The vagina is a sensitive part of a woman’s body that should be kept
free from infections but most women experience vaginal infections or
vaginal thrush every now and then. Genital infections can be very
uncomfortable and it can keep coming back if not properly treated. It is
important for women to know how to prevent vaginal thrush to avoid its disturbing symptoms.
Vaginal thrush is a common vaginal infection caused by yeast fungus
called Candida resulting to a number of uncomfortable symptoms like
swelling, soreness, itching or irritation of the vagina and its
surrounding area. It is also accompanied by creamy cheese-like vaginal
discharge. The vagina normally have a controlled amount of Candida
fungus without causing any symptoms. The overgrowth of Candida is the
main reason for the occurrence of vaginal thrush. Some women can have
more than four vaginal thrush episodes in a year and this can be really
disturbing. Although it is a treatable infection, women should know how
to prevent vaginal thrush to avoid recurring infections.
Vaginal thrush is a common infection that affects around 75% of female
population more than once in their lifetime but it can be controlled if
women know how to prevent vaginal thrush.
So how to prevent vaginal thrush?
Avoid using scented hygiene products. Scented products like soap,
bubble bath, shower gel, feminine sprays, sanitary pads, tampons, toilet
paper, contraceptive foams and jellies have additional chemicals that
could disturb the natural pH of the vagina resulting to yeast infection
so if you want to prevent vaginal thrush, avoid using them. Go for unscented products if you really want to prevent vaginal thrush.
Wash your underwear properly. Your underwear could cause irritation
or build-up of bacteria causing the occurrence of vaginal infection. It
is important to mind how you wash your underwear. If you are not into
hand washing, make sure that your washing machine is clean because in
most cases, washing machines are contaminated by fecal bacteria if they
are not properly cleaned which means that your newly washed clothes
could be contaminated by bacteria. Wash your underwear separately and do
not wash them with soiled socks and clothes. Use unscented detergent or
laundry soap and avoid using fabric conditioners on your undergarments
to prevent vaginal thrush. Unscented special soaps for
sensitive skin like those used for infants clothing can be more suitable
for washing underwear. Washing underwear in hot water is also another
way to prevent vaginal thrush. It is best to sun dry underwear
because the sun is the toughest germ killer. Keep your underwear clean
and change it every day to avoid accumulation of germs. It is also
important to wash and change your bath towel often and do not use
someone else’s towel.
Keep your vagina clean and fresh. Vaginal hygiene is very important if you want to prevent vaginal thrush.
Frequent washing is not necessary because the vagina has the ability to
clean itself but you need to properly wash your genital area to keep it
clean and fresh. Washing your vagina at least once a day is enough to
keep it clean. Avoid using soap with heavy perfumes because it can
irritate the vagina. Use mild unscented soap to wash your vagina. After
using the toilet, wipe from front to back to avoid the spread of
bacteria from the anus to your vagina. It is also important to keep your
vagina clean during your monthly period. Frequently change sanitary
pads and wash your vagina 2-3 times a day. It is best not to use tampons
during your period but go for unscented sanitary pads. Avoid douching
because douches can also wash out the healthy bacteria disrupting the
normal bacterial balance in the vagina. Disrupting the bacterial balance
in the vagina could result to rapid multiplication of yeast fungus
leading to infections. There are also reports that douching is linked to
pelvic inflammatory disease. Be gentle in washing your private part
because the skin in your vagina is very sensitive and you do not want to
get scratches on you genital area.
Keep your vagina cool and dry. Yeast, the fungus responsible for
vaginal thrush thrives on moist warm environment and the vagina is the
prefect breeding spot for them. To prevent vaginal thrush, it
is important to keep your genital area cool and dry. Keep the genital
area ventilated and free from sweat. Avoid wearing tight-fitting pants
and underwear made from synthetic materials. Wear underwear made from
cotton to allow airflow. Trim or shave your pubic hair because a thick
pubic hair could promote sweating. If you are into swimming or have a
regular work out in the gym, change wet bathing suits or exercise
clothes as soon as you finished your activities. Consider sleeping
without an underwear to allow your vagina to breathe and to give it a
cool rest at night. Thoroughly dry your vagina after shower or washing.
Boost your immune system. People are more prone to infections if they
have weak immune system. Your immune system should be always in good
condition to fight diseases and prevent vaginal thrush. Get at
least 8 hours of sleep every day. Eat a well-balanced diet and exercise
regularly. Although stress is a normal part of everyday life, try to
live a less stressful life or learn how to relieve the stress of daily
life. Meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises and regular physical
activities can be very helpful to reduce the stress in your life.
Take it easy with sugar. To prevent vaginal thrush, you have
to starve the yeast and prevent it from multiplying. Yeast feeds on
sugar so do not give them food to flourish. Avoid sugary foods and foods
with yeast like bread, beer and fermented foods.
Vaginal infection is an uncomfortable condition and you do not have to suffer its disturbing symptoms if you know how to prevent vaginal thrush. To know more visit Natural Yeast Infection Cure
