9 ways to prevent yeast infections

Yeast infection prevention | Risk factors | When to see a doctor

Yeast infections are a really common thing that no one really wants to talk about. Why? Well… women just don’t want to. It’s uncomfortable, maybe even embarrassing. Vaginal itching and discharge or pain during intercourse aren’t exactly dinner table topics. But the truth is- yeast infections really are very common. In fact, the CDC reports that they are the second most common type of vaginal infection in women and result in 1.4 million outpatient doctor visits every year. 

Why are yeast infections so common and where do they come from? Yeast infections are an overgrowth of a common fungus we all have on our skin known as Candida. It’s on our skin, in our mouth, in our pelvic region, and basically everywhere to some extent. Certain body conditions or changes may allow an overgrowth of this type of fungus, and that overgrowth in the vaginal area is known as vaginal candidiasis or vulvovaginal candidiasis.

Vaginal candidiasis can present with varying symptoms which may include vaginal itching or soreness, vaginal discharge, pain during intercourse, or pain during urination. These symptoms of a yeast infection are typically mild, but if left untreated, can become severe and cause redness, irritation, swelling, and cracks in the vaginal wall. These symptoms can be indicative of other bacterial conditions or sexually transmitted infections as well, so it’s important to contact your health care provider to make sure it’s not something else.

While yeast infections are common and can occur in anyone, some people are more susceptible. Pregnant women and those who have diabetes are more likely to experience an overgrowth of vaginal yeast. Patients who take hormonal birth control pills, steroids, chemotherapy, or who have a weakened immune system may also be more susceptible. Patients who have recently taken a course of antibiotics are also very susceptible too as the normal bacterial and fungal balance of the body is normally upset by a course of antibiotics.

RELATED: Can men get yeast infections? 

9 ways to prevent yeast infections

There are a number of ways to prevent a yeast infection.

1. Avoid unnecessary antibiotic use

Antibiotics can kill off the healthy bacteria in the vagina, causing an overgrowth of yeast, thus leading to a yeast infection. Antibiotics do not treat viral infections, such as the common cold, flu, or COVID-19. It is important to only take antibiotics as directed by your doctor and only for the prescribed length of time. If you have a known history of yeast infections after antibiotic use, discuss yeast infection treatment options at the time you start the antibiotic therapy so that you will be prepared.

2. Wear cotton underwear

Loose-fitting, cotton underwear is most conducive to a healthy microbiome. Avoid garments that are tight and aren’t as breathable, as well as things like sweaty workout wear. These clothes can create a humid, damp area, which is the ideal environment for Candida overgrowth. Because of this, it is also important to change out of damp or sweaty clothes, like workout clothes or swimwear, quickly.

3. Avoid hot tubs and scalding hot baths

Hot water can foster Candida growth, due to the warm, moist environments. It can also harm the integrity of the skin, making you more prone to sensitive skin conditions.

4. Take probiotics or eat yogurt with probiotics 

Probiotics help balance the gastrointestinal and vaginal microflora. As well as treatment for yeast infections, probiotics are helpful in the prevention of yeast infections. They replace the good bacteria in the digestive tract and other parts of the body to restore balance. The best probiotic to take will be with those containing the Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 bacteria. 

5. Practice good hygiene

Avoid behaviors that may lead to yeast infections, such as poor hygiene. When performing personal hygiene practices, avoid douching, scented vaginal washes or scented lotions, as well as perfumed sanitary products near the genitals, which can throw off the balance of the vagina’s microflora.

6. Avoid sugary and processed foods 

Yeast grows from sugar, so this can cause a surplus of yeast growth. This includes foods high in natural yeast as well such as bread, cheese, fruit, and alcoholic drinks. By not providing yeast its natural food and energy source, you are essentially starving it away.

7. Incorporate foods which are known to inhibit yeast

Eating at least a half cup of yogurt daily can help inhibit yeast overgrowth. Garlic is also a well known natural remedy to yeast, so incorporating that into your diet can be helpful. Cranberry juice or cranberry pill forms may also be helpful at preventing yeast infections. Apple cider vinegar has also been shown to prevent the growth of Candida.

8. Vitamin C strengthens the body’s natural immunity

Vitamin C is a good vitamin for anyone because it boosts your body’s immune system against many opportunistic infections, including Candida. Those with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to yeast infection.

9. Stay hydrated

Drink enough water to maintain healthy skin membranes in the vaginal area, oral cavity, and elsewhere to prevent opportunistic infections of yeast, bacteria, and other organisms

What increases my risk of getting a yeast infection?

Chances are, a woman will get a vaginal yeast infection at some point in her lifetime. In fact, it is estimated that about 70% of women experience at least one in their life. Most of these, nine out of 10 in fact, will be due to a specific strain of Candida known as Candida albicans. Unfortunately, about 8% of women will have recurrent yeast infections, meaning they will continue to suffer from them repeatedly to some extent. It’s hard to track the exact incidence of vaginal yeast infections, because there are many over-the-counter treatments which are effective cures. Thus many of vaginal yeast infections are often under-reported because many women never go to the doctor to seek diagnosis or treatment.

There are some things that put you at a higher risk of getting yeast infections, whether just once or repeatedly. These can include but may not be limited to:

• Pregnancy
• Obesity
• Diabetes Mellitus (high blood sugar)
• Immunocompromised status (HIV/AIDS/post-transplant)
• Broad-spectrum antibiotic use
• Wearing tight clothing which does not allow good air flow to the pelvic area
• Frequent shaving of the pelvic region
• Sitting or being inactive for too long in wet clothing or wet bathing suits
• Bad hygiene habits

There are some common myths around vaginal yeast infections as well. They are not a sexually transmitted infection or sexually transmitted disease, even though sexually active females are more likely to get them. Yeast infections can occur in other places such as the mouth or even in your bloodstream and be life threatening. Having a yeast infection does not mean you are “unclean,” but you may need to make adjustments in your hygiene routine and products.

When to see a doctor

Vaginal yeast infections, which may be referred to as Candida vulvovaginitis, can be managed by different types of healthcare practitioners including gynecologists, family care providers, primary care providers, or urgent care providers. Typically, they are treated with azole antifungal medications that are either OTC or prescriptions and symptoms resolve in just a few days. 

While yeast infections can be treated OTC many times, there are many scenarios where you should check in with your provider first to make sure treatment is appropriate and that the symptoms you are experiencing aren’t actually indicative of something else, like bacterial vaginosis for instance. This allows for your health care provider to give the best medical advice and best treatment plan. Be sure to disclose all health problems and previous treatments, including sexual health.

If you think your symptoms are consistent with a vaginal yeast infection, you should visit with your doctor if one of the following is also true before treating with an OTC product:

• You are pregnant
• You are breastfeeding
• You are the victim of sexual trauma or abuse
• This is the first time you have experienced these symptoms
• You have recently completed treatment for a yeast infection and it has returned 

Your doctor may also need to screen for other diagnoses which have similar symptoms like the presence of foreign bodies, malignancies, sexually transmitted diseases, and the presence of harmful bacteria and bacterial infections. Complicated yeast infections or more severe infections which may have caused severe symptoms such as visible redness and swelling of the vulva, and cracking on the vaginal wall, may require longer treatment (one week or longer) with oral prescription drugs.