5 Ways to Prevent a Yeast Infection
Ugh, a yeast infection has to be one of the worst things a woman has to deal with. If you've ever had one, you'll do anything to prevent it from happening again. Although a yeast infection vaccine is in the works, it's not yet available, so here are some ways to prevent this irritating problem before it starts.
Don't hang out in wet bathing suits or sweaty undies. After a swim or workout, get out of those wet bottoms and into some dry undies that have a cotton crotch. Excessive moisture in that area can encourage yeast to grow.
Avoid going on and off hormonal birth control. The fluctuations can mess with the pH of your lady business, so every time you go on and off, you're likely to experience a flair-up in yeast, causing an infection.
If you use personal lubricant when getting busy and are prone to yeast infections, avoid ones that contain glycerin. This ingredient is a sugary liquid, and since yeast feeds on sugar, you don't want that near your sensitive areas.
Don't douche. Douching flushes away the natural bacteria and organisms known as your vaginal flora, which keep the pH in balance. A little gentle soap and warm water on your outer parts is all you need.
Eat a diet low in sugar and high in live cultures and probiotics. Eating yogurt provides excellent protection from yeast infections, but if you're not a fan, you can take probiotic supplements instead.
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