Women's Health

The following actions can help prevent a vaginal yeast infection.

• Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nonfat dairy products. Some women think that eating foods with lactobacillus organisms, such as yogurt or acidophilus milk, will help prevent yeast infections. So far there is no evidence for this connection. But eating foods that contain lactobacillus can be part of a healthy diet.
• Control diabetes. Good control of blood sugar levels decreases the risk of yeast infections anywhere on your body.
• Avoid unnecessary use of antibiotics. Antibiotics can change the normal balance of vaginal organisms, allowing excess growth of yeast.

If you practice good genital hygiene, you can also help prevent infection.

• Keep your vaginal area clean. Use mild, unscented soap and water. Rinse well.
• After using the toilet, wipe from front to back to avoid spreading yeast or bacteria from your anus to the vagina or urinary tract.
• Wear underwear that helps keep your genital area dry and doesn?t hold in warmth and moisture. One good choice is cotton underwear.
• Avoid tight-fitting clothing, such as panty hose, and tight-fitting jeans. These may increase body heat and moisture in your genital area.
• Change out of a wet swimsuit right away. Wearing a wet swimsuit for many hours may keep your genital area warm and moist.
• Change pads or tampons often.
• Don?t douche or use deodorant tampons or feminine sprays, powders, or perfumes. These items can change the normal balance of organisms in your vagina.