Preventing Yeast Infections

Preventing Yeast Infections

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While vaginal yeast infections are rarely serious, you can help prevent them from occurring in the first place.
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What Is Candida Albicans? By Joseph Bennington-Castro September 9, 2014
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While vaginal yeast infections are rarely serious, you can help prevent them from occurring in the first place.
Most often caused by the yeast species Candida albicans , vaginal yeast infections can cause a number of symptoms, including itching in the vaginal area and around the vulva (the opening of the vagina ), burning sensations in the genitals, and a cottagecheese–like discharge.
Though yeast infection symptoms can be annoying, the infection, known medically as vulvovaginal candidiasis , is rarely dangerous.
Still, you can take steps to prevent yeast infections:
These preventative measures are all the more important if you experience four or more yeast infections each year, a condition known as recurrent or chronic yeast infections. ( 2 )
While it's not entirely clear what causes some women to get recurring yeast infections , there are a number of risk factors that can predispose you to it.
These risk factors for developing yeast factors include:
Additionally, a 2009 report in the European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology found that a localized immune defect in the vagina might be behind many women's recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis.
In some cases, this may be the result of an allergic reaction to Candida after the initial yeast infection. ( 6 )
Recurring yeast infections may also be the result of an intestinal or vaginal reservoir of Candida . About 20 percent of women (and 30 percent of pregnant women) are colonized by Candida — this colonization doesn’t cause symptoms until the balance of microbial communities is altered by antibiotic use, hormonal changes, and other factors. ( 7 )
Sex can also be a risk factor for chronic yeast infections due to spermicidal condoms (which cause vaginal irritation that makes the vagina more prone to infections), C. albicans in the mouth (passed on via oral sex), and glycerin-based lubricants.
Cotton and silk underwear absorb moisture, keeping you dry.
On the other hand, nylon and other synthetic fabrics hold moisture close to your skin, encouraging the growth of yeast. Synthetic underwear may also cause allergy and hypersensitivity reactions that can alter the vagina environment and contribute to yeast infections.
What's more, sitting around in sweaty gym clothes or a wet bathing suit provides an environment in which yeast can thrive. Change into dry clothes as soon as possible.
Pantyhose, tights, and leggings can cause heat and moisture to build up in the crotch area.
If you do wear pantyhose, be sure to wear cotton panties underneath, and choose pantyhose with a cotton crotch.
Avoid snug-fitting pajamas — a loose, flowing nightgown is preferable. And going without underwear while you sleep will help keep your genital area dry and discourage yeast growth.
Keeping the vagina clean will not only keep you smelling fresh, it can also help prevent yeast infections.
When bathing, be sure to clean the inside folds of the vagina where yeast is likely to grow.
Because yeast thrives in moist environments, it's important to dry the entire vaginal area after taking a shower or bath. ( 8 )
Certain Products, Antibiotics, and Conditions Are Linked to Yeast Infections Perfumes can be irritating to the sensitive area inside the vagina, and that can increase your risk of getting a yeast infection.
Also avoid scented sanitary pads and tampons and colored or printed toilet paper — dyes can also be irritating.
Douching destroys not only harmful bacteria, but also the helpful kind that keep yeast under control.
Douche products also wash away the natural protective lining of the vagina, leaving you more susceptible to yeast and other vaginal infections , while also introduces substances that may cause allergic reactions and alter the pH balance (acidity) of the vagina.
Antibiotic use has been linked to the onset of yeast infections because these drugs can kill beneficial bacteria in the body, making it easier for Candida yeast to proliferate. Take antibiotics only as directed and avoid unnecessary antibiotic use.
Finally, a healthy immune system helps keep yeast under control.
Try keeping a regular sleep schedule and avoiding exercise, caffeine, and heavy meals within three hours of bedtime. Consider stress-reduction techniques, such as meditation, yoga, and regular exercise, to keep down high levels of stress , which can compromise your immune system. ( 9 )
Immune-depressing diseases such as diabetes and HIV can also increase the risk of yeast infections.
Additionally, if you have diabetes, it's important to keep your blood sugar levels under control to prevent yeast infections. Sugar is a prime food source for yeast. (1,8)
There's some evidence that sugar may help promote the growth of yeast.
Yeast's affinity for sweets has prompted some experts to suggest that diet may be a risk factor for some women when it comes to developing yeast infections.
In fact, some people follow a so-called yeast infection diet or candida diet (or anti-candida diet) on the theory that eliminating certain foods may eliminate or at least greatly reduce the risk of yeast overgrowth.
Proponents of these regimens claim that a yeast infection diet can help to cure or prevent yeast infections by eliminating:
The diet recommends sticking to foods like green vegetables, protein (from wild-caught fish, eggs, beans grass-fed beef, and chicken), nuts, and herbal tea. ( 10 ,11)
While anecdotal evidence abounds, the candida diet is not (yet) supported by rigorous scientific research.
The candida diet also recommends ingesting probiotics or yogurt containing live cultures of the popular "friendly" bacteria, Lactobacillus acidophilus .
Probiotics are also a popular choice for curing or preventing yeast infections with natural products or home remedies (as opposed to conventional means).
The idea is that that normally, certain bacteria live in the digestive tract, on the skin, and elsewhere on the body, where they help with digestion and other bodily functions. Therefore, probiotics can help restore the body's normal bacterial balance, preventing Candida yeast from growing out of control and causing an infection. .
While trying probiotics poses little harm, strong scientific evidence supporting the use of probiotics for yeast infections is lacking.
In 2017, a review published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews found that there's only low- to very low-quality evidence showing that probiotics can help with yeast infections. ( 12 )
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Most women — and some men — will have a yeast infection at some point in their lives.
Medication, health conditions, and lifestyle factors can all cause a yeast infection.
Yeast infections are not considered sexually transmitted infections (STIs) because most yeast infections are not transmitted person to person and they...
There are dozens of treatments for vaginal yeast infections. Which one is right for you?
Understanding yeast infection causes can help you lower your risk. Make these simple changes in feminine hygiene to help prevent yeast infections.
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Anyone can get a yeast infection. Those at higher risk for it include:
The symptoms of a yeast infection depend on where it is located in the body. The chart below shows the most common symptoms of a yeast infection. But yours may be slightly different.
Corners of the mouth (angular cheilitis)
The symptoms of a yeast infection may look like other skin conditions. Always see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.
Your healthcare provider will consider your age, overall health, how widespread the infection is and other factors to determine your treatment.
Yeast infections can be easily treated with ointments or other anti-yeast (antifungal) creams.
You can prevent some yeast infections by doing these things:
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Rash with redness and skin breakdown Patches that ooze clear fluid Pimples Itching or burning
White or yellow discharge from the vagina Itching Redness in the external area of the vagina Burning
Redness on the underside of the penis Scaling on the underside of the penis Painful rash on the underside of the penis
White patches on the tongue and inside of the cheeks Redness or soreness Difficulty swallowing may mean you have yeast in your esophagus
Cracks and/or tiny cuts at the corners of the mouth
Swelling Pain Pus White or yellow nail that separates from the nail bed

By Akanksha Shah Sanghvi , MD, Clinical Dermatology

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