How to Prevent Yeast Infections?
One of the most bothersome infections is yeast infection. It is caused by the fungus Candida which exists naturally in the human body. Under normal conditions, the fungus is constrained and hence does not affect you as such. But certain health conditions such as weakening of immune system, diabetes, pregnancy, cancer, etc, can trigger the fungus to start multiplying itself at an uncontrollable rate. This leads to yeast infection. In most people, the infection is in form of oral thrush in the mucous membranes. In women, the vagina and vulvas may also get affected.
Symptoms of vaginal thrush include itchiness and pain in the labia and vulva, accompanied by a burning sensation when you urinate. Sexual intercourse may be painful if you are infected and you may also notice a white odorless vaginal discharge.
When your mouth is infected with yeast formation, you may notice creamy white lesions in the lining of your mouth, which may spread to your tongue, gums and in rare cases, even to your esophagus. These thrushes are painful, irritating and can linger for a long time. Thus it is important that you prevent the fungus from overgrowing and hence not get infected in the first place.
So, how to prevent yourself from incurring yeast infections?
- Always wear soft cotton underwear or pantyhose with a cotton crotch.
- Allow your vagina to dry completely after shower. Remember that the fungus breeds on moisture and yeast formation is triggered by wet genitals.
- After urinating or after bowels, wipe yourself from front to back. This prevents possible transfer of yeast from rectum to vagina.
- Avoid tight-fitting clothes such as jeans, nylon panties or synthetic underwear. Tight clothes expedite sweat formation which again humidifies your genital area.
- Avoid douching. Your vaginal pH balance can get disturbed by douching. This can in turn lead to yeast formations.
- Be very select about products that you use on your vagina. Scented products or deodorants are a strict no-no, as are colored pads, paper, tampons and pantyliners. These products are ill-suited for your vagina and can only aggravate the fungus.
- Use unscented white toilet paper.
- During menstruation, ensure that your vagina is clean as far as possible. Use unscented tampons if need be.
- Eat lots of yogurt, since they contain cultures of lactobacilius acidophilis, which can keep the fungus within controllable limits.
- Consumption of foods profuse in sugar and/or yeasts should be curtailed. Sugar and yeasts aid multiplication of the Candida fungus.
- For vaginal lubrication during intercourse, it is advisable that you refrain from using petroleum-based products. You may use water-based lubricants instead.
Apart from following a good hygienic practice for yourself and keeping a tab on your foods, you should take great care of your baby as well. Remember that even your baby is equally susceptible to the fungus. So to ensure that your baby does not suffer from yeast infections, keep changing your baby's diapers, since soiled diapers are a perfect recipe for yeast formation. So prevent this infection before it starts taking a toll on you or your baby.
