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What prevents yeast infections. 10 Effective Strategies to Prevent Yeast Infections: A Comprehensive Guide

by alexxlab

How can you reduce your risk of developing a yeast infection. What are the most effective preventive measures against candidal vulvovaginitis. Which lifestyle changes can help maintain vaginal health and prevent fungal overgrowth.

Understanding Yeast Infections: Causes and Risk Factors

Yeast infections, medically known as candidal vulvovaginitis, are a common gynecological issue affecting millions of women worldwide. These infections occur when there’s an overgrowth of Candida, a naturally occurring fungus in the vaginal area. While not typically dangerous, yeast infections can cause significant discomfort and inconvenience.

Several factors can increase your risk of developing a yeast infection:

  • Pregnancy
  • Diabetes
  • Weakened immune system
  • Antibiotic use
  • High-estrogen birth control
  • Use of douches or vaginal sprays

Understanding these risk factors is crucial in developing effective prevention strategies. By making informed choices and adjusting your lifestyle, you can significantly reduce your chances of experiencing a yeast infection.

The Importance of Proper Hygiene in Yeast Infection Prevention

Maintaining good hygiene practices is fundamental in preventing yeast infections. However, it’s essential to strike a balance, as overzealous cleaning can disrupt the vagina’s natural balance.

Do’s and Don’ts of Vaginal Hygiene

  • Do wear breathable, cotton underwear
  • Don’t use douches or scented feminine products
  • Do change out of wet clothes promptly
  • Don’t sit in hot tubs for extended periods
  • Do wipe from front to back after using the bathroom

Why is cotton underwear recommended? Cotton is breathable and absorbent, helping to keep the genital area dry and cool. This environment is less conducive to yeast growth, reducing the risk of infection.

Dietary Choices That Support Vaginal Health

Your diet can play a significant role in maintaining vaginal health and preventing yeast infections. Certain foods can help balance the body’s natural flora, while others may increase the risk of fungal overgrowth.

Foods to Include in Your Diet

  1. Yogurt with active cultures
  2. Probiotic-rich foods
  3. Garlic
  4. Coconut oil
  5. Foods high in vitamin C

How does yogurt help prevent yeast infections? Yogurt containing active cultures introduces beneficial bacteria into your system. These good bacteria can help maintain the proper balance in your vaginal flora, reducing the risk of yeast overgrowth.

The Role of Clothing Choices in Yeast Infection Prevention

Your clothing choices can significantly impact your risk of developing a yeast infection. Tight-fitting clothes and synthetic materials can create an environment that’s conducive to yeast growth.

Clothing Tips for Vaginal Health

  • Opt for loose-fitting pants and skirts
  • Choose breathable fabrics like cotton
  • Avoid staying in wet swimsuits or workout clothes
  • Consider going commando at night to increase airflow

Why should you avoid tight clothing? Tight clothes can trap heat and moisture, creating an ideal environment for yeast to thrive. By opting for looser, breathable clothing, you can help keep the vaginal area dry and cool, reducing the risk of infection.

Managing Medical Conditions to Reduce Yeast Infection Risk

Certain medical conditions can increase your susceptibility to yeast infections. Properly managing these conditions is crucial in preventing recurrent infections.

Key Medical Considerations

  • Diabetes management
  • Immune system support
  • Hormonal balance
  • Antibiotic use

How does diabetes impact yeast infection risk? High blood sugar levels can fuel yeast growth. By maintaining good blood sugar control, individuals with diabetes can significantly reduce their risk of developing yeast infections.

The Impact of Stress on Vaginal Health

Chronic stress can have a profound impact on your overall health, including your susceptibility to yeast infections. Stress can weaken your immune system, making it harder for your body to maintain its natural balance of microorganisms.

Stress Management Techniques

  1. Regular exercise
  2. Meditation and mindfulness practices
  3. Adequate sleep
  4. Balanced diet
  5. Time management and prioritization

How does stress reduction help prevent yeast infections? By managing stress, you support your immune system’s ability to keep yeast growth in check. A strong immune system is better equipped to maintain the proper balance of microorganisms in your body, reducing the risk of opportunistic infections like candidiasis.

