How To Avoid Yeast Infections
June 21, 2010
Ask any woman who has had a yeast infection why they got it and they seldom will know. She will likely know the signs and symptoms, she’ll know all about the discomfort this infection causes, and she probably knows how to cure a yeast infection. Men and women alike often know the cure for the current flare up, but to be able to cure yeast infections for life you really need to understand the causes. 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. 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. 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 stop getting yeast infections, you must understand what causes them. Vulnerable areas of the body provide the candida fungus the opportunity to attack. Yeast infections are very often the result of a woman 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 have had a history of yeast infections and need to take these types of medications often need to use a yeast infection medication at the same time.
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. In hot, damp weather, it is always a good idea to wear dry underwear, use wetness absorbing powder in your underwear and change your swimsuit immediately after 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. The Candida fungus thrives on the irritated vaginal skin. After the irritation, comes the start of the full-blown yeast infection. It makes a lot of sense for women who are susceptable to yeast infections to avoid tight-fitting clothing whenever possible.
Tight-fitting clothing is just one of the reasons that irritations can begin and yeast infections start. Some bath products have been known to cause irritated skin and will start a woman on the path to a yeast infection. Many women are attracted to the smooth feel and pleasant smell but often regret their use afterward. If you know that certain bath products cause irritations in which candida thrives, simply avoid them. Try something like a milk-bath product that 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.
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