Yeast infections, which can cause annoying itching and burning in the vaginal area, are a common ailment in women. About 75% of women have had a yeast infection at least once in their lifetime. However, there are steps you can take to help prevent yeast infections. Learn how to prevent yeast infections by wearing the right clothes, maintaining good hygiene, and changing your lifestyle and diet.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Keeping the Genital Area Clean and Dry
Step 1. Wear loose clothing made of fabrics that allow airflow
Do not wear tights made of artificial fabrics such as spandex. Instead, wear loose-fitting clothing made of natural fabrics that allow airflow, such as cotton fabrics. Tight clothing is likely to cause moisture in the vaginal area and artificial fabrics don't allow airflow as well as natural fabrics. Both of these factors increase the likelihood of fungal infections.
- If you have to wear pantyhose or spandex leggings, choose one that is lined with cotton at the genitals. The cotton cloth helps absorb moisture in the vaginal area.
- If you are very prone to fungal infections, never wear pantyhose or leggings. Instead, wear loose-fitting skirts and pants to keep the genital area dry.
Step 2. Immediately change clothes if wet, due to sweat or other things
Don't wear wet clothes for too long. If your clothes and/or underwear get wet from swimming or exercising, change into clean, dry clothes as soon as possible. Keeping the genital area dry helps prevent yeast infections.
Step 3. Take a shower instead of soaking
Soaking in hot water increases the chance of a yeast infection. So, you are better off taking a shower if you are prone to fungal infections. Use a gentle soap or body wash to clean the outside of your vagina.
- Do not clean the inside of the vagina because it can damage the pH balance of the vagina.
- Do not soak in hot water.
Step 4. Purchase unscented hygiene products and tampons
Perfume in scented tampons can upset the balance of vaginal bacteria and lead to yeast infections. Other scented products can also upset that balance. So, don't use products that contain chemicals or scents.
- Don't use douches, feminine deodorant sprays, and vaginal cleansers.
- Do not use baby powder or talcum powder in the genital area. The use of talc has been linked to ovarian cancer. Some studies estimate an increased risk of ovarian cancer by 30-60% in women who use talc in the genital area.
Step 5. Wipe from front to back after urinating
Women are often taught to wipe from front to back due to the proximity of the anus and vagina. Bad bacteria from the anus can cause yeast infections if they move into the vagina. To reduce the chances of bad bacteria reaching the vagina, it is important to wipe from front to back after urinating.
Method 2 of 3: Changing Diet and Lifestyle
Step 1. Take yogurt or a probiotic supplement every day
Intake of probiotics, such as lactobacillus and acidophilus, can help prevent yeast infections. Both species of probiotics are indeed part of the natural vaginal flora and can help maintain the balance of vaginal bacteria.
- Try eating 240 g of yogurt Try eating a cup of yogurt daily.
- Consider taking a daily probiotic supplement.
Step 2. Minimize the use of antibiotics
The use of antibiotics has been linked to fungal infections. So, don't use antibiotics, especially broad-spectrum ones, unless absolutely necessary, because good bacteria can be killed along with bad bacteria.[Image:Prevent a Yeast Infection Step 9.jpg|center]
Step 3. Control blood glucose levels if you have diabetes
Diabetic patients are at higher risk of fungal infections. So, you should be more vigilant if you have diabetes. Control blood glucose levels to help reduce the chances of yeast infections and other complications.
Step 4. Reduce stress
Stress has also been linked to yeast infections. So, it is important to reduce stress if you are prone to yeast infections. Incorporate relaxation activities, such as deep breathing exercises, yoga, or meditation, into your daily routine.
Method 3 of 3: Using Medical Treatment
Step 1. Know the symptoms of a yeast infection
Symptoms of a yeast infection include thick discharge that resembles cottage cheese, itching, irritation, and redness around the vulva and vagina. Fungal infections can occur repeatedly. Some women experience yeast infections 4 or more times each year.
Consult a doctor if you have frequent yeast infections. Doctors can find the main cause of the infection and suggest appropriate preventive measures
Step 2. Ask your doctor to diagnose your symptoms
Doctors can diagnose symptoms to make sure the disease that occurs is indeed a fungal infection. Your doctor can confirm the diagnosis of a yeast infection only with a vaginal exam. However, if the cause of your symptoms is unclear, your doctor may examine vaginal discharge with a microscope.
Step 3. Treat the yeast infection
Fungal infections are usually treated with antifungal agents. Your doctor may recommend taking a single oral dose of Diflucan 2 g or taking Diflucan or clotrimazole every night, which can be purchased without a prescription at most pharmacies. All azole drugs have the same level of safety and effectiveness.
- Follow the instructions on the packaging and/or the doctor's instructions regarding the use of the drug.
- There are several types of yeast infection medications that can be purchased without a prescription available on a one-day, three-day, or five-day regimen. The FDA has proven the safety and effectiveness of all these drugs.
- Some types of drugs must be purchased with a prescription. For example, a single dose of Diflucan can only be purchased with a prescription.
