Vaginal yeast infection, also called vulvovaginal candidiasis, is a common condition among women. This condition causes symptoms such as severe vaginal itching, irritation, and abnormal vaginal discharge. Because it’s common in women in their reproductive years, experts say that 3 out of 4 women would contract the infection at some point in their lives. Additionally, yeast infections could be recurring, meaning you could get it again after it goes away. If you have a recurring infection, are there ways on how to stop getting yeast infections?
Vaginal Yeast Infection: All You Need To Know
How to Stop Getting Yeast Infections
Preventing recurring yeast infections only requires you to cut back on certain things in your diet and change a few habits in your daily hygiene care.
Consider Cutting Back on the Candida Diet
One of the ways on how to stop getting yeast infections, try to consider making changes to your diet. The fungus that causes vaginal Candidiasis feeds on sugar, so cutting back on sugary foods may help prevent recurring infections.
Try to avoid the following:
- White flour or rice
- Foods made of simple sugars, such as candies and sodas
- Foods and drinks with fermented yeasts
Many women find it difficult to maintain this type of diet, so experts advise on just cutting back on them if you cannot avoid them all.
Aside from cutting back on sugary foods, try to increase your intake of the following:
- Healthy fats and proteins
- Fruits and vegetables that are low in starch
Add Some Probiotics to Your Diet
We have naturally occurring bacteria in our body, but when there’s an infection, those natural bacteria are thrown “out of balance.” Having probiotics will help bring the balance back. Some of the good sources of probiotics are:
- Yogurt
- Probiotic drinks with live lactobacillus
- Fermented foods, like kimchi, kombucha, pickles, and kefir
Some women report that by taking probiotics, they had success in treating the infection; they are also able to prevent it from happening again.
Experts suggest that when you’re on an antibiotic treatment, you should especially take probiotic drinks or yogurt with live good bacteria. This is because, sometimes, antibiotics also kill good bacteria in the body.
Reconsider Some of Your Hygiene Practices
How to stop getting yeast infections? You can do little changes in your vaginal care. For the best hygiene practices, you could try to:
- Switch products. Many feminine products have harsh chemicals in them and these chemicals can worsen the infection. Additionally, they can make your genital area vulnerable to irritation. Experts suggest avoiding using fragrant soaps to clean the under areas since they may be too harsh and strip away the normal flora of that area.
- Wipe properly. After using the bathroom and after taking a bath, be sure to wipe from front to back. This keeps you dry and avoids the spread of infection.
- Change sanitary pads frequently. Don’t forget to change sanitary napkins and pantyliners every four hours, especially if you have heavy menstrual flow. If you’re using tampons, try to change them every 2 hours. Finally, avoid using scented tampons and sanitary pads. This has been proven effective, especially on how to stop getting yeast infections.
- Avoid douches. Applying douches may ruin the natural bacteria residing in your genital area. This could potentially make the infection worse, or increase the risk of a recurring infection.
- Keep yourself dry. Stop getting yeast infections by keeping yourself clean and dry. Since yeast thrives in a damp environment, remember to change out of your sweaty clothes after an exhausting activity.
Be Mindful of Your Clothes
One of the other ways on how to stop getting yeast infections is by being mindful of your clothes. Try to follow these tips:
- Switch to cotton underwear. Candida, the yeast causing vaginal infection, thrives in a wet environment. Cotton undergarments absorb moisture well, which helps keep your genital area dry.
- Consider your jeans and pants. Tight jeans and pants cause a certain level of friction and discomfort in your genital area. To avoid irritation and to keep feeling fresh and dry, consider wearing loose-fitting bottoms.
- Think about your swimsuits, too. Most of the time, swimsuits are tight-fitting, so they may irritate the genital area. But the most important reason to think about your swimsuits is the fact that they can foster the growth of yeast, especially when they are wet and worn for a long period.
Reduce and Manage Stress
Although they don’t seem to have an obvious connection, some studies show that chronic stress and yeast infections are related. In other words, when it comes to how to stop getting yeast infections, you can try reducing and managing your stress levels.
Consider doing some relaxation techniques when things get tough and practice meditation whenever you feel stress mounting.
How to Maintain Healthy Vaginal pH and Lubrication
Try Some Home Remedies
If you already have a yeast infection, you can try the following home remedies. How to stop getting yeast infections also requires preventive measures.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Women sometimes add apple cider vinegar to their bath because the acidity of the vinegar will lower the pH of the vagina, making it more acidic. Because of the acidity, it could inhibit the growth of the Candida albicans, the fungi that can cause a yeast infection.
However, do not use apple cider vinegar at its full strength. To stop getting yeast infections, add half a cup of diluted vinegar to your bath and soak for around 2o minutes.
Coconut Oil
Known for its many benefits, you can also apply coconut oil to the affected area. Like ACV, coconut oil can have anti-fungal properties that inhibit the growth of the fungi.
Vitamin C
A weakened immune system may make you prone to infections. For this reason, you can boost your immunity by supplementing your diet with Vitamin C. Ask your doctor for a good supplement, and don’t forget to add some citrus fruits to your diet.
Key Takeaways
How to stop getting yeast infections? A recurring infection means that you may contract vaginal yeast infection up to 4 times in a year.
You can stop getting yeast infections by modifying some of your hygiene and dietary practices. However, these modifications are best done with the guidance of your doctor. If you are pregnant, have yourself checked by a doctor prior to treatment of candidiasis.
Learn more about Women’s Health here.
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