How to Prevent Yeast Infections

A yeast infection is caused by an overgrowth of a fungus normally found in the body. The organism Candida albicans is usually responsible for most infections. It can be caused by a variety of reasons including tight clothing, feminine products, pregnancy, diabetes, and the use of certain medications. Here are some strategies that can help you prevent yeast infections.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Towels
• Towels
• Towels

1. Dry vaginal area throughly after showering or swimming. A moist environment encourages the growth of yeast.

2. Avoid wearing tight clothing such as tight jeans, nylon panties, pantyhose, or clothing made of synthetic materials such as polyester. A tight, moist environment encourages the growth of yeast.

3. Wear cotton underwear and pantyhose with a cotton crotch.

4. Remove your wet bathing suit as soon as possible after swimming.

5. Wipe yourself after urinating or a bowel movement from front to back. This helps to avoid possible transfer of yeast from the rectum to the vagina.

6. Check diaper frequently for soiling. A moist environment encourages the growth of yeast.

7. Avoid douching. Douching disturbs normal vaginal pH balance which can lead to yeast infections.

8. Avoid use of feminine hygiene products such as feminine sprays and bubble baths. These products can be irritating to the vagina.

9. Avoid use of scented, deodorant or colored toilet paper, tampons, pads, or pantyliners. These products can be irritating to the vagina.

10. Use unscented pads and tampons during your menstrual period.

11. Use unscented and white toilet paper.

12. Eat yogurt that contains live cultures of lactobacilius acidophilis.

13. Decrease consumption of sugar. Increased sugar levels in your body causes yeast to grow faster.

Tips & Warnings

• Consult your health care provider about prophylactic treatment for yeast infections if you are taking medication that increases your chances for a yeast infection, such as antibiotics, oral contraceptives, and steriods.
• Signs and symptoms of a yeast infection include: redness and itching of the vaginal area, burning during urination, pain during intercourse, and white, cheesy, odorless discharge.
• If you suspect you are having a yeast infection for the first time, consult your health care provider for medical evaluation to be sure it is in fact a yeast infection.

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[des22]

on 10/1/2007 I've been suffering from recurring yeast infection since I've been with my current bf of 3 yrs and believe it's related to the fact that he's both diabetic (higher sugar levels-maybe in his semen) and that he is uncircumsized in conjunction with my being on the pill... as well as the fact that all those prescription meds like diflucan (which are bad for your liver anyway) and also monistat which i initally turned to,only worsened the problem by creating a strain of yeast,immune to these very specific drugs. Last week, when the discomfort started up again, I tried yogurt, acidophilus pills, garlic pills-- they helped only somewhat-enough for it to be bearable, but still not totally cured.Today I got some tea tree oil, a few drops to the top half of an olive oil-coated tampon (slid back into the applicator before insertion) and it seems to be working great! try it if u haven't!!

[Linus]

on 4/28/2007 Make sure that the cranberry juice you are drinking is not the type sold in the supermarket containing large amounts of high fructose corn syrup. That sugar will promote yeast and bacterial infections. The health food store sells cranberry concentrate which you can mix with water, and a bit of a natural sweetner like Stevia. Even Splenda will not promote the bacteria or yeast.

[dramaqueen]

on 2/16/2007 If i am just getting over a yeast infection can I still have sex with my boyfriend without anything bad happening?

Sorry for the stupid question but this is my first yeast infection.

Thanks!

on 1/28/2008 If you are having chronic yeast infections, you may be allergic to yeast. Avoid foods with yeast in them (breads) and sugary foods. Also, if you are taking iron supplements or are anemic, and having trouble with yeast, you may want to take vitamin C to help strengthen your immune system more. Monistat, is good at curing a yeast infection. Drinking lots of cranberry juice will prevent recurring yeast infections.

on 8/8/2006 When I get a yeast infection I can't use those over-the-counter creams because it irritates my vagina. I always end up with a swollen crotch. It is my suggestion to any woman that is experiencing her first yeast infection to try inserting plain, no sugar added yogurt into the vagina overnight. This is an amazing home remedy that I swear by.