How to Prevent a Vaginal Yeast Infection
Seventy-five percent of the world's female population will develop a vaginal yeast infection during their lifetime. These women quickly learn that the condition, although relatively harmless, is painful and irritating. The good news is that there are ways to, if not prevent a vaginal yeast infection, to lessen the odds of developing one.
Experts believe that the clothing you wear plays a huge role in your vaginal health. Avoid the trend of wearing tight fitting clothing. Clothing that fits tightly through the crotch area encourages sweating, which in turn encourages the growth of fungus. Get rid of any underwear that is made out of spandex and Lycra, exchanging it for simple cotton panties. Your new panties should be white, free of dyes and patterns. Before you put it on, make sure your underwear is clean and dry. Changing your underwear at least once a day can help prevent future yeast infections. At night consider shedding your panties when you go to bed. This will give your vaginal area time to dry and help discourage the growth of yeast. If you are more comfortable sleeping in a pair of pajama bottoms, try to wear a pair that is loose fitting.
Choose your toilet paper with care. Avoid brands that have patterns painted on them. Look for toilet paper that doesn't tare or shred. Wiping from front to back will help prevent any fungus that is living in the intestinal tract from moving into the vagina. Don't use perfumed toilet paper, powders, and lubricants.
Wearing wet clothing can encourage the growth of fungus. Don't lounge around the pool in your we bathing suit. Change into something clean and dry. Taking a shower after you swim will also help prevent a yeast infection.
When purchasing pantyhose consider purchasing a pair of thigh high stockings instead of full pantyhose. If you do wear a full pair of pantyhose make sure you wear a pair of white cotton underwear underneath them. Remove your pantyhose as soon as possible.
Try to avoid using products that have petroleum from coming in contact with your vagina. Petroleum jelly provides the type of moisture that fungus thrives in. Use lubricants that are water-based. You should also be aware that some women claim that some spermicides trigger yeast infections.
Avoid douches. The vagina has a mucus that is designed to protect it, douches wash this mucus away leaving the vagina prone to yeast infections and other bacterial infections.
In some situations yeast infections can be sexually transmitted. If your partner is dealing with a yeast infection, you should abstain until the situation has been taken care of.
The fluctuating blood sugar levels of diabetics seems to trigger outbreaks of yeast infections. Diabetic women will be more comfortable if they keep their blood sugar as consistent as possible. Many women and physicians claim that eating one cup of yogurt everyday will help prevent a yeast infection from starting.
During your menstrual cycle make sure you change your tampon and sanitary pad often.
One of the simplest ways of preventing a yeast infection is to keep your genital area clean and dry.
