Itching in the vaginal region and around the vulva (the opening of the vagina), burning feelings in the genitals, and a cottage-cheese-like discharge are some of the symptoms of vaginal yeast infections, which are most frequently caused by the yeast species Candida albicans.
Although the symptoms of a yeast infection, also known as vulvovaginal candidiasis in medicine, might be inconvenient, the infection itself is rarely harmful.
However, there are actions you may take to avoid yeast infections:
- Maintain proper hygiene
- Don the appropriate attire
- Avoid using scented bath products and sprays
- Keep it classy
- Steer clear of some drugs (when possible)
- Uphold healthy eating, sleeping, and exercise routines
- Keep the genital area tidy and dry
These prophylactic steps are especially more crucial if you have recurring or chronic yeast infections, also known as four or more yeast infections annually.
Recurrent Yeast Infections: What Causes Them?
There are a variety of risk factors that can predispose you to getting recurrent yeast infections, even if it's not totally apparent what causes some women to do so.
The following are some of the risk factors for developing yeast:
- Pregnancy, birth control pills, and estrogen therapy are examples of things that affect your body's natural hormonal balance.
- Frequent antibiotic usage, which destroys the helpful microorganisms that often control the population of Candida
- Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, which may lead to an increase in sugar in the vaginal membrane (sugar encourages the growth of yeast)
- Illnesses that compromise your immune system, like HIV
- Obesity increases the number of moist, warm spots (like skin wrinkles) where Candida can develop.
- Tight-fitting, synthetic clothing that keeps the vaginal area warm and wet
- Having an anatomy that places the vagina and anus, two places where germs are commonly found, close together.
According to one study, the recurring vulvovaginal candidiasis that affects many women may be caused by a localized immunological deficiency in the vagina.
After the first yeast infection, this could occasionally be the result of an allergic reaction to Candida.
Another cause of recurring yeast infections could be a Candida reservoir in the vagina or intestines. About 20% of women (and 30% of pregnant women) have Candida colonization, but symptoms don't appear until the balance of microbial communities has been upset by variables including antibiotic usage, hormone shifts, and other circumstances.
Due to spermicidal condoms (which irritate the vagina and make it more susceptible to infections), C., sex can also increase one's risk of developing chronic yeast infections. glycerin-based lubricants and oral sex-transmitted candidiasis in the mouth.
How Yeast Infections are Affected by Clothing
Silk and cotton undergarments wick away moisture, keeping you dry.
Conversely, nylon and other synthetic textiles trap moisture next to your skin, which promotes the development of yeast. Additionally, allergic and hypersensitive reactions to synthetic undergarments may modify the vaginal environment and exacerbate yeast infections.
Additionally, lounging around in wet swimming suits or sweaty exercise clothes creates an atmosphere where yeast might flourish. As quickly as you can, change into dry clothing.
Leggings, tights, and pantyhose can contribute to heat and moisture buildup in the crotch region.
If you do decide to wear pantyhose, make sure you wear cotton underwear and go for styles with cotton crotches.
Avoid wearing tight-fitting pajamas; instead, opt for a loose, flowing nightgown. Additionally, not wearing underwear while you sleep will keep your genital region dry and prevent yeast formation.
Not only can keeping your vagina clean keep you smelling good, but it can also help avoid yeast infections.
When taking a bath, make cautious to wipe the vagina's interior folds, which are likely to harbor yeast.
It's critical to thoroughly dry the entire vaginal area after taking a shower or bath since yeast flourishes in damp settings.
The Causes of Yeast Infections are Associated with Specific Items, Antibiotics, and Conditions
The sensitive area inside the vagina might become irritated by perfumes, which increases your risk of developing a yeast infection.
Additionally, stay away from colored or printed toilet paper and scented sanitary pads and tampons because colors can irritate skin.
Douching kills beneficial bacteria that regulate yeast in addition to dangerous bacteria.
Douche products introduce ingredients that could trigger allergic reactions and change the pH balance (acidity) of the vagina while also removing the natural protective coating of the vagina, making you more vulnerable to yeast and other vaginal infections.
Because antibiotics can destroy healthy microorganisms in the body, making it simpler for Candida yeast to multiply, they have been linked to the start of yeast infections. Usage antibiotics only as prescribed and refrain from unauthorized use.
Finally, a strong immune system aids in controlling yeast.
Try to maintain a regular sleep pattern and abstain from strenuous activity, caffeinated beverages, and big meals three hours before bedtime. To keep stress levels low, which can harm your immune system, think about practicing stress-reduction methods like yoga, meditation, and regular exercise.
Diabetes and HIV are two immune-suppressing conditions that might raise the risk of yeast infections.
In addition, managing your blood sugar levels is crucial if you have diabetes in order to avoid yeast infections. Yeast's main dietary source is sugar.
Your Diet May Change to Help Prevent Yeast Infections
There is some evidence to suggest that sugar may aid in yeast development.
Due to yeast's fondness for sugar, some experts have hypothesized that some women's diets may increase their likelihood of getting yeast infections.
In fact, some people adhere to a so-called candida diet or yeast infection diet in the hopes that doing so may prevent or at the very least significantly lower the risk of yeast overgrowth.
A yeast infection diet, according to advocates of these protocols, can help treat or prevent yeast infections by omitting:
- Simple sugar-containing foods, such as many fruits
- White flour and other grains high in gluten
- Anything that uses yeast to ferment, such as alcoholic beverages
- A few dairy items, such as whole milk
Green vegetables, protein from wild-caught fish, eggs, beans, grass-fed cattle, and poultry, almonds, and herbal tea are suggested as mainstays of the diet.
The candida diet is not (yet) backed by serious scientific research, despite the abundance of anecdotal evidence.
Probiotics May Be Beneficial for Treating Yeast Infections
Probiotics or yogurt with live cultures of the well-known "friendly" bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus are also advised as part of the candida diet.
Another preferred option for treating or preventing yeast infections using natural goods or at-home cures is probiotics (as opposed to conventional means).
According to the theory, certain bacteria typically reside in the gastrointestinal system, on the skin, and in other locations on the body where they aid in digestion and other physiological processes. In order to stop Candida yeast getting out of control and developing an illness, probiotics can aid in restoring the body's normal bacterial balance.
Although there is no risk in taking probiotics, there is insufficient convincing scientific evidence to support their efficacy in treating yeast infections.
A 2017 analysis discovered that probiotics can treat yeast infections, however the evidence was largely of low quality.
