It is very common for women to experience vaginal yeast infection at least once in her life.
Vaginal yeast infection occurs when the balance of the microorganisms in your body, specifically in moist areas such as mouth, digestive tract and of course the vagina has been disrupted and has developed a fungus called Candida Albicans.
This fungus causes the vaginal yeast infection and as a result gives the person vaginal itchiness, discharges of thick white substance from the vagina, uneasiness while urinating and experience pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse.
For some, they think that vaginal yeast infection is just a minor problem and is rarely dangerous but still, you can take the following preventive steps to have a healthy and more hygienic lifestyle.
The following guidelines will help you prevent having vaginal yeast infection:
1. Wear cotton-made underwear
It is advised that you always wear cotton made underwear because it allows air to flow through and prevent irritations which are the first signs of a vaginal yeast infection.
Do not wear nylons and lycras as they encourage yeast to breed in your vagina. Also, do not wear pantyhose without cotton-made underwear underneath it.
2. Avoid using petroleum-based lubricants during sexual intercourse
Experts say never use petroleum based products as a lubricant in your vagina as it damages the natural balance of your reproductive organ.
It encourages the bad bacteria to multiply and cause vaginal yeast infection. As an alternative, you can use water based lubricants instead to fix the issue of vaginal dryness.
3. Keep your vaginal area always clean
It is important that you keep your vagina always clean and dry. After bath, dry the entire vagina to get rid of the excess moisture.
Keep your vagina clean and fresh by changing your underwear often to prevent moisture and dampness which is the main cause of vaginal yeast infection.
Also while you are bathing, clean your vagina thoroughly to wash away all the unwanted bacteria that can be the cause of a vaginal infection.
4. Be careful in using perfumed bath or powder products
Scented body products may irritate the vagina’s ph balance and might cause vaginal yeast infection. As much as possible, choose unscented products in washing your vagina.
Feminine napkins that also come with scents and prints should also be avoided as it has a direct contact to your vagina and with continuous use may cause vaginal yeast infection.
5. Never use douches
Douches wash away the natural mucous that protects the vagina from any infectious disease like yeast infections. Douches take away these protective mucous leaving your vagina vulnerable to external bacteria.
6. Pay attention to the medicine you take and its side effects
Experts say that certain antibiotics do not only kill the good bacteria in our body but the good bacteria as well. There are even medicines that cause hormonal imbalance and leave the vagina dry.
Other women are also allergic to chemical substances found in medicines, causing itchiness and swelling of the vagina.
