Yeast infections are among the most common reproductive health concerns for women. Some women may be more prone to these uncomfortable and frustrating infections. If you’re one of these women, you’ve likely wondered if there was something you can do to prevent yeast infections or at least reduce their frequency. That’s why our board-certified gynecologists wanted to highlight some of the most common causes and solutions for yeast infections.
Feminine Hygiene Products
Yeast infections are often caused by changes in your normal vaginal flora. Using some feminine hygiene products like scented soaps or douching can increase your risk of developing a yeast infection. This is why we recommend avoiding douching. Using plain, unscented soaps when washing is also recommended.
Certain Medications
Some medications including antibiotics like tetracycline or amoxicillin can throw off the pH balance in your vagina by killing off healthy bacteria. Additionally, changes in your estrogen and progesterone levels associated with using hormone replacement therapy or taking hormonal birth control can also sometimes lead to potential vaginal yeast infections.
Sweaty Workout Clothes & Wet Bathing Suits
Staying in sweaty gym clothes can increase your risk of a yeast infection. Yeast thrives in warm, wet and dark environments like workout clothes and swimsuits. We recommend wearing looser, more breathable clothes when you work out and changing as soon as possible after your exercise.
Certain Lifestyle Habits
Some day-to-day behaviors and habits can also increase a woman’s risk of developing a yeast infection. Diets high in sugar can lead to an excess of yeast production. Wearing pants that are too tight can also contribute to this. Additionally, some behaviors pertaining to sex including sexual activity with a partner who is carrying yeast or not urinating after having sex can increase the chances of a yeast infection.
It’s important to remember that in some cases, women who think they have a yeast infection may in fact be suffering from a different condition like bacterial vaginosis. That’s why it’s so important to discuss your symptoms with your board-certified gynecologist in order to receive an accurate diagnosis and determine the best-possible course of treatment. For more information or to request an appointment with board-certified gynecologist Dr. Kristine Gould or one of our other gynecological healthcare providers, contact Gynecology Associates of Gwinnett. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more gynecological health tips, news, and more.
