Feeling itchy down there? Experiencing an intense burning? You may have a yeast infection. Three out of four women will have a yeast infection at least once during their lifetime, with 5% of women experiencing four or more a year. While common, yeast infections can be incredibly uncomfortable. Fortunately, there are ways to keep this infection at bay. From NCCRM, Raleigh OBGYN, here are 10 ways to prevent yeast infections.
- Wear Cotton Underwear
Cotton is a breathable fabric, which helps keep you dry and prevents the growth of yeast. Synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon trap moisture, creating an environment where yeast thrives. Our Raleigh OBGYN also suggests changing out your underwear if you feel like things are feeling a bit too damp.
- Avoid Douching and Scented Feminine Products When you douche, you disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in your vagina. This can allow yeast to overgrow, leading to an infection. The beauty industry has done a great job of making women believe they need to use special, usually scented, cleansing products on their vulvae and vaginas in order to keep them clean. Our Raleigh OBGYN center wants to note that the vagina is actually self-cleansing; adding any scented soap or bath products can lead to an increased risk of infection. When washing your vulva, you should only ever use warm water or a mild fragrance-free soap.
- Change Your Tampons and Pads Regularly If you use tampons during your period, be sure to change them frequently. Leaving a tampon in for too long can lead to Toxic Shock Syndrome, a severe condition caused by bacteria getting into the bloodstream through the vagina. TSS is rare, but it can be fatal if not treated immediately. To play it safe, aim to change your tampon every four to six hours during your period.
- Eat Yogurt or Take Probiotics Eating yogurt and taking probiotics may help prevent yeast infections. The live cultures in yogurt compete with yeast for food and space in the intestines, helping to keep yeast levels in check. However, not all yogurts are the same. Make sure to choose a plain yogurt with live lactobacillus cultures and low sugar-otherwise you may be [feeding your infection](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321254#:~:text=Plain yogurt that contains Lactobacillus,causes the yeast to multiply.).
- Only Take Antibiotics When Necessary
Research has shown that some medications, particularly antibiotics, may play a part in increasing your risk for yeast overgrowth. This is because the medication kills all bacteria, even the good bacteria needed to maintain a healthy vaginal environment. If you come down with a cold, don’t just reach for your leftover antibiotics. Our Raleigh OBGYN recommends making an appointment with your primary care physician to determine whether or not they are needed.
- Wash Before And After Sex
When engaging in sexual activity, bacteria from your partner’s hands, genitals, or mouth can be introduced into the vagina. Before going under the covers, make sure you’ve both washed your hands, genitals, and brushed your teeth recently. While all this before engaging in sexual activity might not be the most romantic activity, it’s necessary to decrease your chances of developing an infection.
- Try a New Birth Control Pill or Method
If you’re currently on a hormonal method of contraception like the pill, an implant, or an IUD, you could have a heightened risk of developing yeast infections. This is because high amounts of estrogen, a common component of most hormonal birth control methods, can upset the natural balance of your vaginal pH. If you think your birth control method may be causing you yeast infections, you can make an appointment with your Raleigh OBGYN to discuss other options.
- Stay Healthy
Some research has found that there is a correlation between high blood sugar, type 2 diabetes, and yeast infections-especially if you experience recurrent ones. In addition to watching your sugar intake, our Raleigh OBGYN Center suggests you see your primary care physician at least once a year to avoid developing health concerns like diabetes. Stress and lack of sleep can also wreak havoc on your body’s immune system, making you more susceptible to infection. To keep issues like yeast infections away, make sure you’re getting between 7-8 hours of sleep each night and address anything that may be causing excess stress.
NCCRM | Raleigh OBGYN
Yeast infections are no fun. By following these eight protocols from our Raleigh OBGYN, you should be well on your way to keeping your vagina happy and healthy! If you think you may be developing a yeast infection, NCCRM is here to help. From yeast infections to fertility treatments and everything in between, NCCRM allows you to address any reproductive concern you may have in one facility. If you’re ready to experience why we’re the best OBGYN in Raleigh NC, contact our offices today.
