Yeast infections affect millions of women every year. A yeast infection is not a serious medical threat but it can be very irritating to the women suffering through it. There are preventative steps a woman can take as well as ways to deal with a yeast infection after a doctor has diagnosed it. Read on to learn more.
Sweating profusely creates a warm, humid environment. This warm and humid environment is conducive to the development of yeast. It is best to put on clothes that are made from cotton or something that is natural. Natural fabrics can breathe quite well and that helps keep moisture caused by sweat from building up. Stay away from spandex, Lycra and nylon. Synthetic materials don’t breathe, creating a sweaty and warm environment.
Avoid using any scented products near the vagina. Women who use scented pads or any scented feminine washes can create a PH imbalance in the vagina. This will make favorable conditions for Candida Albicans to grow, which is a fungus causing yeast infections. It is best to use unscented pads and just simple water to wash in private areas.
Make sure you dry yourself very thoroughly after bathing and showering to prevent yeast infections. Yeast thrive in moist environments, including folds of skin found almost anywhere on the body. Gently pat the skin dry with an absorbent towel, and then apply body powder to these areas to absorb even more moisture.
Fancy underwear can lead to yeast infections. Plain old cotton will keep you dry, whereas the nylons and lace of fancy panties hold in your body’s moisture. That creates a breeding ground for yeast and can give you another infection, so stick with comfortable cotton!
Keep your vaginal area dry and clean. Yeast infections are more likely to occur if you do not. Be sure to wash regularly. Wear absorbent panties, like cotton. This will help to keep your vaginal area dry throughout the day, thus decreasing the likelihood of you developing a yeast infection.
Did you know that the bacteria in plain yogurt can help fight a yeast infection? It is true, but it has to be unsweetened yogurt. Yeast feeds on sugar and yogurt will not be helpful if it contains sugar. You can even use it as a topical treatment by dipping a tampon in yogurt.
If a yeast infection hits you every time you get a period, start being proactive. Grab a few acidophilus pills prior to your period, then take some more once the period ends. This will alleviate if not eliminate all signs of yeast infections. Hopefully, by using this method, you can stop an infection before it starts.
If you use lubricants during intercourse, avoid those that are petroleum-based. These lubricants can irritate the vaginal area and cause yeast infections to form. If you need to use a lubricant when having intercourse because of vaginal dryness, use one that will not give you a yeast infection, such as water-based ones.
Sugar will fuel your yeast infection and make it worse. If you have developed a yeast infection, it is best that you stay away from any kind of sugar food. Do not drink soda, eat candy bars and stay away from foods too rich in carbs too. Making healthy changes to your diet will make the infection go away faster.
It is important to wear loose-fitting clothes to help treat and prevent yeast infections. Yeast infections are more likely to occur, and irritation during an infection will increase if your clothes are too tight. Consider avoiding such garments as tight jeans, pantyhose and leggings until your yeast infection goes away.
If you suffer from reoccurring yeast infections, visit your doctor. While there are many very effective over the counter treatments, a reoccurring infection warrants a doctor’s visit. A doctor can help you to determine the underlying cause and keep those infections from coming back. They also might be able to offer some stronger medications to cure your infection faster.
Always opt for a quick shower instead of a long hot bath, if you are at all prone to developing yeast infections. Yeast thrives in hot, moist environments and despite how soothing a soak in the tub can be, it will also be an engraved invitation to another yeast infection.
Do not just assume you have a yeast infection; go to your doctor and have him or her diagnose it. Other infections, such as bacterial vaginosis, have similar symptoms as yeast infections do. It is important that you find out which you have, as the treatment for yeast infections differ from other conditions.
Yeast infections can spread through sexual contact, so be sure to alert all of your sexual partners so that they can initiate treatment. Yeast infections may be passed, which can make it hard to cure. If one of you has the yeast infection, use condoms to prevent the yeast infection from passing back and forth.
If you want to prevent yeast infections, you should try to incorporate yogurt into your diet. Live culture yogurt is the best for preventing yeast infections. The yogurt needs to be sugar free in order for it to be effective. If you do get a yeast infection, you can use sugar free yogurt as a topical cream as well.
When you use the restroom, do not wipe from back to front. If you do, you could be spreading bacteria from your anus to your vagina. The bacteria could lead to serious yeast infections and other vaginal infections. Always wipe yourself from front to back with soft, dry toilet paper.
If you want to avoid yeast infections, make sure you are getting enough sleep. When you are properly rested, your immune system can probably fight off yeast infections on its own. Avoid caffeine and exercise in the three hours prior to going to bed, and get the same seven to nine hours every night.
Once you have consulted with a medical professional, you can use the tips and advice found here to help deal with a yeast infection. If you have never suffered a yeast infection, you can prevent one from developing by following the preventative advice here. A yeast infection doesn’t have to be a major life annoyance.
Read more: Cure A Yeast Infection With These Tips