The Importance of Proper Intimate Hygiene During Menstruation

Menstruation can increase your risk of developing a yeast infection due to changes in vaginal pH and increased moisture. Proper hygiene during this time is crucial for prevention.

Menstrual Hygiene Tips

  • Change tampons, pads, or menstrual cups frequently
  • Avoid scented menstrual products
  • Maintain regular cleansing, but avoid douching
  • Consider using period underwear or organic cotton products

Why is frequent changing of menstrual products important? Regularly changing your menstrual products helps prevent the buildup of moisture and bacteria, reducing the risk of yeast overgrowth. It’s recommended to change tampons every 4-8 hours and pads every 3-4 hours, or more frequently if your flow is heavy.

Natural Remedies and Supplements for Yeast Infection Prevention

While medical treatments are essential for active yeast infections, certain natural remedies and supplements may help prevent their occurrence. However, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.

Potential Natural Preventive Measures

  1. Probiotics
  2. Tea tree oil
  3. Boric acid suppositories
  4. Apple cider vinegar
  5. Oregano oil

How do probiotics help prevent yeast infections? Probiotics introduce beneficial bacteria into your system, which can help maintain a healthy balance in your vaginal flora. This balance can make it more difficult for yeast to overgrow and cause an infection. However, more research is needed to fully understand the effectiveness of probiotics in preventing yeast infections.

Maintaining vaginal health and preventing yeast infections requires a multifaceted approach. By understanding the risk factors, practicing good hygiene, making informed lifestyle choices, and managing underlying medical conditions, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing these uncomfortable infections. Remember, while these preventive measures can be effective, it’s always important to consult with a healthcare provider if you experience persistent symptoms or recurrent infections. They can provide personalized advice and treatment options tailored to your specific situation.

Yeast infections, while common, don’t have to be an inevitable part of life. By implementing these preventive strategies and staying attuned to your body’s needs, you can maintain optimal vaginal health and reduce your risk of candidal vulvovaginitis. Remember, your body is unique, and what works best for you may require some experimentation and consultation with healthcare professionals. Stay informed, stay proactive, and prioritize your vaginal health as an integral part of your overall well-being.

10 Ways to Prevent Candidal Vulvovaginitis

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

Medically Reviewed by Neha Pathak, MD on September 20, 2021

If you’re like 75% of women, you’ll get at least one yeast infection during your lifetime. Half will get two or more.

You’re more likely to get one when you:

  • Are pregnant
  • Have diabetes
  • Have a weakened immune system
  • Take antibiotics
  • Use birth control with high doses of the hormone estrogen
  • Use douches or vaginal sprays

It may not be possible for all women to prevent yeast infections, but here’s what you can do to lower your odds.

  1. Wear breathable underwear. Cotton is your best choice. It doesn’t hold onto heat or moisture. It will help keep you dry.
  2. Keep things loose. Make sure your jeans, skirts, underwear, yoga pants, tights, pantyhose, etc. aren’t too snug. They can boost your body temperature and increase the amount of moisture around your private parts. That raises your chances for a yeast infection.
  3. Don’t douche. “Feminine hygiene products” like douches can disrupt the balance of bacteria in your vagina by removing some of the good bacteria that’s supposed to be there to fight off infections. And skip the scent in feminine products. This includes bubble baths, soaps, sprays, tampons, and pads.
  4. Avoid hot tubs and extra hot baths. Hot and damp are never your friends.
  5. Change out of wet clothes. Don’t sit in a wet bathing suit after you go swimming or damp workout gear after the gym. Change into dry clothes right away.
  6. In the bathroom, always wipe from front to back.
  7. When on your period, change your tampons, pads, and panty liners often.
  8. Manage your diabetes. If you have it, be sure to keep an eye on your blood sugar levels and keep them under control.
  9. Use antibiotics only when you have to. You don’t need them for conditions like a cold, because they don’t do anything against a virus. If you don’t have to, don’t take them.
  10. Eat yogurt that contains active cultures to add to the good bacteria that help your body control yeast.

