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| |    Preventing Yeast Infections by Marjorie Greenfield, M.D. reviewed and revised by Marjorie Greenfield, M.D. As nice as it would be, it's just not possible to avoid being exposed to the type of yeast responsible for causing vaginal yeast infections. They are in the air, in your food, and in your intestine. While some practitioners recommend yeast-free diets, a more practical (and more effective) approach is to create a vaginal environment that does not favor the invasion of yeast. What makes yeast thrive in the vagina? Quite simply, yeast like warm damp places. Allowing the vulva to be exposed to air every day is the first step to preventing yeast.
Yeast thrive in the acidic pH that is seen in the presence of the female hormone estrogen. The high levels of hormones in pregnancy and in oral contraceptive pills predispose expectant mothers and women on the Pill to yeast vaginitis. Some women find that switching to a nonhormonal contraceptive, if practical, helps to eliminate recurrent yeast infections. Yeast and antibiotics Most antibiotics wipe out the protective bacteria that normally inhabit the vagina. The broader spectrum antibiotics are the worst culprits. Anywhere from 25 to -70 percent of women will get a yeast infection after taking a course of antibiotics. Avoiding unnecessary antibiotic use--for instance, not seeking out antibiotic treatment for a viral condition like a cold--and taking the mildest antibiotic possible to treat your particular illness are good principles to live by. Many physicians think that their patients want, or expect, antibiotics if they complain of symptoms, even if the condition will normally run its course and doesn't need medical treatment. Because of this belief, a doctor may automatically prescribe antibiotics rather than risk disappointing his patient. Let your doctor know that you don't want antibiotics unless he thinks it is really necessary. Yogurt and yeast One study done on women with recurrent yeast infections showed that eating a serving of yogurt every day diminished their number of infections. What explains these results? Well, the active cultures of yogurt are lactobacilli--the good bacteria that protect the vaginal ecosystem. And researchers found that increasing the number of lactobacilli in the intestines seemed to improve the vaginal environment of the study participants. Some women have tried putting yogurt directly into the vagina, but it's not clear if this is a good idea. Plus no research has been done to address the effectiveness of this method. Take care of your skin Yeast also tend to infect irritated, broken skin, so it only makes sense that taking good care of your skin will help to prevent yeast invasion. In particular, avoid direct vulvar contact with products that may be irritating, such as fabric softeners or dryer sheets. (For more information, check out our article on vulvar care.) Things that don't cause yeast infections
While some women experience recurrent episodes of yeast vaginitis, many others have recurrent irritation that turns out not to be caused by yeast. Keep in mind that any irritation can lead to yeast, so some women who tend to get irritated easily may occasionally get yeast infections, but it's the irritation that is the primary problem. Women who get recurrent symptoms of itching, irritation, or discharge should be medically evaluated and should consider following vulvar care guidelines to prevent inflammation of that area.
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