Yeast Infections: Dealing Day-to-Day
Reviewed By:
Joanne Poje Tomasulo, M.D., ACOG
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- Use proper hygiene
To avoid yeast infections, practice good hygiene. After showering or bathing, be sure your genital area is completely dry before getting dressed. Avoid using irritating soaps, deodorants or sprays in the vaginal area. Always wipe from front to back after using the toilet to avoid spreading bacteria from the rectum into the vagina.
- Wear appropriate clothes
Wear loose-fitting undergarments, preferably made of cotton or natural fibers. Synthetic materials tend to trap heat and moisture in the vaginal area. Tight-fitting clothes can create an environment that fosters the growth of yeast.
At night, wear loose pajamas or no covering at all to allow air to circulate around your genitals.
- Seek early treatment
Pursue treatment at the first signs of a yeast infection. If this is the first time you have experienced symptoms, see your physician. It is important for you to be correctly diagnosed with a yeast infection before beginning treatment.
If you have had a yeast infection in the past, begin treatment with an over-the-counter medication. The earlier you begin the treatment, the faster you will get relief from the symptoms. Also, be sure you complete the entire recommended treatment even if your symptoms have subsided.
If you are or may become pregnant or are breastfeeding, you must consult with your doctor before beginning any treatment. Certain medications should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women.
- Do not aggravate the condition
Yeast infections can be annoying and uncomfortable. However, you should avoid scratching your genital area. Scratching the vagina can cause abrasions, which can lead to greater problems. Also, if you irritate your vagina even more, you will most likely feel greater discomfort during urination and sexual intercourse. In addition, the condition may take longer to fully heal. Use topical creams to help soothe areas outside of the vagina that may become irritated from the yeast infection.
- Monitor your condition
If you use the recommended course of treatment and do not see any improvement in your condition, see your physician. You may need a prescription medicine or may have a condition other than a yeast infection.
Also consult your doctor if you experience several yeast infections in a year. There are certain items, such as boric acid capsules (used as vaginal suppositories), that may help prevent recurrent yeast infections. Dietary changes, such as eating yogurt with live cultures, may also be recommended to reduce your risk of yeast infections.
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