Yeast Infection Prevention
A fungal overgrowth that affects the vagina, yeast infections are relatively common occurrences that impact most women at one point or another. Seventy-five percent of women will have at least one yeast infection at some point in their lives, with 45 percent experiencing multiple episodes. Fortunately, you can minimize your risk of acquiring this uncomfortable infection by taking a few practical steps that promote dryness.
How to Prevent Yeast Infections
While it's not always possible to avoid a yeast infection, you can minimize your risk by doing the following:
- Wear cotton underwear
- Avoid wearing panty liners
- Avoid tight-fitting shorts or pants
- Don't wear synthetic leotards or nylon pantyhose every day
- Change out of wet clothing as soon as you can, especially if you've just finished exercising
- Don't use scented tampons, scented powders, douches or feminine deodorant sprays
- Always wipe from front to back to prevent bacteria migration from the anus to the vagina
- If you're diabetic, control your blood sugar levels
- Eat yogurts containing live cultures of the "friendly" bacteria lactobacillus acidophilus
- Avoid consuming excessive amounts of sugar and beer
- Limit your stress
Because yeast thrives in moist environments, it's important to maintain good airflow. This is best accomplished by wearing loose, breathable fabrics. You should also shower and/or change into fresh, dry clothing immediately following a workout and after swimming.
In general, you can minimize your risk of contracting yeast infections and other health problems by eating a well-balanced, nutritious diet to help keep your immune system functioning well. You should also get plenty of sleep and exercise, while keeping stress levels as low as possible. If a yeast infection occurs after taking antibiotics, talk to your physician about preventative antifungal therapy.
