Yeast infection prevention - How to prevent yeast infections

Yeast infection is a common ailment to the human species. Just about everyone has suffered one form or another of yeast infection in their lifetime. Yeast infection prevention can help you to avoid yeast infection and improve your overall health. Yeast infection can take hold, particularly if your immune system has been compromised through illness or injury.

How to prevent yeast infections:

It is best to avoid sexual intercourse while being treated for yeast infections. You can infect your partner who can re-infect you. Both you and your partner should receive treatment to prevent recurring yeast infections.

• Wear undergarments made of cotton


• Promptly remove wet bathing suits after swimming


• Avoid douching


• Avoid wearing tight clothing, such as jeans and pantyhose


• If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar levels to keep them within normal values

Yeast loves sugar and yeast. These substances help it to thrive in your body. Avoid foods that contain sugar, such as soft drinks. Additionally, avoid foods that contain yeast, such as beer. If you get yeast infections frequently, try a yeast infection diet that is void of all foods than can induce a yeast infection.

Drink alcohol in moderation or avoid it altogether to prevent yeast infection. The sugars contained in alcohol work against yeast infection prevention. Drink plenty of fluids, such as water to help flush toxins out of the body

Keep the hair cut short. Hair attracts moisture and intensifies the body heat in areas where hair is located.

Babies, toddlers, and children are just as prone to getting to yeast infections as adults are. Be sure to change your child's diaper regularly. Do not allow your child to wear a saturated diaper for expanded time periods. When applying a fresh diaper, make sure it is not too tight as this will restrict airflow to the skin in the diaper area. Urine is acidic and can harm the skin.

If your baby has oral thrush, abstain from breastfeeding. This is usually treated with Nystatin oral drops for the baby. You can pump your breasts and bottle feed until the infection clears up.

Other tips on yeast infection prevention:

If you are living a stressful lifestyle, it is important to reduce your stress to prevent yeast infection. Relaxation techniques such as biofeedback help to reduce stress and prevent yeast infection.

Denture wearers most often have yeast in their mouths. Cleaning your dentures every day and removing them at night is a great intervention for yeast infection prevention.

by Barb Hicks, RN