Yeast infection results when too much yeast grows on your skin and causes an infection. Vaginal yeast infection causes extreme itching, irritation in the vagina, and discharge. Here are 5 things you can do to prevent Yeast Infection this summer.
- Get into a cold shower
Summer tends to be hot and humid wherever you are in the world. With increased humidity in the air, your body also gets wet and sweaty more easily than any other season.
As reported in the study by Health line, while many individuals favor warm showers, some research suggests that using cold water can offer benefits for both physical and mental health. During the hot and humid summer months, it is advisable to opt for cold water as it may help prevent yeast infections and provide relief from the heat.
Prolonged wetness or high humidity around your reproductive system can cause yeast to spread more quickly and this could then lead to yeast infection.
Of course, since you can’t get rid of yeast (they naturally live in your vagina) the best course of action to take is to keep their growth in check.
With that said, try to limit how long you stay in a hot shower or bath. Hot baths, especially, can easily increase the temperature of your vagina, making it a conducive place for yeast and bacteria to grow more quickly.
During Summertime, try your best to limit hot showers and instead enjoy lukewarm (or even cold) showers more. This should help prevent yeast infection.
- Always bring spare underwear
During Summertime, the weather gets punishing and the humidity is unmerciful. Your body gets hot easily and the rise in temperature can easily make you sweat under there as well.
Your underwear is meant to absorb all of that humidity so that your body keeps fresh, right? So in this case, cotton underwear is the best choice for everyday use during the Summertime.
According to information from WebMD, it is recommended to opt for breathable underwear, and cotton is regarded as the optimal choice. Cotton fabric’s ability to prevent heat and moisture retention helps in keeping you dry and comfortable, especially during the hot summer months. Choosing this type of underwear can contribute to a sense of comfort and well-being.
Although cotton has this great capacity to absorb humidity and wetness, it can also become wet and uncomfortable exactly for this reason.
Wearing wet underwear for a long time is never great as this helps bacteria and yeast to multiply more quickly.
So, if you find yourself being out and about and your underwear quickly feels unclean or uncomfortable, you need to change to a fresh one immediately. For this reason, it would be a good idea to bring spare underwear during activities in Summer.
- Reduce sugar intake
The hotness of Summer makes you want to consume a lot of fresh stuff. This is wonderful, of course, but try not to consume too much sugar during this time.
Why? Because yeast feeds off sugar and too much of it in your body makes them grow faster. Given that humidity already makes yeast grow, the addition of excess sugar should not be taken lightly.
As such, it would be wise to limit your intake of sugary stuff during the Summertime. For instance, if you really enjoy sweet fruits during Summer, that is probably already a lot of sugar, so try not to add other forms of refined sugar from snacks or bottled drinks.
According to the research from the University Hospitals, it is crucial to be mindful when selecting snacks and drinks, as some may be high in sugar and extra calories. Maintaining a healthy gastrointestinal (GI) tract is essential for women to prevent vulnerability to yeast infections. Making wise food choices can contribute to a healthy gut, reducing the risk of such infections, especially during the summer season.
Meanwhile, don’t forget to hydrate your body adequately by drinking a lot of purified water as well. Water is still the best form of liquid that helps your body release heat through frequent urination.
- Trim your pubic hair
If you are okay with the idea of grooming your pubic hair, Summer is the best time to do it, too. Pubic hair is just a natural part of your body and it does have a number of benefits.
One of its benefits is the prevention of bacteria entering your vagina easily. But at the same time, the pubic hair is not perfect and also carries a bit of a dilemma.
The pubic hair of an adult can be quite bushy and it can cause humidity to get trapped for a long time there. When this happens, the body keeps getting hotter and the bacteria that’s already trapped in the pubic hair is not easy to get rid of.
You will have to wash with soap frequently to really get rid of the bacteria. If this is not possible or practical, the next best thing to do is to trim or even shave off your pubic hair.
- Get more probiotics
The last thing you can do to minimise the chances of yeast growing too fast and causing an infection is to get more probiotics. Probiotics introduce good bacteria to your body and they can fight off the bad bacteria.
Naturally, this halts the growth of bad bacteria by a lot. Probiotics are wonderful to prevent yeast infection and they usually get prescribed for females who are healing from yeast infection.
We have probiotic drinks that are easy to find on store shelves, so if you are a fan of such products, don’t be shy of drinking them every day.
