How to Prevent Yeast Infection - Simple Precautions and Tips

Nearly 75% of women get yeast infection once in their life, there are simple ways to prevent it or avoiding its reoccurrence. Yeast is a type of fungus which is always present in the moist areas of the body such as vagina and mouth. It is just that growth in yeast or decrease in the number of good bacteria present in the body allows yeast to cause irritation in the vagina and other areas to give troubling symptoms of yeast infection. The good bacteria present in vagina controls the yeast from over growing and when number of good bacteria goes down it gives rise to yeast infection.

Woman suffering from yeast infection experiences burning sensation during urination and pain during intercourse. This is mainly due to inflammation of vagina and vulva however some other medical conditions also give rise to similar symptoms. Red rashes may be evident on the vagina and it may also get sore. White vaginal discharge which is greasy in texture and odorless also suggests presence of yeast infection. Though all these symptoms resemble to other medical conditions too so a microscopic analysis is the only conclusive way to identify yeast infection.

To prevent yeast infection some simple precautions can be of great help. Yeast need moist area to grow, keeping vaginal area dry as much as possible is one of the effective ways of preventing yeast infection. Avoiding use of under garments made up of polyester or nylon strictly as they can suffocate the genitals and do not let the area dry up giving ideal ground for yeast to flourish. After bathing or swimming take special care to wipe off genitals and do not wear your undergarments until this area is not air dried. This will take some time but will prevent yeast infection. Wipe yourself from front to back after urination or bowel movement. Wiping from front to back is important as yeast can spread from rectum to vagina.

Wearing loose fitting clothing also helps in preventing yeast infection as tight fitted clothes hold or promote sweating if they are worn for longer time or during physical activity and make the vaginal area moist. Avoid using scented toilet paper, using deodorants or scented powder in your under garments, scented tampons, pads and panty liners as these might be carrying agents those promote growth of yeast or may even be harmful for good bacteria.

Too much douching shall be avoided to prevent yeast infection as douching wipes away mucous of vagina which may leave it dry for sometime and cause damage to inner membrane. These minor damages later become breeding grounds for yeast and cause lot of pain and discomfort during intercourse as well as inconvenient itching. Avoiding scented sanitary pads, bubble bath and sprays also help in preventing yeast infection. Increased intake of yoghurt, reduced sugar consumption and use of cotton lingerie contribute greatly in avoiding yeast infection.

If symptoms resembling that of yeast infection are evident after starting medicines like antibiotics or oral contraceptives then medical advice shall be taken immediately as these medicines tend to reduce the number of good bacteria in the body which promotes yeast infection.