Below are some steps you can take to take control of your health.

The following tips for preventing yeast infections have been collected from medical literature and interviews with health care professionals.

If these guidelines are followed, you can reduce or possibly prevent  yeast infections

1.Wear loose cotton underwear.

Wearing loose cotton allows the body to breathe and keeps moisture levels to a minimum. Yeast thrive on moisture and warmth and wearing these loose garments will help to reduce your chances of a yeast infection. 

2. Avoid the use of pantyhose.

Pantyhose are a breeding ground for yeast. They can trap moisture and allow yeast to multiply quickly. An alternative to pantyhose are thigh high stockings. If good quality stockings are available, they are a very comfortable remedy to the avoidance of yeast infections. Thigh highs can be found in most department stores. 

3. Avoid tight pants.

Wearing tight pants can also create an environment that is perfect for yeast to grow. Wearing skirts whenever possible is the best way to avoid the problems that tight pants can create. 

4. Avoid underwear altogether when possible.

If you can get away with it, avoid wearing underwear at all. Another suggestion is to wear a loose gown or something that doesn’t bind in the crotch area with no underwear. 

5. When having a bowel movement or urinating, wipe from front to back.

The intestinal tract is a perfect environment where yeast thrive. Be sure to wipe from front to back to avoid re infecting yourself. 

6. Bathe instead of shower.

Bathing is the best way to eradicate some of the yeast in the vaginal area. Avoid using soap in this area, because soap does nothing to yeast. It can actually make a yeast infection worse by killing off some of the beneficial bacteria that balance out the amounts of yeast in the vagina. 

7. Dry thoroughly after bathing and swimming.

Make sure to dry the genital area very well after bathing or swimming as the moisture left in the pubic hair can encourage the growth of yeast. 

8. Eat Yogurt to maintain the delicate balance of yeast in the body.

Yogurt which contains live cultures of L. Acidophilus (not pasteurized) can help prevent yeast infections. L. Acidophilus is also available in pill form and can be purchased at health food store and larger grocery stores. 

9. Avoid sugary foods.

Yeast infections can be reduced by 90%  by eliminating or reducing your sugar intake. Alcohol can also cause an increase in yeast since it is composed of fermented sugar. 

10. Birth control pills have been linked to yeast infections.

The long term use of birth control pills has been shown to be a cause of yeast infections. You might consider speaking to your health care professional about changing brands of birth control.

11.Use condoms to avoid the spread of yeast infections.

Since yeast infections can be spread back and forth between partners, unprotected sex should be avoided at all costs. The use of a lubricant can be beneficial for dryness.

12. Suggest that your sexual partner be treated also.

If both partners are not treated completely and the yeast infection cured, it will be passed back and forth from one to the other.

13. Get rid of underwear or sterilize them before wearing again.

Normal washing in a washing machine does not sterilize underwear thoroughly and can allow you to be reinfected if the proper measures are not taken. Here are some suggestions for sterilization:

1. Soak in a bleach solution
2. Boiling
3. Steam ironing

Also, if using a cervical birth control device, it needs to be sterilized .

14. Do not use sanitary napkins during the menstrual cycle.

Using tampons instead of sanitary napkins will allow the area to maintain good air flow to allow the vaginal area to breathe.

15. Avoid using any chemicals in the vaginal area.

Allergic reactions can trigger a yeast infection. Avoid the use of any products that contain chemicals. Douches, bubble baths, scented tampons, perfumed soaps and feminine deodorant sprays can cause a flare up of yeast infections. A good rule of thumb…..If it smells good, it is most likely treated with perfumes or chemicals that can irritate the vagina, thus causing infections. 

16. Take supplements to boost the immune system.

A healthy immune system is less likely to allow a yeast infection since yeast infections are caused from an imbalance in the body. Multi vitamins with minerals, exercise, proper diet avoiding lots of sugars, and stopping smoking can boost the immune system and help reduce yeast infections. 

17. Get tested for other health problems.

Recurring yeast infections can be the sign of other conditions. If you are experiencing a lot of yeast infections, speak to your health care professional about being tested.  

18. Oral fungicides can be very helpful.

This is an oral medication that can be taken to combat  Systematic Candida, which is a condition of having yeast widespread throughout the entire body. It can be internal or external and is not limited to only the vaginal area. 

19. Avoid antibiotics and steroids unless absolutely necessary.

Because antibiotics and steroids can alter the body’s internal balance, they should be avoided. If  you are unable to avoid their use, a vaginal yeast cream may be used at the first sign of an infection.

20. Pay special attention to your body right before your menstrual cycle and in times of stress.

You will be most susceptible to a yeast infection the week before your menstrual cycle and also during pregnancy as these are the times when your body becomes unbalanced by hormonal changes. Following these steps will encourage a healthy  body and help to maintain good balance between too much and not enough yeast.