Vaginal Yeast Infection - Ways to Reduce Occurrence

Yeast infections of the vagina are so common that almost seventy five percent of women get this infection at least once in their lifetime. The condition is painful and causes irritation although it does not cause any undue harm. Fortunately, there are methods to avoid a vaginal yeast infection or reducing the chances of its onset.

One thing to concentrate on it is the clothing that one wears. Although it is considered highly fashionable to wear clothes that fit tightly, it is advisable to avoid such tight fitting clothes as they promote more sweating causing a viable environment for the fungus to proliferate. Also, synthetic clothing like spandex and Lycra should be avoided and replaced with cotton undergarments. It is best to wear white panties that do not have any prints or dyes. Ensure that the undergarments you wear are not wet and are clean. Change the undergarments everyday to prevent vaginal yeast infections from setting in. It is best to remove the panties you wore during the day while retiring in the night. This will ensure that your vaginal area will lose any moisture and become dry preventing fungal proliferation. If you are a pajama lover, it is best to select one that has a loose fit.

If you like wearing pantyhose, purchase thigh high stockings and not full length pantyhose. If you still want to wear full length pantyhose, use cotton undergarments below it. Take out the pantyhose as quickly as you can.

Avoid wearing any clothes that are wet. Avoid staying in your bathing suit for a long time. Change quickly into something dry after ensuring you take a shower and dry yourself well before you wear your clothes.

The next factor to consider is the toilet paper you use. Again, avoid ones with prints on them. Select one that has good strength and does not easily rip or shred. Also follow an advice you might have frequently heard from your mom in childhood to wipe beginning from the front and then moving back as this will avoid any spread of infection from your behind to the vagina. Avoid toilet paper that is perfumed and the use of powders or lubricants.

Do not use any products with a petroleum base anywhere near your vagina as these provide a right conducive environment for fungus to grow. It is best to use water-based lubricants. Some cases have even reported that spermicides have caused vaginal yeast infection.

The vagina is naturally protected by mucus secretion. If douches are used, the mucus gets removed and the vagina becomes more prone for any opportunistic infections like yeast or bacterial infections.

Vaginal yeast infections can also be transmitted sexually. So, refrain from having sex if your partner is suffering from yeast infection and is undergoing treatment.

If you are diabetic, the variation in your blood sugar can initiate yeast infections. So, maintain the level of blood sugar within the normal ranges to avoid these infections. Some claims are made that consuming yogurt regularly helps avoid yeast infections from setting in.

If you are having your menstrual periods, it is best to maintain good hygiene by changing your tampon and sanitary pad regularly and keeping the area as clean and dry as possible.