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Understanding Vaginal Yeast Infections -- Prevention

How Do I Prevent a Vaginal Yeast Infection?

To prevent vaginal yeast infections, try the following:

  • Wear cotton or silk underwear, which allows dampness to evaporate, unlike nylon and other synthetics.
  • Wash and dry your underwear thoroughly and change them often to prevent dampness.
  • Don't in a wet bathing suit for a long time.
  • Don't use douches or deodorant feminine hygiene sprays.
  • Don't leave tampons or sanitary pads in place for a long time.
  • Eat yogurt that contains active cultures to add to the good bacteria that help your body control yeast.

 

Recommended Related to Women

Why Moms Can’t Sleep

By Amy Engeler  At 3 a.m., with all the houses dark up and down her winding suburban street in West Warwick, Rhode Island, Jo-Ann Frey, 37, lights a candle so she can see well enough to dust her furniture. Careful not to turn on any lights or make noise that might wake up her family, she drifts from room to room with her candle and cleaning supplies, waiting until she feels sleepy enough to climb back into bed. That feeling doesn't come -- and when she hears the alarm in the bedroom go off...

Read the Why Moms Can’t Sleep article > >

WebMD Medical Reference

Reviewed by Nivin Todd, MD, FACOG on April 13, 2013

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