How to Prevent Yeast Infection

Yeast is a fungus that normally resides in the vagina in a specific small quantity. It is an infection of the vagina caused by one of the many species of fungus called Candida Albicans. A vaginal yeast infection occurs when yeast cells suddenly start multiplying manifold in the vagina.

Several types of bacteria and other organisms live in the vagina, including more than one  type of yeast called Candida. Candida Albicans normally develop on the surface of the skin, in the digestive tract, and in the vagina. It coexists in a healthy balanced  manner with other organisms. If something disturbs this balance, the yeast starts to overgrow and causes an infection. Taking antibiotics sometimes causes this imbalance. High  estrogen levels caused by pregnancy ,hormone therapy and certain health conditions like  diabetes and HIV can also cause this imbalance. Candida Albicans is responsible for most  vulvovaginal yeast infections.

Moist parts of the body like the armpits, under the breasts and the vagina can harbor yeast infections. Some "friendly" bacteria in the body -- such as lactobacillus acidophilus, which is also found in some yogurt -- help keep yeast and other types of fungus in check. The acidic environment of the vagina also helps prevent Candida yeast from  overgrowing. But when the acidity, or Ph balance, changes, you can get a yeast overgrowth and get afflicted with an infection.

A yeast infection is not considered to be a sexually transmitted disease, but there is a high probability that men can acquire it from their female partners while having sex or indulging in any other combined physical activity. Up to 15% of male partners of infected women will develop itching, or a mild rash on the tip of the penis, or any other symptoms.

 

A yeast infection causes itching, soreness in the vagina, pain or a burning sensation while urinating or having sex. Vulvar and Vaginal itching is the most common sign of a yeast infection. Often it is severe and constant. The discomfort and itching can spread  from the vaginal opening to the labia and anus. Because yeast infections affects  the vagina and surrounding tissue called the "vulva", it is technically  called Vulvovaginal Candidiasis, or VVC. Vaginal burning, soreness, redness, and inflammation of the vulva and labia are common, and may also include swelling. Unusual vaginal discharge can range from clear to white, and appear lumpy or curd-like. While the discharge, sometimes may look "chunky" or "cheesy," it rarely has a strong fishy odor like other vaginal infections. Urination is painful caused by urine hitting the irritated vulva. Similarly having sexual intercourse becomes often too painful leaving the vulva and vagina sore, irritable and sex an uncomfortable proposition. These symptoms are more likely to occur during the week before the onset of menstrual period.

An estimated 75% of women suffer from vaginal yeast infections the world over. While this is a common occurrence and brings great discomfort, yeast infections  do not pose a serious  health hazard. Timely diagnosis and treatment can significantly reduce the itching and  burning sensation within a few days. However irritation in the vaginal region may persist  for a few weeks.

Prevention of Yeast Infections :

The following guidelines need to be followed by affected women in the treatment and subsequent cure of Yeast infections : While you can't always avoid a yeast infection, you can help  lower your risk of getting one. Here are several ways to minimize and prevent the occurrence of yeast infections:

1) Wearing cotton underwear reduces the risk of Yeast infections by almost 60-70%. Avoid  wearing panty liners, which can increase your risk of recurring vaginal yeast infections. Yeast fungus multiply in damp, moist environments and keeping the genital area dry can help greatly in preventing this from occurring..

2) Avoid wearing tight-fitting pants and shorts, which prevents free movement of air around your genital areas. Free movement of air keeps the area dry and free from yeast fungus.

3) Avoid wearing nylon pantyhose or synthetic leotards.If you need to wear these, then choose the kind with a cotton panel to absorb moisture away from your body.

4) Do not wear wet clothes at any time. Change clothes immediately after a workout in the gym or a wet swimsuit after a swim as soon as you can, because a damp area is an ideal environment for a yeast infection manifestation.

5) Avoid using douches, scented powders, scented tampons, and feminine deodorant sprays.  These contain chemicals and perfumes which interferes with the natural balance of "good" bacteria  and other micro-organisms in the vagina. Having a yeast infection and douching is not a good idea: Douching can spread a yeast infection up through your cervix and into the uterus.

6) Wipe the genital area from front to back after using the bathroom to avoid spreading bacteria from the anus to the vagina.

7) If you are diabetic, it is extremely important that you control your blood sugar levels  to reduce your risk of yeast infections. Yeast infections and diabetes are linked -- in  fact, high blood glucose levels from uncontrolled diabetes is linked to infections of all  kinds.

8) Eating yogurt that contains live cultures of lactobacillus acidophilus, a natural, "friendly" bacteria, may help prevent yeast infections. However, a small study also proved that women who consumed acidophilus-containing products had an increased risk of recurrent vaginal yeast infections.

9) If you have vaginal yeast infections after taking antibiotics, consult your doctor about preventive antifungal therapy at the start and end of your antibiotics.

Finally, it is extremely important to eat a healthy diet and manage stress. Eating a well balanced nutritious diet and avoiding stress by relaxing will go a long way in immunizing  your system and preventing the onset of different infections including Yeast infections in  the body.  A balanced lifestyle promotes good health and feelings of well-being.