How to Prevent Vaginitis

Vaginitis is an uncomfortable disorder that causes infection, irritation, redness or soreness of the vagina and vaginal area. There are many forms of this common female health issue. Follow these steps to prevent vaginitis and avoid discomfort.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Practice good hygiene. After you use the restroom, wipe from front to back so that you do not spread bacteria to the vagina. Never let anything touch your vaginal area that has touched your rectal area. Wash your hands and bathe often.
2. Wear the right clothing. Wear loose fitting clothes and limit the time spent in tight clothes such as work-out gear, pantyhose or tight jeans. Also only wear cotton panties and try to go without underwear when you sleep at night.
3. Be fragrance-free. Keep perfumes and fragrances away from your vaginal area. Typical products to avoid include bubble bath, shower gel, scented tampons and pads, sprays, soaps and lotions.
4. Cut down on irritation. Try to only wear pads or tampons during your actual period. Do not douche. If you feel that you are getting vaginitis, refrain from scratching your vaginal area, despite the itching.
5. Eat plenty of yogurt. Yogurt has active cultures that have been proven to help women avoid vaginitis.
6. Have safe sex. Yeast infections and other forms of vaginitis can actually be passed back and forth between sexual partners. So even if you are in a monogamous relationship, use condoms if you are prone to infection.

Tips & Warnings

• Learn to identify the symptoms of vaginitis. See "How to Identify Symptoms of Vaginitis," under related eHows.
• Find out how to treat vaginitis. (See "How to Treat Vaginitis," under related eHows.)
• If you are already being treated for vaginitis, complete your course of medication even if it seems that you are getting better.
• Never have sex during the treatment for vaginitis until you are symptom free.
• Limit the use of petroleum jelly and oils in the vagina area because they can encourage bacteria growth.