The Pestering Yeast Infection Problem

Q: I seem to be prone to yeast infections. Is there any way to treat it long-term so it does not keep happening?

You are definitely not alone! Most women, roughly 75%, will have a yeast infection at some point in their lives. Recurring yeast infections can be annoying and get in the way of your normal, daily life. What you need to keep in mind is that a significant percentage of women who thought they had a yeast infection actually had other types of vaginal infections. So before you try to treat or prevent, make sure it's indeed a yeast infection.

Here a few tips to prevent yeast infections:

Add yogurt to your diet. Eating yogurt that contains live cultures of Lactobacillus acidophilus has been shown to lower your risk of yeast infections.

Eliminate the use of scented deodorant and/or antibacterial products in and around your genital area. The list includes: soaps, toilet paper, tampons, or other feminine hygiene products.

Keep your vaginal area dry. Avoid lycra when working out and change out of your swimsuit immediately after swimming. Warm and moist environments are great breeding grounds for yeast.

Never douche. Studies have shown that douching changes the natural environment of the vagina and makes you more prone to infections, including yeast infections.

Avoid the overuse of antibiotics. Women who take antibiotics are more likely to get yeast infections.

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Yeast Infection Help
written by Cheryl, December 18, 2009

If lactose intolerant and cannot handle yogurt, try drinking a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water. It helped a friend with her problem. The vinegar has other health benefits and is fat free.

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