The Truth About Why You Get Yeast Infections

One of the first symptoms is an unpleasant itch. Then comes the burning. Then the realization hits: you are suffering from a yeast infection. Women from all walks of life suffer from this common occurrence. Fortunately, there are numerous ways to effectively deal with yeast infections.

TIP! Try to avoid the decorative underwear if you tend to get yeast infections. Plain old cotton will keep you dry, whereas the nylons and lace of fancy panties hold in your body’s moisture.

When you go swimming, take off your wet swimsuit as soon as you are finished. Avoid clothing that is still wet, as that promotes ideal conditions for the growth of yeast. After removing your wet clothing, you should dry yourself completely before putting on your dry clothes.

Humid Environment

TIP! Baths that use heavily scented deodorizers should be avoided by those sensitive or prone to yeast infection. Yeast thrives in these products and can increase your odds of getting a yeast infection.

If you sweat a lot, you create a humid environment. This warm and humid environment is conducive to the development of yeast. Wear cotton clothing or clothing comprised of other natural fibers. Natural fabrics can breathe quite well and that helps keep moisture caused by sweat from building up. You want to avoid synthetic fabrics like spandex, Lycra and nylon. These materials are poor at breathing, so they trap humidity and sweat.

Do not use douches. While you may think you are cleaning the area, the truth is that your body has a natural way to keep itself in balance. Douching disrupts your natural balance of flora, which makes you even more likely to develop a yeast infection. Instead of douching, clean the infected area with some soap and warm water.

TIP! Add more garlic and/or sugar-free yogurt to your diet. Garlic can help in the retardation or prevention of yeast infections.

Keep scented hygiene products away from your sensitive skin in your vaginal area. Scented soap and deodorants may result in irritation and may cause infections. You must never make use of scented tampons or sanitary pads, since they are in the closest proximity to the critical area. Also, stay away from colored toilet papers that have dyes in them.

Yogurt is the anti-yeast. The probiotics and live cultures in yogurt can actually assist your body in fighting off the imbalances that cause yeast infections. To stay healthy, eat yogurt on a daily basis.

Tea Tree Oil

A great way to kill bacteria in your body is with the use of tea tree oil. Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with some sweet almond oil and apply it on the infected area. Undiluted tea tree oil can cause skin irritation, so make sure you mix it with a carrier oil. The oil has anti-fungal properties that make it great for fighting yeast and restoring your natural balance.

TIP! If you are on antibiotics, take steps to prevent a yeast infection. While antibiotics have their purpose, they can also decrease the levels of good bacteria in the body.

Consider eating a single cup of yogurt each day. Yogurt contains bacteria that fights the organisms that help the yeast to form. Eating yogurt is not a cure to yeast infections though. Once you have a yeast infection, eating yogurt does not relieve your infection.

One simple tip that anyone can follow is to avoid wearing synthetic fabrics and tight clothing. Tight clothing, particularly underwear, can cut off airflow and allows for the accumulation of moisture and heat. Yeast thrives in the warm, moist environment that develops when air is unable to circulate. Look for garments made from breathable materials, such as cotton, and make sure they are not too tight.

TIP! Try not to wear pants that are too tight or skinny. These jeans do not give your crotch air, which can be detrimental to your vaginal health.

If you get regular yeast infections, look at what you eat. Eating too much sugar can foster the development of yeast infections. You should replace unhealthy snacks with fruits and nuts and drink water instead of soda.

Stay away from hygiene products that are scented. The chemicals used to give these products its scent can disrupt the pH balance of your vagina. Itchiness and dryness are typical results. When this happens, a breeding ground is established for yeast organisms to thrive in. Use only non-scented versions, and do not use them if you experience any sensations of burning or discomfort.

TIP! Look out for scratches, cuts or scrapes. Even the smallest scratch or scrape on the vagina may increase your chances of getting a yeast infection.

If you need antibiotics, take preventative measures. They’re very helpful but can interfere with some of your natural bacteria. Try taking extra probiotics or talk to your doctor and ask what he recommends.

Yeast infections are contagious, too. If you have developed an infection, wait a whole week after the infection is cured to start having sex again. If you have an infected mouth or throat, refrain from kissing and make sure your silverware is cleaned well.

TIP! Yeast infections can be transmitted to others, so exercise caution. Make sure you do not engage in intercourse if you have found out you have a yeast infection.

Use the information in this article, and you can better cope with a yeast infection. Follow the advice in this article and eliminate the annoying symptoms of yeast infections from your life forever. With this information, you should be able to get on with your life much sooner than you think.