Yeast Infection Prevention

Once you've had a yeast infection, you'll want to make sure you never have one again! Unfortunately, yeast infections do tend to recur, especially in sexually active women. To help decrease your chances of experiencing another yeast infection, or to prevent getting one in the first place, here are some practical things you can do:

  • Keep you vaginal area clean, being sure to wash the area when you shower
  • After a shower or bath, make sure your vaginal area is completely dry before getting dressed
  • Wear cotton underwaer and pantyhose with a cotton crotch
  • After using the toilet, always wipe from front to back
  • Avoid sharing towels and washcloths
  • Wash your under garments in hot water and skip the fabric softener in the dryer
  • Avoid clothing that is tight in the crotch
  • Always change out of your exercise clothes or swimsuit immediately after working out or swimming
  • Change your sanitary pads or tampons frequently and avoid using ones that are scented
  • Avoid using heavily scented soaps, perfumes and talcum powder
  • Avoid douching
  • Use antibiotics only when necessary
  • Eat a diet high in vegetables, protein and grains as well as consuming yogurt that has live acidophilus bacteria; avoid processed foods, sugars and alcohol
  • Consider taking a daily supplement designed to help prevent the recurrence of a yeast infection
  • Always use a water soluble lubricating gel during sex
  • Consider using a condom if you are having sex and have a yeast infection
  • Make sure your vagina is well lubricated during sex; avoid sex if it feels painful
  • If you are experiencing chronic yeast infections and are using and IUD or hormonal contraceptives, like the birth control pill, consider changing your birth control method
  • If your partner is uncircumcised, make sure he gets treated for yeast as well, as yeast cells can live under the foreskin
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