One of the worst experiences is having a burning and itching sensation below the belt that just will not stop. The likely cause is a yeast infection. But you can save yourself the misery by preventing vaginal yeast infections before they start. Just instituting these simple suggestions into your daily routine can help.
Yeast is a fungus known as Candida. Yeast is often present normally on the skin and in areas that are moist like the vagina. When it is present in quantities higher than the normal bacteria in your vagina, an infection occurs.
A yeast infection should be diagnosed by a doctor. In order to prescribe the appropriate treatment, he or she will determine whether the bacteria causing your discomfort is in fact Candida. Some other infections can show the same symptoms of painful urination, burning, itching, and discomfort during intercourse. There may also be a milky cottage cheese-like discharge and odor. If you want the aggravating problem to go away, prescription topical and oral medicines tend to work faster than over the counter. Even though there are many treatment options, it is best to prevent an infection before it starts.
Look at some of your hygiene practices. If you are using spermicidal lubricants during sexual intercourse or douching after wards, you may increase your risk of yeast infection. Also look in your medicine cabinet. Taking antibiotics for other infections in your body can actually bring about a yeast infection. All of the above can wipe out the good bacteria in your body that normally keeps the proper balance in your vagina between the good and the bad.
To prevent an infection choose cotton over spandex and lycra for your favorite undies. Cotton underwear breathes more and dries faster. Drying off properly is also a good idea. Make sure you towel dry your intimate areas prior to dressing so the increased moisture does not give way to more yeast.
Avoid spraying perfumes or dropping powder near your vagina. As much as you like to feel fresh and clean, don’t douche. These can make you smell nicer and feel clean for a short time, but will eventually cause irritation down there. When your skin gets irritated, you scratch, and then bad bacteria is introduced.
If you need to use a lubricant during sex, make sure it is water-based. Other products with spermicides can kill the good bacteria along with sperm, and increase the likelihood of an infection. After a bowel movement, wipe from front to back to keep bad bacteria from entering your vagina.
Eat lots of yogurt and reduce sugar consumption. Yogurt with probiotics and active cultures will help keep the good bacteria levels in your system to fight off the bad yeast. Also, if you are prone to yeast infections, decreasing your intake of sugary foods will help. Yeast can feed off of sugar.
By altering your hygiene routine slightly and adding a few good treats to your grocery list, you can fend off yeast infections. Taking these simple measures can be so much easier than dealing with the discomfort and messy treatments later.
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