1. Cotton to It
Wear cotton underwear and pantyhose with a cotton crotch to prevent vaginitis caused by yeast infections. Cotton next to your skin reduces moisture. Shuck your underwear before you go to bed. Sleeping in the raw will help prevent moist environments from forming next to your skin, where yeast can flourish.
2. Use a Condom and Get Tested
Use a condom every time you have intercourse to prevent trichomoniasis, a type of vaginitis caused by a parasite. Both men and women can contract and spread trichomoniasis; both must be treated with a prescription for an oral antifungal medication to stop the infection. If you have multiple sexual partners, undergo regular screening tests for trichomoniasis.
3. Take Your Medicine
Use prescription or over-the-counter medications for vaginitis as directed. Learn how to take antifungal medication, antibiotics or estrogen for vaginitis, and note how long you must use them. Follow the directions on any over-the-counter product for vaginitis caused by a yeast infection. Even if your vaginitis symptoms disappear or you feel better, don't stop taking your medication or using a cream or gel before you are supposed to. The infection may not be completely knocked out, and you risk a flareup of symptoms.
4. Douching Is a Don't
Avoid douching. Use tepid water and mild, perfume-free soap to clean the vaginal area. Stay away from vaginal sprays as well. Douching will not treat vaginitis. In fact, douching destroys beneficial organisms in the vaginal area, such as lactobacillus, a type of good bacteria. Getting rid of these good bacteria by douching can leave you more susceptible to vaginal infection. On the other hand, eating yogurt with active lactobacillus cultures may prevent recurring yeast infections.
