Ways to Stop Yeast Infections Before They Start

While there are very effective home remedies, just as with any sickness or infection, the best solution is to prevent them from occurring in the first place. The old adage "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" certainly applies here.

Here's what you can do to prevent yeast infections:

1. Wear cotton underwear. Cotton is absorbent and breathable, so bacteria will be less like to grow. Synthetic fibers hold moisture encouraging the growth of yeast.

2. Stay clean. After using the restroom, wipe from front to back. This ensures that bacteria from the digestive tract does not come in contact with the vagina. When bathing, pay attention to the inside folds of the vagina where yeast is likely to grow.

3. No douching. Douching can kill not just harmful bacteria in the vagina, but it also can kill the good bacteria that keep yeast under control.

4. Safe sex. If necessary for vaginal dryness, use only water based lubricants. Do not use petroleum based. And be sure to clean the vaginal area after intercourse to make sure you aren't exposed to harmful bacteria that can lead to infection.

5. Stay dry. Remove damp clothing after swimming or exercising as soon as possible. Be sure to dry off completely after showering and before dressing. Yeast loves warm moist areas, so keeping your skin dry will help tremendously.

6. Wear loose clothing. This, too, can help keep your vaginal area from getting too warm, which can create a moist environment for yeast to grow.

7. No scented soap. Scents and perfumes in soaps, bubble baths, and feminine sprays can be very irritating to the vagina and increase your risk of infection. Scented pads and tampons can do the same. Always go with "unscented."

8. Careful with antibiotics. Many women get yeast infections during or right after they have taken antibiotics for an unrelated condition. Antibiotics are meant to kill, so they can kill the good bacteria you need to keep the yeast in your body under control. Some have linked birth control pills to an increase in yeast infections as well. Talk to you doctor if reoccurring yeast infections are a problem. There may be different antibiotics or birth control pills you can take.

9. Watch your diet. When you eat sugar and grains, they are broken down to sugar. This sugar is fuel for bad bacteria and yeast to thrive on. This can cause an infection in the intestine that can extend into the vagina. If symptoms of a yeast infection are present, cut out all sugar and grains while treating the infection for a more effective approach to ridding your body of this bad bacteria. Some experts agree that eating yogurt can also help prevent yeast infections, as yogurt supplies your body with helpful bacteria. The key is eating yogurt that is unsweetened and includes lactobacillus acidophilus.

10. Stay healthy. Doing your best to keep your body healthy can help stave off infections. Patients with conditions like diabetes and obesity may be prone to reoccurring yeast infections.

The bacteria responsible for the actual yeast infection is Candida Albicans. Though a reasonably hardy organism, as with all similar bacteria it requires certain conditions to sustain itself and multiply. By following the steps outlined above, you'll make it very hard for Candida to survive.

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