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You have seen the annoying commercials or perhaps have taken a stroll down the feminine aisle only to cringe deep down inside. Why? Because the thoughts of the dreaded vaginal yeast infection hit you like a ton of bricks. Vaginal yeast infections are hardly dangerous, but you can find effective ways to prevent yeast infections from interrupting your life by taking the right measures early on.
Symptoms of Yeast Infections
Small amounts of yeast exist in our vagina all the time, as it is important for good vaginal health. The nightmare begins when there is an overgrowth of the fungus causing symptoms such as itchiness, burning, and in many cases, a thick, white, odorless discharge, resembling cottage cheese, also appears.
Causes of Vaginal Yeast Infections
Yeast and Bacteria live in harmony in our bodies and keep a check on each other’s growth. When these two are balanced, everything is good, but when there is an imbalance, yeast overgrowth occurs.
The balance of yeast and bacteria can be easily tipped by antibiotics, lifestyle habits, uncontrolled diabetes, or raised estrogen levels from birth control or pregnancy. However, in many cases, there is no known cause of annoying yeast infections.
How to Prevent Yeast Infection
Take Probiotics
Probiotics containing Lactobacillus acidophilus are important to keep control of yeast levels in your body and prevent the overgrowth of the Candida fungus.
There are various ways to consume probiotics, including Kombucha Tea, Probiotic Supplements for women, and foods containing probiotics. It does not matter which form of probiotics you chose. Just be sure to have them daily.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Avoid processed foods and sugary foods as these two types of foods will encourage the growth of the Candida. Make sure your diet is healthy and wholesome, including lean meats and vegetables.
Regarding vegetables, you also want to avoid these somewhat sweet, starchy types: potatoes, carrots, sweet potatoes, yams, beets, peas, and parsnips. It is also wise to decrease your intake of fruit.
Fruit and vegetables are healthy, but certain ones will be broken down and absorbed into the body as sugar that feeds the Candida bacteria.
Avoid Tight Clothing
Yeast thrives in warm and moist places. When you wear tight pants, leggings, pantyhose, etc. your genital region has limited circulation. Wear loose clothing to make it harder for the bacteria to build up.
Keep It Dry
Make sure your clothes are dry as often as possible. If you workout or swim, do not stay in your wet or sweaty clothes for too long. Again, warm moist areas are where yeast tends to thrive, so take extra clothes with you so that you can change clothes immediately after your pumped workout or fun swim.
Keep It Cool
If you get yeast infections often, avoid taking hot showers, using saunas, or sitting in a hot tub. As mentioned earlier, the bacteria thrive in the heat.
No Scents Allowed
Do not spray feminine deodorants or powders and do not use scented sanitary pads or tampons.
You do not know the active ingredients or scents used in the products, and most importantly, they increase the chance of throwing off balance in your vagina.
Also, try laundry detergents free of fragrances and use ph balanced, fragrant free feminine wash instead of harsh soaps and body washes.
Do Not Douche
Some women say that douching makes them feel cleaner, but the risk and complications of douching outweigh the reported clean sensation.
Research has shown that douching does not only increase the incidences of yeast infection but can also cause pelvic inflammatory disease, complications in pregnancy, and cause cervical cancer.
If the sensation of clean is what you are looking for, simply wash the outer areas of your vagina with warm water and mild soap or feminine wash.
Your Menstrual Cycle
During your menstrual cycle, change your pads and tampons frequently to discourage yeast from having a party in your vagina without you knowing. Good hygiene will prevent the growth of yeast. Period. No pun intended.
Underwear Matters
Stick to wearing underwear made of natural fibers such as cotton or silk. Cotton and silk absorb moisture, keeping you dry.
The Diabetes Affect
If you have diabetes, make sure you keep your blood sugar under control. When your blood sugar increases, yeast overgrowth can occur, causing a yeast infection.
Recommended Read: How to Reverse Diabetes Naturally
Antibiotics
Only take antibiotics only when necessary. Antibiotics do not just wipe out the harmful bacteria, but they also wipe out the good bacteria.
If you need to take an antibiotic, request an antifungal such as Diflucan from your doctor and load up on probiotics to help prevent the possibility of getting a yeast infection.
Birth Control
Estrogen in birth control increases the incidence of yeast infection, If you feel as though your birth control is the culprit of your recurring yeast infection have a talk with your doctor about other birth control options.
Treat Your Partner
Surprisingly, your partner can get a yeast infection from you, so before any further sexual activity, treats yourself and your partner to prevent the yeast infection from reoccurring.
De–Stress
When stressed, the body releases a hormone called cortisol that can weaken your immune system and also increase your blood sugar. If you are stressed for long periods, you increase the possibility of getting a yeast infection. Read 10 Ways To Destress to decrease your possibilities.
Final Words
You now have 14 ways to prevent yeast infection. Most women will be able to avoid yeast infections just by following these tips, but if you have already developed a yeast infection, here are ways to get rid of it fast.
Having problems with reoccurring yeast infections, you should talk to your doctor to find alternative preventative or treatment measures.
–Shameka Renee
Results may vary. Information and statements made are for general purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. Her Own Health does not dispense medical advice, prescribe, or diagnose illness. The views and nutritional advice expressed by Her Own Health are not intended to be a substitute for conventional medical service. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.
