Yeast Infection Prevention: Ladies, Follow These Steps To Keep Infection At Bay

Not every woman is comfortable talking about her vaginal problems or the irritations she is facing. Very few women actually take care of their vagina and clean it properly on a regular basis. Vagina is naturally designed to keep itself in a good state by healthy secretions, but that does not mean that you don't need to care for it at all. A number of bacterial and fungal infections can occur in the vagina during a woman's lifetime and the different sexual-reproductive phases. Yeast infection is one of the common infections mostly women complain about.

Yeast infections: Know possible causes and prevention steps

Yeast infections can develop due to variety of reasons such as-

• Around or post periods
• During pregnancy
• Hormonal changes
• Birth control pills
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Consumption of antibiotics
• Intimate sprays

Although most people think that yeast infection is prevalent only in summer, it can affect women during winter as well. Cold season calls for warm clothes like woollen leggings, tight pants and these are good as long as they don't hurt your vagina. Anything that traps moisture and doesn't allow it to escape can create a moist and provides platform for the yeast growth.

Also read: All About Urinary Tract Infection

Knowing the symptom of yeast infection in the vagina is important to take the appropriate measures. Listed below are the most common signs women face.

• Itching 
• Odourless, thick and yellowish discharge
• Burning sensation during urination
• Pain and soreness
• Redness and swelling of the vulva

Burning sensation during urination can be a sign of yeast infection
Photo Credit: iStock

It is better to approach your gynaecologist as soon as you develop these signs. If you notice foul smell in the discharge, it is crucial to consult the doctor as these can be signs of serious infections caused by bacteria or a parasite.

Although, yeast infection clears on its own, it might aggravate if proper care is not taken. Follow these steps to avoid vaginal yeast infection.

1. Wear right sized underwear - Wearing too tight underwear or synthetic underwear's may increase the risk of infection. It can increase body heat and moisture and creates environment for the yeast growth.

2. Avoid tight pants - Make sure your pants, tights, skirt are not too snug. They can boost body temperature and moisture around your private parts

3. Change your wet cloths - It is not advised to wear wet underpants. Change your wet cloths after a heavy workout, swimming or after drenching in rain.

4. Skip scented feminine products - Avoid using scented sprays, wipes around your vagina.

5. Use barrier methods- Use barrier methods of contraception for protection and prevention of transmission of fungal infection.

6. Take care of intimate health during periods - Change your sanitary pads, tampons, pantyliners often

7. Manage your diabetes - People with high blood sugar need to control their sugar level to avoid any kind of infections

8. Control the use of antibiotics - Don't pop antibiotic pills unnecessarily.

9. Complaints in partner- Check for similar complaints in partner and get them treated.

Also read: Know All About The Candida Diet And How It Makes You Lose Weight

Preventing yeast infection is easier if proper precautions are taken. If the infection recurs, consulting the gynaecologist and taking regular medications will help in controlling the problem.

(Dr. Mukta Nadig, Consultant, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia Asia Hospital, Hebbal)

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