Prevent Yeast Infections: Seven Ways to Prevent the Discomfort, Inconvenience and Embarrassment

No one likes the burning, itching, and discharge yeast infections cause. Luckily, there are things you can do to prevent yeast infections, and avoid having to deal with this troublesome condition any more than you have to.

1. Douching too often can cause yeast infections.

If you douche too often, you could kill off lactobacilli bacteria. And this "good" bacteria helps keep the fungus that causes yeast infections in check. So, limit yourself to douching no more than once a week.

2. Taking vitamin C can help prevent yeast infections.

When your immunity is down, you're more prone to getting yeast infections. Vitamin C helps to strengthen your immunity. So, make sure you eat plenty of foods rich in vitamin C (like oranges, grapefruit, mango, papaya, red and green bell pepper, broccoli, spinach, cabbage, and potatoes). If you don't think you're getting enough vitamin C in your diet, consider taking vitamin supplements.

3. Wearing cotton underwear will help prevent yeast infections.

Candida albicans (yeast) is the fungus that naturally resides in your vagina. When candida grows out of control, yeast infections are the result.

Candida thrives in a moist, warm environment. Unlike some other fabrics, like nylon, cotton is able to breathe, which promotes coolness and dryness. Cotton also absorbs moisture away from your skin. So, when it comes to undergarments, cotton underwear is best when it comes to preventing yeast infections. You should also use cotton feminine hygiene products, like tampons and pads.

4. Get out of that wet swimsuit.

Staying cool and dry is the best way to prevent yeast infections. So, when you get out of the water, change out of your wet swimsuit as soon as possible.

5. Use plain, white toilet paper.

The dyes and perfumes in colored, decorative, and scented toilet paper can cause irritation, which could lead to yeast infections.

6. Powders that contain starch can cause yeast infections.

Some women sprinkle powders in their underwear, thinking they will absorb moisture and keep the area dry. But, while keeping the area dry will definitely help prevent yeast infections, you should avoid powders that contain starch. Starch can actually help fungus, like candida, grow and thrive.

7. Eating sweets could make you prone to yeast infections.

Yeast thrives on sugar, and women who eat a lot of products that contain refined white sugar might find that they suffer from recurring yeast infections. So practice moderation when eating sweets.

Learning how to prevent yeast infections can help you to avoid this unpleasant condition, and all of the pain, inconvenience, and embarrassment it can cause.