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9 ways to prevent yeast infections

Learn how to prevent yeast infection with practices like better hydration, probiotic consumption, and vitamin supplementation

Yeast infection prevention | Risk factors | When to see a doctor

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 CDC 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. 

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 Candida. 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.

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.

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.

RELATED: Can men get yeast infections? 

9 ways to prevent yeast infections

There are a number of ways to prevent a yeast infection.

1. Avoid unnecessary antibiotic use

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 infection treatment options at the time you start the antibiotic therapy so that you will be prepared.

2. Wear cotton underwear

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 Candida overgrowth. Because of this, it is also important to change out of damp or sweaty clothes, like workout clothes or swimwear, quickly.

3. Avoid hot tubs and scalding hot baths

Hot water can foster Candida growth, due to the warm, moist environments. It can also harm the integrity of the skin, making you more prone to sensitive skin conditions.

4. Take probiotics or eat yogurt with probiotics 

Probiotics help balance the gastrointestinal and vaginal microflora. As well as treatment for yeast infections, probiotics are helpful in the prevention 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 Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 bacteria. 

5. Practice good hygiene

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.

6. Avoid sugary and processed foods 

Yeast grows from sugar, so this can cause a surplus of yeast growth. 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.

7. Incorporate foods which are known to inhibit yeast

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. Apple cider vinegar has also been shown to prevent the growth of Candida.

8. Vitamin C strengthens the body’s natural immunity

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

9. Stay hydrated

Drink enough water to maintain healthy skin membranes in the vaginal area, oral cavity, and elsewhere to prevent opportunistic infections of yeast, bacteria, and other organisms

What increases my risk of getting a yeast infection?

Chances are, a woman will get a vaginal yeast infection at some point in her lifetime. In fact, it is estimated that about 70% 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 Candida known as Candida albicans. 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.

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:

  • Pregnancy
  • Obesity
  • Diabetes Mellitus (high blood sugar)
  • Immunocompromised status (HIV/AIDS/post-transplant)
  • Broad-spectrum antibiotic use
  • Wearing tight clothing which does not allow good air flow to the pelvic area
  • Frequent shaving of the pelvic region
  • Sitting or being inactive for too long in wet clothing or wet bathing suits
  • Bad hygiene habits

There are some common myths around vaginal yeast infections as well. They are not a sexually transmitted infection or sexually transmitted disease, even though sexually active females are more likely to get them. Yeast infections can occur in other places such as the mouth or even in your bloodstream and be life threatening. Having a yeast infection does not mean you are “unclean,” but you may need to make adjustments in your hygiene routine and products.

When to see a doctor

Vaginal yeast infections, which may be referred to as Candida vulvovaginitis, can be managed by different types of healthcare practitioners including gynecologists, family care providers, primary care providers, or urgent care providers. Typically, they are treated with azole antifungal medications that are either OTC or prescriptions and symptoms resolve in just a few days. 

While yeast infections can be treated OTC many times, there are many scenarios where you should check in with your provider first to make sure treatment is appropriate and that the symptoms you are experiencing aren’t actually indicative of something else, like bacterial vaginosis for instance. This allows for your health care provider to give the best medical advice and best treatment plan. Be sure to disclose all health problems and previous treatments, including sexual health.

If you think your symptoms are consistent with a vaginal yeast infection, you should visit with your doctor if one of the following is also true before treating with an OTC product:

  • You are pregnant
  • You are breastfeeding
  • You are the victim of sexual trauma or abuse
  • This is the first time you have experienced these symptoms
  • You have recently completed treatment for a yeast infection and it has returned 

Your doctor may also need to screen for other diagnoses which have similar symptoms like the presence of foreign bodies, malignancies, sexually transmitted diseases, and the presence of harmful bacteria and bacterial infections. Complicated yeast infections or more severe infections which may have caused severe symptoms such as visible redness and swelling of the vulva, and cracking on the vaginal wall, may require longer treatment (one week or longer) with oral prescription drugs.

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