How To Avoid Yeast Infections
Ask any woman who has had a yeast infection why they got it and they seldom will know. But she will be able to tell you about the symptoms, the discomfort and most likely knows how to cure a yeast infection. Although she may know the short term cure, it is important to understand the cause of yeast infections to be able to cure it for life. It goes with out saying that those who don’t understand this problem are doomed to get it again and again.
A yeast infection is an irritation of mucous membranes of the body, such as the vagina, intestines, skin or mouth. Infected areas become irritated and often swell up. The fungus known as candidiasis is the cause of yeast infections when an over-abundance is present. This same family of fungi is also responsible for thrush infections and vaginitis.
What’s the real scoop on the causes of yeast infections?
To prevent future yeast infections, you must know what causes them. The candida fungus is a fungus of “opportunity,” meaning that the fungus attacks a vulnerable area of the body. A major cause of yeast infections among women is taking antibiotics or steroid medications. Medications like these often cause the vagina to develop too much candida fungus. Actually, candida is a fungus commonly found in the vagina; it’s only when the fungus explodes into an over-abundance that it causes a yeast infection. Antibiotics and steroids for some women are required for them to stay healthy. Women who know they’re prone to yeast infections when they must take these medications head off a candida overflow by using a yeast infection medication at the same time.
Hot weather and damp underclothing or swimsuits can also cause yeast infections. In warm damp environments, the candida fungus thrives. Perspiration in the vaginal area and/or wearing a damp swimsuit provides everything candida needs to flourish. To prevent yeast infections in hot, damp weather, change your underwear if it feels too damp, use wetness-absorbing powder in your underclothes, and change out of your swimsuit into dry clothing when you’re not swimming.
Another common cause of yeast infections in women is wearing shorts or pants that are too tight. Vaginal irritation is caused by the clothing being too tight. Candida thrives on irritated skin. Once any kind of irritation takes hold, so does candida! Women are advised to wear clothing that fits properly and forgo vanity for common sense.
There are other types of irritations that can be the source of yeast infections taking hold. Some bath products have been known to cause irritated skin and will start a woman on the path to a yeast infection. Although many of these products smell nice and can make the skin feel soft, they aren’t worth the risk for many women. Obviously, if you know that a bath product causes irritations for you, then avoid whenever possible. Many will suggest a milk-bath product that only contains a small amount of soap.
Lastly, it’s very important for women to not use douche products. Your physician will advise you that douches are not helpful or necessary in maintaining the health of your vagina. Nature does that for you and does not need assistance from harmful douche products.