Yeast infections are never fun. They can be uncomfortable and even painful at times. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent yeast infections from happening or stop them in their tracks.
What is a Yeast Infection?
Before we dive into the tips on preventing and stopping yeast infections, let's first understand what they actually are. A yeast infection occurs when there is an overgrowth of a certain type of fungus called Candida albicans. This fungus lives naturally in our bodies, but when it grows out of control, it leads to the symptoms of a yeast infection.
Some common symptoms include:
- Vaginal itching
- Burning sensation while urinating
- Pain during sex
- Redness and soreness around the vagina
If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, chances are you may have a yeast infection.
Tip #1: Wear Cotton Underwear
Wearing breathable underwear made from natural materials like cotton or bamboo can help prevent yeast infections by allowing airflow to keep that area dry. Synthetic materials trap moisture which creates a breeding ground for fungi leading to nasty itchiness down below!
Tip #2: Reduce your Sugar Intake
Did you know that consuming too much sugar could be contributing to your recurrent visitors? Don't worry though; this doesn't mean cutting all sweets - just reducing your overall sugar intake! These sugars lead way promoting the growth environment for candida (the culprit behind fungal outbreaks).
Tip #3: Probiotics Are Your New Best Friend
You often hear about gut health benefits from probiotics, however many don't realize taking oral/external probiotics at onset can ward off future flare-ups. These "good bacteria" live harmoniously inside us whilst making sure pathogenic bad bacteria/fungi aren't given uneccessary thriving environments.
Live-culture yogurts, kefirs or probiotic supplements are a good place to start.
Tip #4: Yeasty Not at All!
No bubble baths! Bubble baths and bath bombs can trick your mind into thinking they're heavenly. They throw off our natural pH levels leading crazily irritated skin.
Tip #5: Avoid Tight Clothing
Tight clothes may be fashionable but aren't always practical - especially when it comes to preventing yeast infections. Wearing tight clothing, like skinny jeans or leggings for extended periods can create excessive moisture accumulation leading straight back down the road towards fungal overgrowth.
Tip #6: Always Dry Off After Swimming
Swimming is refreshing on hot days where there's water nearby (yes we've all done 'nature swims'), but if you stay too wet afterward, bacteria and fungi growth have more opportunities to thrive with time provide an opportunity of creating that familiar itchiness earlier than expected.
Getting a towel and drying yourself every after swimming helps avoid such instances.
Tip #7: Be Mindful of Medications You Take
Antibiotics prescribed by your doctors are specifically designed to kill bad bacteria in our bodies. That includes both harmful ones as well as the "good bacteria". This leads to imbalances that Candida albicans gladly capitalizes on—a fool-proof way of starting budding new yeast infection outbreaks easily.
If possible discuss alternatives with professionals before undergoing such medications/treatments if not necessary.
Tip #8 Keep The Area Clean:
Though this might sound simple enough - keeping up cleanliness ensures any excess oils/sweat/traces from urinating don't linger around awhile longer than desired. Remember candida frequently thrives in such environments! A gentle hypoallergenic soap will readily do the job.
Summing It Up:
Yeast infections forecast dreaded irritation and discomfort; hence prevention speaks volumes far much easier! High sugar diets, tight clothes, long stays in wet swimming suits post-swims and bubble baths need to strike off your list of faves. On the other hand - including cotton underwear, probiotics as often as you can, and cleaning more frequently will make a significant difference; allowing Candida always being within limits.
There are many ways to prevent yeast infections altogether but if they happen,you have ideas as well on how best to deal with them.