A yeast infection is a type of fungal infection caused by the fungus candida. The infection causes severe itchiness of the vagina and the vulva, irritation, and discharge. Yeast infections are among the most common infections in women. Roughly 75% of women have contracted a yeast infection at one point in their lives. There are an estimated 1.4 million cases of yeast infections a year in the United States.
A yeast infection can affect both men and women but it’s much more common in women than men because they have more estrogen which increases their risk for developing candidiasis (yeast). Women who are pregnant or taking antibiotics are also at higher risk for developing yeast infections because these things alter their normal flora causing an imbalance that allows yeast overgrowth to occur.
There are different types of vaginal infections that we need to be aware of so we can get proper treatment for them if necessary! Fortunately, there are many treatments available that are safe and effective when used correctly! Here are 10 things you can do to avoid yeast infections:
Wipe from front to back:
When wiping from front to back you will be moving feces particles away from your feces will move away your more sensitive parts in that area. This will lower your risk of infection because it is preventing the transfer of bacteria. The said bacteria affects the vagina’s ability to keep a healthy acidic environment and affects the balance of the vaginal flora.
Breathable underwear:
When it comes to underwear material, cotton is the best option. Cotton does not retain heat or moisture meaning it will keep you dry which is beneficial. Wearing underwear too tight or itchy material can affect your vaginal health. The containment of heat and moisture allows for bacteria to fester and increases your chances of getting a yeast infection.
Keep things loose:
Just like your underwear, assuring that your pants, underwear, skirts, pantyhose, etc. are loose is key to good vaginal health. If they are too tight the heat will be retained and the amount of moisture even outside your underwear will increase the temperature of your private parts. This will therefore raise your chances of a yeast infection.
Don’t douche:
Douching is the act of cleaning out the vagina with products labeled as “Feminine hygiene products”. Douches upset the bacteria balance in your vagina. Oftentimes these douches strip some of the good bacteria that are needed to fight off infections. Furthermore douching can result in an overgrowth of harmful bacteria that cause yeast infections.
Change out of wet clothes:
Don’t sit in a wet bathing suit after you go swimming or damp workout gear after the gym. Change into dry clothes right away because just like breathable underwear and tight pants, wet clothes trap heat and increase moisture which increases your risk of a yeast infection. The warm and damp environment is the perfect place for yeast to fester.
Use antibiotics only when you have to:
Antibiotics are used to fight infections that are caused by bacteria. Great stuff right? The only problem is they can also accidentally kill off healthy bacteria which can increase your chances of contracting a yeast infection. If you don’t have to, don’t take them.
Eat yogurt:
Yogurt has cultures that add to the good bacteria and help the body regulate yeast. Certain milk products contain probiotics that fight off the fungus that causes a yeast infection. Doctors and dieticians world wide recommend at least one serving of yogurt a day. That doesn’t mean to get the sweetest one either! Sugar is inviting to yeast to making sure that the yogurt is unsweetened is key.
Change your pads often:
Another factor to consider when wondering what caused your yeast infection is your pad or panty liner use. Pads and pantyliners limit air circulation for the vagina. They force a non-breathable environment which promotes yeast to grow. Changing them out often can assist in this but ultimately most professionals recommend a cup for optimal results.
Keep your blood sugar under control
High blood sugars feed the growth of yeast with ease making diabetics at a higher risk for infection, The surplus of sugar in your blood causes sugar in your pee leading to an excess of yeast. Individuals with blood sugar at 350 mg/dL or more are at an especially higher risk. Keeping your diabetes under control and carefully reading medications can help with yeast infection prevention.
Avoid Hot Tubs
We all love going in the hot tub but unfortunately, they put you at a higher risk for a yeast infection. Hot tubs are already commonly known for promoting bacteria growth and specifically carry a bacteria that affects the vagina’s pH levels and results in a yeast infection. Yeast infections thrive in hot and warm environments and a hot tub is ideal. Avoid hot tubs as much as you can to prevent a yeast infection. If a hot tub is to be used, assure that it’s chlorinated.
