How to Avoid Yeast Infections

Overview

Most women experience a vaginal yeast infection at some point in their lives. Symptoms include vaginal itching, burning, swelling, redness and discharge. Fortunately, there are some actions you can take to avoid yeast infections and make them a less common occurrence.

Step 1

Avoid using strongly scented soaps or other scented products on your vaginal area. This includes scented toilet paper or menstrual pads. These can upset the delicate pH balance of this area, encouraging or allowing a yeast overgrowth. Also avoid douching. The vagina is self-cleaning, and douching can spread bacteria and irritants, leading to a yeast infection.

Step 2

Keep your vaginal area dry if you are prone to yeast infections. Take showers instead of baths or bubble baths. Dry yourself well after showering. Also, change out of damp clothing, such as a bathing suit, as soon as possible.

Step 3

Wear only cotton underwear to allow the area to breathe. Also, consider wearing no underwear or pajama bottoms to bed.

Step 4

Wipe yourself properly after using the toilet. Always wipe from front to back. This will avoid spreading fecal bacteria to the vagina, which may result in a yeast or bacterial infection.

Step 5

Eat yogurt with live active cultures. Cultures such as acidophilus and lactobacillus can discourage yeast overgrowth. Eat a half-cup of yogurt per day to ward off yeast infections.

Step 6

Avoid re-infection. If you have recently had a yeast infection, finish the medication recommended or prescribed by your doctor. Do not have sexual intercourse until you are fully healed. Ask your doctor if your partner should be treated, as well, as yeast infections can be passed back and forth even if one partner has no symptoms.