How To Avoid Yeast Infections
Ask any woman past puberty about the cause of a yeast infection, and she may not be able to tell you the answer. But she will be able to tell you about the symptoms, the discomfort and most likely 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. 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. An infection causes swelling and irritation of the areas affected. 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 is the 411 about 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. The candida fungus if found naturally in the body in small quantities but when the fungus becomes over-abundant then it causes a yeast infection. Antibiotics and steroids are necessary medications for women who need them. 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.
Another cause of yeast infections is wearing damp underclothing or swimsuits during hot weather. The candida fungus thrives in warm, damp environments. Everything candia needs to flourish is provided by persperation in the vaginal area or a damp swimsuit. 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.
A well-known cause of yeast infections among women is wearing shorts or jeans that are too tight. The tight-fitting clothing causes vaginal irritation. Candida thrives on irritated skin. After the irritation, comes the start of the full-blown yeast infection. Women that get yeast infections often are advised to wear clothing that fits properly and avoid irritation.
Tight-fitting clothing is just one of the reasons that irritations can begin and yeast infections start. Some women are especially sensitive to bath products that contain a lot of soapy suds. Although many of these products smell nice and can make the skin feel soft, they aren’t worth the risk for many women. If a certain bath product has a history of causing you irritated skin then avoid them because we know that the candida loves irritations. 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 will maintain your help and doesn’t need assistance from harsh douche products.
