! I changed my toilet paper, and nary an inch or a scratch to be found in three and a half weeks,” she explained in her viral video.
It’s to be known that she was specifically using the Costco Kirkland Signature 2-ply Bath Tissue, 30-pack count.
Let that sink in for a moment.
Jeneka has since ditched her toilet paper and now solely uses a bidet. She never found out what it was about the toilet paper that she was using that caused such bad yeast infections for her. “However, my belief is that the culprit resides in the fibers and chemicals themselves. I may not know what compounds created the problem, but I do know that I no longer feel like clawing my way inside my own body.”
Jeneka also explained how she “switched from tampons to a menstrual cup nearly a decade ago for several reasons, one of them being that I didn’t feel safe inserting or using products that require bleaching, so I reckon that the process of producing toilet paper is quite similar to obtain the white coloring.”
@jenekajool / Via tiktok.com
“While it’s unusual for toilet paper to be the direct cause of chronic yeast infections, certain ingredients or manufacturing processes can potentially contribute to irritation. Many toilet papers, especially those made in bulk, might contain chemicals like bleach or fragrances. For individuals with sensitive skin, these additives could disrupt the vaginal microbiome, creating an environment where yeast or other bacteria can thrive,” added Dr. Reed.
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“Most toilet papers, including those from major brands like Costco, are designed to be hypoallergenic. However, sensitivities are highly individual. In some cases, it’s possible that switching to a simple, fragrance-free, and unbleached paper could reduce irritation. Chronic yeast infections can also result from other underlying factors, like hormonal fluctuations or antibiotic use, so it’s important to approach this issue holistically,” he said.
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Jeneka’s video not only has over 3 million views, for good reason, it also garnered over 13,000 comments — many of which relate to her story.
This problem is so common!
We might need to all boycott toilet paper.
The woman was too stunned to speak!
When asked about the wild response to her video, Jeneka said, “There’s a reason why 3.7 million people have viewed that video and taken the time to share, comment, or thank me, and it’s because the experience is shared. I’m elated that I can be the face and space people go to for disclosure and to feel normal in the natural bodily happenings.”
“The more we have an open dialogue about the things that society has deemed ‘disgusting’ and the ordeals that women and vulva owners undergo regularly, the more we can feel empowered to exist within our bodies confidently and shame-free. If bearing my tormented labias online (metaphorically, of course) makes even one person feel less alone and more informed, I’ll do it every single time,” she added.
You can watch Jeneka’s full TikTok video here.
“Everybody is different, and while toilet paper might be the culprit for some people’s yeast infections, it might not be the cause for everyone. To prevent infections, focus on creating an environment that supports balance. Opt for hypoallergenic and fragrance-free personal care products, wash underwear with gentle detergents, and prioritize breathable fabrics like cotton. Simple changes, like changing out of wet clothes promptly and managing stress, can make a big difference. Additionally, incorporating probiotics—whether through food or supplements — helps maintain healthy bacteria levels while avoiding douching and other unnecessary vaginal products protects the natural ecosystem,” explained Dr. Reed.
Have you experienced something similar? Share your story with me in the comments below — this is a safe space!