You need not be embarrassed if you have a yeast infection. Many people suffer from this type of infection each day. Luckily, these are very treatable and do not pose long-term issues. Use this article to become more knowledgeable about yeast infections.
Remove all wet clothing right away. Do not sit in damp clothes as this lets the yeast grow quickly. After taking off wet clothes, dry off completely before dressing in dry clothing.
After performing strenuous activity that pulls sweat from the body or stresses the hormones, make certain that you retire your current clothing and find a fresh pair for replacement. This is very beneficial in avoiding a yeast infection, as you eliminate the yeast-friendly environment.
When our bodies sweat, they promote warm pockets of moisture in various parts of our body. This is the perfect environment for excessive growth of yeast. Only wear underwear made from cotton or similar natural and organic fibers. These fabrics reduce sweating because they are more breathable fabrics. Do not purchase things made from spandex or nylon if you can avoid it. These materials can trap in sweat and hold it close to your body.
Stress is something you must avoid if you want to avoid a yeast infection. High stress levels can limit your immune system’s strength and that plays a big part in preventing infections and keeping you healthy.
Get to your doctor right away as soon as you notice the first symptoms of a yeast infection. You don’t want to sit around and let the infection get worse.
Take an over-the-counter pain killer to reduce any pain you’re feeling from yeast infection symptoms. Taking aspirin can help get you through the day so that you are not feeling uncomfortable or in pain.
Cotton panties are a preference. Silky underwear looks and feels nice, but it can cause future discomfort. Wearing cotton allows your vagina the air it needs. This can prevent yeast infections from happening in the first place.
Stay away from scented and caustic products. A lot of women clean the vaginal area with douches and scrubs. That can upset the bacterial balance in your vagina. This will make you more likely to get a yeast infection. Try using soaps that were made for the genital area.
Stay away from things that are scented or contain irritating chemicals. A lot of women use douches and body scrubs in the area around the vagina. The delicate vaginal tissues can become irritated and inflamed by many of these products and interfere with natural lubrication. Irritation can lead a yeast infection, so you will want to avoid scented products. If you have to, stick to mild soaps meant for that area.
Birth Control
Avoid scented materials around the vaginal area. These soaps and sprays that have scents are a main cause of increased probability for yeast infections. Anything that directly touches the skin should not be scented, including pads and tampons. Don’t use toilet paper that contains dyes.
Don’t use diaphragms or condoms if you’re using a yeast infection cream. Cream can also interfere with birth control. Try avoiding sex all together if you can, until the infection is completely healed. If you choose to be sexually active anyway, speak to a doctor and ask about effective birth control during this time.
Be sure to get enough sleep. Your body’s natural and best defense in regard to yeast infections is its immune system. On the other hand, not getting enough sleep weakens your immune system, which increases your odds of a yeast infection. Therefore, your sleep schedule should be regular, and you should get enough quality sleep by avoiding caffeinated drinks right before bedtime.
Start eating yogurt. When you start to feel a burn or itch in the designated area, eat a cup of yogurt for some additional security. The acidophilus it contains returns the healthy bacteria to your body. By re-populating the vaginal tract with some healthy bacteria like those found in yogurt, you reduce the yeast infection systems and it ends much more quickly.
Make sure that you don’t use any scented or perfumed products that are meant for the vagina. These contain chemicals that are used to scent products but aren’t good for the pH balance of your vagina. This can result in itchiness and dryness. As such, yeast is ready to set up shop and breed. Seek out products that do not give off a scent, and also look out for items that do not cause burning and discomfort.
Cider vinegar can be a very effective, albeit old fashioned way of curing your yeast infection. Dilute it with water, and then rub on the infected area. The vinegar is much too concentrated to use alone. If the itching is unbearable, add a bit of garlic to the vinegar for extra relief.
Avoid wearing tight fitting pants, especially skinny jeans. Skinny jeans look very cute, but they don’t allow your crotch to breathe properly. If your skin can’t breathe, you are likely to get a yeast infection. To reduce your risk, wear loose-fitting clothing.
If you tend to develop yeast infections often, increase your intake of probiotics. For instance, the acidophilus bacteria, which can be found in plain yogurt, is a very efficient probiotic that will strengthen your vaginal flora. Probiotics are available in multiple forms.
