Coping with Yeast Infections
While 75 percent of women will have at least one yeast infection, according to WebMD, five percent of women are plagued with persistent and recurring yeast infections. If you’ve ever dealt with the itching, burning, soreness and thick white discharge, you know how uncomfortable a yeast infection can be, but fortunately, most infections are not serious and can be treated quickly. Typically caused by a type of yeast called Candida albicans that lives in the vagina, yeast infections occur when yeast multiplies and the balance of yeast and healthy bacteria in the body is upset. Caused by anything from antibiotics to birth control pills, from pregnancy to perfumed tampons and even wearing tight clothes that trap in moisture, most yeast infections can be treated with over-the-counter creams and medications. If you are pregnant, have a fever, get four or more yeast infections per year or are simply unsure about whether you have a yeast infection or not, see your doctor.
And, of course, the best medicine is prevention. Here are a few tips to avoiding or reducing yeast infections: Wash your vaginal area carefully (with unscented soap) and regularly; change tampons and pads regularly; opt for cotton underwear, which doesn’t trap moisture in, and try to avoid tight jeans and pantyhose, when possible; change out of wet swimsuits and exercise clothes as quickly after the activity as possible; avoid douching and perfumes in the vaginal area; maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes regular sleep, stress reduction and a balanced diet.
