Yeast infections affect millions of women in this country and while it isn’t the most glamorous subject to discuss, it is important that you know what to do should you ever get one. The following article will give you some great tips as to how you can treat as well as prevent any future yeast infections.
Stay away from anything tight. Tight underwear, tight jeans and tight pantyhose can all cause excessive moisture and sweating. They also increase your body temperature, which makes it a fertile ground for bacteria growth that can lead to a yeast infection. Instead, wear loose fighting clothing when at all possible.
If a routine course of antibiotics almost always leads to a yeast infection for you, ask for a prescription for Diflucan at the same time. This prescription anti-fungal medication can prevent the overgrowth of yeast that often occurs when the bacteria in your system are wiped out. You can also eat extra yogurt while taking antibiotics.
If you want to prevent yeast infections, you need to be careful of the products that come into contact with your vagina. Feminine sprays, bubble baths, and scented soaps can all irritate the area inside the vagina and increase the chance of a yeast infection. Anything that is scented or dyed should not come into contact with the vagina.
Wear cotton underwear. Cotton is a material that is cooling and does not lock in moisture and heat; this makes it a suitable material for the genital area. There are a number of cotton styles that are attractive and fit well, so it should not be difficult to stick with this fabric.
Avoid douching or washing inside of the vagina, as it not only kills off harmful bacteria, but also good ones. Taking douching one step too far can also wash away the protective lining of the vagina, which leaves you more prone to yeast as well as other types of vaginal infections.
If you are suffering from yeast infections regularly, consider adding yogurt to your daily diet. Yogurt can help restore the natural flora and fauna of your vagina because it contains necessary good bacteria. You can stay healthier and steer clear of infections by consuming yogurt daily.
A warm bath can be taken at night with a little cider vinegar added to the water. The vinegar will keep the yeast from spreading and help your vagina restore its natural pH. Avoid soaking in the bath for too long. You could also try a douche with 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar and one quart water if you prefer that.
Don’t wear restrictive clothing or synthetic materials. Tight clothing, especially in forms of underwear can restrict proper ventilation and trap moisture and heat. Yeast grows in damp, warm environments, and low airflow sets the stage for that kind of environment. Try to wear clothing made of natural, breathable fabrics like cotton for example. Ensure they do not fit too tightly.
If you have a yeast infection, try using an over-the-counter antifungal cream. You can find these at your local grocery store or drug store. They are available under different names like Vagisil and Monistat. Apply the cream as directed to the affected area to help soothe and treat the symptoms of yeast infection.
Avoid clothing that is made of synthetic fibers. Synthetic fibers make it difficult for air to circulate and allow heat and moisture to escape. Yeast can thrive in these conditions. Therefore, if you avoid these conditions from occurring by not wearing synthetic clothes, your chance of a yeast infection is lessened.
Garlic is a great natural remedy for yeast infection relief and curing. You can apply it two ways. Either you can eat garlic (or foods with garlic), or you can apply it directly to the affected area. If you choose for direct application, make sure to go with pure garlic, preferably all natural and organic, and make sure it is clean. Do not apply more than every three hours.
Yeast infections can cause a discharge that can end up staining your underwear and causing it to develop an odor. You can help combat this problem by wearing a panty-liner in your underwear until your yeast infection has cleared up. This will help to keep your underpants stain free, and also help you to control the odor by changing the pads frequently.
People get yeast infections when the pH balance of their vaginas is thrown off. You can mess up this balance by consuming things like beer and certain fruits. One way to keep your pH in check is to eat yogurt on a regular basis. This helps keep things under control.
If you want to avoid yeast infections, make sure you are getting enough sleep. When you are properly rested, your immune system can probably fight off yeast infections on its own. Avoid caffeine and exercise in the three hours prior to going to bed, and get the same seven to nine hours every night.
If you are suffering from a yeast infection, seek help from your doctor and ask them to prescribe anti-fungal cream. These can have soothing properties that could reduce the uncomfortable symptoms that you have so that you can get back to your normal functionality at work or school.
Those of you who are trying to prevent yourself from developing a yeast infection would be wise to limit the amount of sugar that is in your diet. Some studies have linked that excess sugar can actually increase the growth of yeast. Try and limit the sugar in your diet.
Grapefruit juice can be effective in fighting yeast infections. This juice can help to cleanse your body from the inside out. When you drink it every day, it can help balance your natural flora and prevent yeast growth. Combine grapefruit juice with other things if you can’t stand how it tastes.
Dealing with yeast infections can literally be a pain, but if you use the information given in the article above, you are going to make your life a while lot easier. Make sure to implement the tips given so that you can adequately treat yourself and prevent the outbreak of any future infections.