From lifestyle changes to everyday habits, we’ve rounded up six top tips to help you prevent vaginal yeast infections
Let’s delve into something that affects many of us but doesn’t always get the spotlight it deserves – yeast infections.
Yeast infections are common fungal infections that can affect the vagina, penis, mouth and throat. They’re mostly caused by an overgrowth of candida (a family of yeasts that naturally grow on the skin). It usually doesn’t cause any harm in normal amounts.
A vaginal yeast infection is called vaginal thrush. It's common, with about 75 percent of women getting it at least once in their lifetime.
Symptoms of vaginal thrush include:
• White vaginal discharge (this doesn’t usually smell) and it’s usually described as looking like cottage cheese
• Itching and irritation around the vagina and vulva
• Soreness or stinging when weeing or during sex
For more on yeast infections in men, take a look at our guide to tackling male thrush.
Vaginal thrush can be uncomfortable and disruptive, but with the right knowledge and habits, it can often be prevented. From simple lifestyle tweaks to practical hygiene tips, we’ve got you covered.
Preventing yeast infections
Some people are more prone to having vaginal thrush but knowing how to help prevent it might help.
Underwear 101
When choosing underwear, opt for breathable fabrics like cotton to make sure you’re staying well ventilated and make sure to change your underwear regularly. Yeast thrive in warm and moist conditions, so by wearing loose-fitting clothing, your body can breathe freely.
You should also wash your underwear in hot water. You should use gentle detergents that are fragrance free and colour free as these are less likely to irritate your skin.
If you’ll be going swimming, you should let your swimming costume or trunks dry fully before wearing them. You should also avoid re-wearing the same wet swimming costume or trunks without washing them in between.
Wardrobe worries
Make sure that when picking your outfit for the day, you pick clothes that aren’t too snug. Choose jeans, skirts, trousers and tights that are loose enough to help reduce the build-up of heat and moisture.
The front to back hack
You should always wipe from front to back. This simple practice can help prevent the spread of bacteria from your anus to your vagina. This might seem like a small step, but it has big rewards for your intimate health.
Cycle savvy
If you have periods, you should make sure to change your pads, pantyliners and tampons often when on your period. Candida (the yeast that often causes thrush) grows best in warm, moist environments, so staying fresh can reduce the amount of body heat and moisture, to prevent the likelihood of thrush developing.
Skipping the scent & hot baths
The allure of a hot, relaxing bath scented with bubbles or oils can be irresistible. However, when it comes to preventing yeast infections, indulging in hot baths, hot tubs and perfumed products can increase your risk of getting vaginal thrush.
While soaking in a hot bath can be soothing for the mind and body, it's not always the best choice for vaginal health. The heat and moisture from hot water can create an environment which can cause yeast overgrowth. Yeast thrives in warm, moist conditions, so the exposure to hot water can increase the risk of developing vaginal thrush.
Fragranced soaps, body washes, bubble baths, and even scented toilet paper may seem like luxurious additions to your self-care routine. However, the fragrances and chemicals in these products can disrupt the balance of the vagina. This could lead to irritation and an increased risk of vaginal thrush.
Here are some tips so you can continue enjoying your self-care:
• Instead of hot baths, choose warm water to shower
• Avoid doing any harsh scrubbing or douching, as these can disrupt the natural pH balance of the vagina and increase the risk of infections
Between the sheets
Avoid having sex if you or your partner has vaginal thrush, even if they don’t have all the symptoms. Vaginal thrush can be passed from one area of the body to another for example from your genitals to your mouth.
A pharmacist can help if you do find yourself with vaginal thrush. You can buy antifungal medicine from pharmacies if you’ve been diagnosed with vaginal thrush in the past and you know the symptoms. You shouldn’t use an antifungal medicine more than twice in six months without speaking to a pharmacist or doctor.
You should speak to a GP if:
• You have symptoms of vaginal thrush for the first time
• You have vaginal thrush and you’re under 16 or over 60
• You have vaginal thrush and it keeps coming back (more than four times in 12 months)
• You have vaginal thrush and you’re pregnant or breastfeeding
• You’ve had treatment for vaginal thrush and it hasn’t worked
• You have vaginal thrush and you have a weakened immune system, for example if you have diabetes, HIV or are undergoing chemotherapy
When it comes to your intimate health, preventing vaginal thrush is always better than having to treat it, so it’s important to have the advice at hand to look after your intimate health.