Use a special soap when cleaning the vaginal area. Many varieties of these soaps are sold. They will help protect your vagina’s natural balance and ensure the area isn’t overdried and the flora balance isn’t disturbed. Selecting them rather than typical soaps is a good way to prevent yeast infections.
Douching is a common cause of yeast infections. While cleansing the sensitive areas is advised for preventing an infection, the chemicals within a scented douche will have the opposite effect. Douching will make your natural vaginal bacteria unbalanced. An imbalance will make you more prone to infection.
Change your clothing after working out or swimming. Don’t lounge around wearing sweaty or wet clothes after you are done with your swimming or work out. The moisture in this kind situation is very conducive to yeast growth. As soon as you are done with your routine, change into dry clothes. Don’t forget to change your undergarments, as well as your outer layer of clothing.
Pants that are tight fitting should be avoided. Don’t be tempted by the fashionable look, because tight clothing restricts necessary air flow to the vaginal area. Without the ability to breathe, you are susceptible to a yeast infection. Choose airy, light pants that are comfortable.
Gentle products are optimal to use for improving itching and dryness. You might feel desperate after you feel the need to itch and the horrible burning sensation. Stick to using a common sense approach. Use products specifically designed for itches that are related to yeast infections. Do not simply use the first itch treatment you spot.
Sexual Activity
Wear natural clothing. Natural fabrics allow skin to breathe, preventing heat and moisture buildup. Choosing to wear fabrics that breathe can help prevent yeast infections.
Be wary of any scratches or scrapes. Even small perforations of the vaginal skin may cause a risk for a yeast infection. Sexual activity and tampons can be the cause of these kinds of abrasions. Use caution in both situations. Avoid rough sexual activity if you suffer from chronic yeast infections.
If you suffer from yeast infections, your partner may need to be treated, too. Yeast infections that are passed between people are hard to cure without the treatment of both parties. Talk to your doctor to see if you need treatment and medicines for your partner.
A yeast infection can be transferred from person to person. Don’t engage in sexual activity until seven days after the infection has gone away. Make sure not to kiss anybody if the infection is in your mouth or your throat and take care when washing silverware.
One smart thing to keep in mind is to only wear natural materials. Cotton is a great example of a natural material. Synthetic fibers can exacerbate a yeast infection.
Wash the vaginal area using a soap that is made for that area. There are many available to choose from. These personal cleansing products are specially formulated to clean the vagina without disturbing the body’s natural balance of fluids. Using these rather than regular soaps will keep yeast infections at bay.
Acidophilus tablets, taken orally, help to prevent yeast infections. They get your whole body in balance. Yeast infections occur when the flora in your body is imbalanced.
Oral Yeast
A few simple changes to your daily dieting habits are an easy solution for preventing harmful yeast infections. It has been shown that foods with sugar promote yeast, while foods like yogurt have natural cultures that keep yeast away.
While less common that vaginal ones, oral yeast infections do happen. Be sure to visit your doctor right away if you are affected. Some home remedies you can try to ease the side effects of an oral yeast infection include drinking cool liquids and rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater.
Don’t used perfumed sprays, bath salts or soaps. These products irritate the vagina, worsening a yeast infection. Also avoid scented sanitary pads. Choose unscented products to keep your vagina fresh and clean without the harmful effects.
If you like to avoid prescription medications for yeast infections, there are some herbs that help to treat the condition. Goldenseal, rosemary and cedar are some popular options. Use these herbs to make a concoction, and use the liquid as a douche, and you can soak a pad in it to sooth the burning and itching.
Make use of tampons. When you’re having trouble with a yeast infection, you have to keep that area as dry as possible. Tampons absorb moisture. Change your tampon regularly and try another method if your symptoms do not improve. Dampness and moisture makes yeast infections worse.
Yeast infections are similar to other health concerns. Rather than ignoring the situation, you need to see a doctor when you have an infection to get help with combating it. You should now have the information you need to do just that.
You can prevent any yeast infection by practicing good hygiene. Use water and soap to cleanse the vaginal area thoroughly. Make sure you get inside of the folds where yeast can often develop. A complete and thorough drying of the area after cleansing can significantly help ward off many yeast infections.