healthylife

Health statistics tell us that over 50 percent of all women will develop a vaginal yeast infection — also known as vaginal thrush — over the course of their lives. This annoying infection is caused by the Candida albicans yeast, a type of fungus that overgrows and causes infection in the moist, dark and airless environment of the vagina.  It is characterized by a red, itchy and sore rash around the entrance to the vagina and vulva, irritation and often biting pain. Some women also have embarrassing discharge and odor, and experience pain during urination and intercourse.

In many cases, however, new infections or aggravation of existing ones can be prevented by making some simple lifestyle choices:

Don’t wear tight clothes
Any clothing, such as tight jeans, synthetic leggings or tight-fitting underwear that reduces the air flow around the genital area, can create an environment that encourages Candida growth.  Stick to natural materials that don’t cling or bind and avoid tight fitting synthetics at all times.

Stay clean and perfume-free

vaginal thrush

It’s important to wash the vaginal area every day, but take care not to use a soap or deodorants that irritate the skin. Although they may seem harmless, perfumed soaps and vaginal deodorants can alter the delicate balance of micro-organisms in your vagina that are thought to keep Candida albicans in check.

Be careful with sanitary products
Change your tampons or sanitary pads on a regular basis when you’re menstruating or if you wear pads the rest of the month because of vaginal discharge. Never use scented sanitary products, because they can alter the pH of your vaginal area and encourage yeast growth.


Stay dry
Be sure to dry your vaginal area carefully after bathing or showering. Also, change out of wet swimwear and sweaty athletic clothes as quickly as possible to avoid creating an environment that encourages yeast.

Be conscious when having sex
If your partner has a yeast infection, you’ll obviously want to avoid having sex.  (Yes, males can develop yeast infections on the penis).  Although Candida is not classified as a sexually transmitted disease because plenty of celibate people also contract it; it can be passed from partner to partner.

Alter your diet
For a long-term, holistic approach to dealing with chronic yeast infections, it’s worth taking the time to do a natural Candida cleanse and then adjust your diet to only include Candida diet foods. This will make your body a less hospitable breeding ground for Candida.

If you pay close attention to all these factors, it should be much easier to avoid vaginal thrush and live a more comfortable life.