Soap & Yeast Infections

Soap can lead to or aggravate yeast infections.

Vaginal yeast infections are often caused by an imbalance between the natural, helpful bacteria of the vagina and vaginal yeast. Your normal vaginal bacterial flora prevent yeast overgrowth, but some soaps can cause changes to occur in the vagina that can lead to a yeast infection.

Soaps can Cause Irritation

Using harsh soaps in the vaginal area can irritate skin around the vagina, causing chemical imbalances that favor yeast growth over the growth of good bacteria.

Additives in Soaps can Be Harmful

Many soap additives are known to cause yeast infections or make them worse.

Avoid Antibacterial Soap

Soap can kill beneficial bacteria, which can lead to yeast overgrowth. Using antibacterial soap in the vaginal area is especially harmful to the population of good bacteria in the vagina.

Choose a Mild Soap

Choose a mild soap without perfumes or additives for washing the vaginal area.

Soap Alternatives

Alternatively, many companies make non-soap products specifically for cleansing the vaginal area. Check the feminine care aisle of your grocery store or pharmacy to see if these products are available in your area.

References

• Candida Albicans and Soap Additives
• Causes of Yeast Infections

Resources

• A list of soap additives to avoid