Meanwhile, if you don’t like the taste of probiotic drinks and would prefer something much simpler, probiotic supplements may be more suitable for you. Probiotic supplements come in a variety of forms and they also offer different bacteria to choose from.
Lactobacillus is the most popular good bacterium that people consume.
To end on a final note, yeast infections are common but can be prevented with precautionary measures. This summer, you can take care of your overall hygiene and reduce the chances of yeast infection by doing the mentioned five things.
How Do I Stop Being Prone To Yeast Infections?
If you are someone who is prone to yeast infections, you may be wondering how you can prevent them from occurring. In this paper, we will discuss the causes of yeast infections, risk factors for developing them, and various prevention methods that can help you stop being prone to yeast infections.
Causes of Yeast Infections
Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of the fungus Candida albicans. This fungus is naturally found in the vagina, along with other bacteria. However, when there is an imbalance in the vaginal flora, the fungus can grow out of control, leading to a yeast infection. This imbalance can be caused by various factors, including:
1. Antibiotics: Antibiotics are commonly prescribed for bacterial infections, but they can also kill the good bacteria in the vagina that help keep the fungus in check.
2. Hormonal changes: Fluctuations in hormones, such as those that occur during pregnancy, menstruation, or menopause, can disrupt the balance of the vaginal flora and lead to a yeast infection.
3. Weakened immune system: A weakened immune system can make it easier for the Candida fungus to grow and cause an infection.
4. Diabetes: People with diabetes have higher levels of sugar in their urine, which can promote the growth of yeast.
5. Tight clothing: Wearing tight-fitting, non-breathable clothing, such as nylon underwear or tight jeans, can create a warm and moist environment in the vagina that is conducive to the growth of yeast.
Risk Factors for Yeast Infections
While anyone can develop a yeast infection, there are certain risk factors that can make a person more prone to getting them. These include:
1. Frequent use of antibiotics: As mentioned earlier, antibiotics can kill the good bacteria in the vagina, making it easier for the Candida fungus to grow.
2. Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can increase the risk of developing a yeast infection.
3. Uncontrolled diabetes: People with uncontrolled diabetes have higher levels of sugar in their urine, which can promote the growth of yeast.
4. Weakened immune system: Certain medical conditions, such as HIV/AIDS, or treatments such as chemotherapy, can weaken the immune system and make it easier for yeast to grow.
5. Use of scented products: Scented products, such as bubble baths, vaginal sprays, and scented tampons, can irritate the vagina and disrupt its natural balance, making it more prone to yeast infections.
Prevention Methods for Yeast Infections
While yeast infections can be uncomfortable and inconvenient, the good news is that they can be prevented. Here are some strategies that can help you stop being prone to yeast infections:
1. Practice good hygiene: Keeping the vaginal area clean and dry can help prevent the overgrowth of yeast. Avoid using scented products and opt for unscented, gentle cleansers instead.
2. Avoid douching: Douching can disrupt the balance of the vaginal flora and increase the risk of yeast infections.
3. Wear cotton underwear: Cotton is a breathable fabric that keeps the vaginal area dry and helps prevent the growth of yeast. Avoid wearing tight-fitting, non-breathable clothing.
4. Avoid irritants: Avoid using scented products, such as bubble baths and scented tampons, which can irritate the vagina and disrupt its natural balance.
5. Limit sugar intake: Yeast feeds on sugar, so limiting your sugar intake can help prevent the overgrowth of yeast.
6. Take probiotics: Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the vagina. You can take probiotic supplements or consume foods that are rich in probiotics, such as yogurt.
7. Use condoms: Condoms can help prevent the spread of yeast infections during sexual intercourse.
8. Change out of wet clothing: After swimming or exercising, change out of wet clothing as soon as possible to prevent the growth of yeast.
9. Avoid unnecessary use of antibiotics: Only take antibiotics when prescribed by a doctor, and if you do need to take them, consider taking probiotic supplements to help maintain the balance of bacteria in the vagina.
Conclusion
Yeast infections can be a frustrating and uncomfortable experience for women who are prone to them. By understanding the causes and risk factors for yeast infections, and implementing prevention methods such as good hygiene, wearing cotton underwear, and taking probiotics, you can reduce your chances of getting a yeast infection. It is also important to consult with your healthcare provider if you experience frequent or recurring yeast infections, as they may be a sign of an underlying medical condition. By taking proactive steps, you can stop being prone to yeast infections and maintain a healthy vaginal flora.
