{"id":55981,"date":"2022-12-20T23:31:33","date_gmt":"2022-12-21T04:31:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=55981"},"modified":"2024-10-25T10:59:06","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T14:59:06","slug":"how-to-prevent-yeast-infection","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/how-to-prevent-yeast-infection\/","title":{"rendered":"9 ways to prevent yeast infections"},"content":{"rendered":"

  <\/span><\/p>\n

Yeast infections are a really common thing that no one really wants to talk about. Why? Well… women just don’t want to. It’s uncomfortable, maybe even embarrassing. Vaginal itching and discharge or pain during intercourse aren’t exactly dinner table topics. But the truth is- yeast infections really are very common. In fact, the <\/span>CDC<\/span><\/a> reports that they are the second most common type of vaginal infection in women and result in 1.4 million outpatient doctor visits every year. <\/span><\/p>\n

Why are yeast infections so common and where do they come from? Yeast infections are an overgrowth of a common fungus we all have on our skin known as <\/span>Candida<\/span><\/i>. It’s on our skin, in our mouth, in our pelvic region, and basically everywhere to some extent. Certain body conditions or changes may allow an overgrowth of this type of fungus, and that overgrowth in the vaginal area is known as vaginal candidiasis or vulvovaginal candidiasis.<\/span><\/p>\n

Vaginal candidiasis can present with varying symptoms which may include vaginal itching or soreness, vaginal discharge, pain during intercourse, or pain during urination. These symptoms of a yeast infection are typically mild, but if left untreated, can become severe and cause redness, irritation, swelling, and cracks in the vaginal wall. These symptoms can be indicative of other bacterial conditions or sexually transmitted infections as well, so it’s important to contact your health care provider to make sure it’s not something else.<\/span><\/p>\n

While yeast infections are common and can occur in anyone, some people are more susceptible. Pregnant women and those who have diabetes are more likely to experience an overgrowth of vaginal yeast. Patients who take hormonal birth control pills, steroids, chemotherapy, or who have a weakened immune system may also be more susceptible. Patients who have recently taken a course of antibiotics are also very susceptible too as the normal bacterial and fungal balance of the body is normally upset by a course of antibiotics.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Can men get yeast infections?<\/b><\/a> <\/span><\/p>\n

9 ways to prevent yeast infections<\/span><\/h2>\n

There are a number of ways to prevent a yeast infection.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Avoid unnecessary antibiotic use<\/span><\/h3>\n

Antibiotics can kill off the healthy bacteria in the vagina, causing an overgrowth of yeast, thus leading to a yeast infection. Antibiotics do not treat viral infections, such as the common cold, flu, or COVID-19. It is important to only take antibiotics as directed by your doctor and only for the prescribed length of time. If you have a known history of yeast infections after antibiotic use, discuss yeast <\/span>infection treatment options<\/span><\/a> at the time you start the antibiotic therapy so that you will be prepared.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Wear cotton underwear<\/span><\/h3>\n

Loose-fitting, cotton underwear is most conducive to a healthy microbiome. Avoid garments that are tight and aren’t as breathable, as well as things like sweaty workout wear. These clothes can create a humid, damp area, which is the ideal environment for <\/span>Candida<\/span><\/i> overgrowth. Because of this, it is also important to change out of damp or sweaty clothes, like workout clothes or swimwear, quickly.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Avoid hot tubs and scalding hot baths<\/span><\/h3>\n

Hot water can foster <\/span>Candida<\/span><\/i> growth, due to the warm, moist environments. It can also harm the integrity of the skin, making you more prone to sensitive skin conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Take probiotics or eat yogurt with probiotics <\/span><\/h3>\n

Probiotics<\/span><\/a> help balance the gastrointestinal and vaginal microflora. As well as treatment for yeast infections, probiotics are helpful in the <\/span>prevention<\/span><\/i> of yeast infections. They replace the good bacteria in the digestive tract and other parts of the body to restore balance. The best probiotic to take will be with those containing the<\/span> Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1<\/span><\/i> bacteria<\/span><\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n

5. Practice good hygiene<\/span><\/h3>\n

Avoid behaviors that may lead to yeast infections, such as poor hygiene. When performing personal hygiene practices, avoid douching, scented vaginal washes or scented lotions, as well as perfumed sanitary products near the genitals, which can throw off the balance of the vagina’s microflora.<\/span><\/p>\n

6. Avoid sugary and processed foods <\/span><\/h3>\n

Yeast grows from sugar, so this can cause a <\/span>surplus of yeast growth<\/span><\/a>. This includes foods high in natural yeast as well such as bread, cheese, fruit, and alcoholic drinks. By not providing yeast its natural food and energy source, you are essentially starving it away.<\/span><\/p>\n

7. Incorporate foods which are known to inhibit yeast<\/span><\/h3>\n

Eating at least a half cup of yogurt daily can help inhibit yeast overgrowth. Garlic is also a well known natural remedy to yeast, so incorporating that into your diet can be helpful. Cranberry juice or cranberry pill forms may also be helpful at preventing yeast infections. <\/span>Apple cider vinegar<\/span><\/a> has also been shown to prevent the growth of <\/span>Candida<\/span><\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\n

8. Vitamin C strengthens the body’s natural immunity<\/span><\/h3>\n

Vitamin C<\/span><\/a> is a good vitamin for anyone because it boosts your body’s immune system against many opportunistic infections, including <\/span>Candida<\/span><\/i>. Those with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to yeast infection.<\/span><\/p>\n

9. Stay hydrated<\/span><\/h3>\n

Drink enough water<\/span><\/a> to maintain healthy skin membranes in the vaginal area, oral cavity, and elsewhere to prevent opportunistic infections of yeast, bacteria, and other organisms<\/span><\/p>\n

What increases my risk of getting a yeast infection?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Chances are, a woman will get a vaginal yeast infection at some point in her lifetime. In fact, it is estimated that about <\/span>70%<\/span><\/a> of women experience at least one in their life. Most of these, nine out of 10 in fact, will be due to a specific strain of <\/span>Candida<\/span><\/i> known as <\/span>Candida albicans<\/span><\/i>. Unfortunately, about 8% of women will have recurrent yeast infections, meaning they will continue to suffer from them repeatedly to some extent. It’s hard to track the exact incidence of vaginal yeast infections, because there are many over-the-counter treatments which are effective cures. Thus many of vaginal yeast infections are often under-reported because many women never go to the doctor to seek diagnosis or treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n

There are some things that put you at a higher risk of getting yeast infections, whether just once or repeatedly. These can include but may not be limited to:<\/span><\/p>\n