How To Avoid Yeast Infections
Ask a woman what is causing their yeast infection and you’ll likely get a blank stare. 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. Unfortunately, those who don’t learn from the past are doomed to repeat it.
A yeast infection or Candida is simply an irritation of mucous membranes in the body, commonly affecting the vagina, intestines, skin or mouth. This infection causes irritation and swelling of the affected area(s). The infection itself is simply an over-abundance of a fungus known as candidiasis. Thrush and vaginitis are also caused by this candida family of fungi.
What Do I Need To Know About The Cause Of Yeast Infections?
To stop getting yeast infections, you must understand what causes them. The candida fungus is a fungus of “opportunity,” meaning that the fungus attacks a vulnerable area of the body. Women taking antibiotics or steroid medications are often the major target of yeast infections. Medications like these often cause the vagina to develop too much candida fungus. Keep in mind that the candida fungus is always present in the body in small quantities but becomes a yeast infection when there is an over-abundance. Antibiotics and steroids for some women are required for them to stay healthy. Women that need to take these medications will often take a yeast infection medication at the same time, especially if they are prone to getting yeast infections.
Hot weather and damp underclothing or swimsuits can also cause yeast infections. The candida fungus thrives in warm, damp environments. 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.
For women, another cause of yeast infections is clothing that is too tight. Clothing that’s too tight-fitting causes vaginal irritation. The Candida fungus thrives on the irritated vaginal 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.
Tight-fitting clothing is just one of the reasons that irritations can begin and yeast infections start. Some soaps and bath products have been known to cause irritation for some women who have especially sensitive skin. Although many of these products smell nice and can make the skin feel soft, they aren’t worth the risk for many women. If you know that certain bath products cause irritations in which candida thrives, simply avoid them. 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. Most physicians agree that using douches is not helpful or necessary for maintaining vaginal health. Nature does that for you and does not need assistance from harmful douche products.