By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
Three out of four women will experience a yeast infection at some point in her life, according to date from the Mayo Clinic. During summertime, yeast infections are more common since yeast favors warm, moist environments which are typical during hotter months.
Usually indicated by burning, itching and discharge, yeast infections (candidiasis) may go away on their own if mild. However, moderate to severe infections will require over-the-counter medication or prescription medication.
To prevent yeast infections, keep the vaginal area dry. Change out of wet swimsuits and workout clothing promptly. Women suffering from vaginal odor may look for boric acid suppositories near me online as it can be used to treat and ease discomfort from symptoms of vaginal infections.
“Having an overly moist environment like going swimming and having a bathing suit on for a long time can give the environment that leads to an overgrowth of bacteria,” said Keila Muniz, urogynecologist with St. Joseph’s Health. “It’s more chronic use than just occasionally.”
Although she said that studies do not strongly associate clothing types with increased risk of yeast infections, some women relate that sticking with breathable cotton fabric over synthetic fabrics reduces risk since synthetics tend to cause more sweat and trap moisture against the skin.
“Sometimes, just not wearing underwear is good,” she said.
Some women experience yeast infections after their period from using tampons or pads. Some have yeast infections after using some types of personal lubricants. Switching brands may help or trying menstrual cups instead of pads or tampons, as some contain citric or lactic acid, which can negatively affect the natural flora in the vagina.
“There are several risk factors to predispose people, like some disease, medications and hormonal changes,” Muniz said. “Women with diabetes with poor blood sugar control are prone to these infections. They need to be seen and screened by their providers and they need to maintain good glucose control.”
Taking a broad-spectrum antibiotic can increase the risk because it changes the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina.
Muniz added that immunosuppressant drugs or conditions such as HIV infection can also increase risk of yeast infections.
Some women say that eating foods rich in probiotics, such as yogurt, helps them maintain healthy balance in their system and reduce the number of yeast infections they have. The vagina naturally has beneficial bacteria, lactobacillus, that keeps yeast in the vagina within healthful limits. Taking an antibiotic for an illness can wipe out these good bacteria and trigger a yeast infection, and increasing intake of probiotics may help.
It may seem like douching or using yoni pearls will clear out an infection. However, these can make infections worse or increase the risk of vaginal problems for those who do not have a yeast infection.
“They affect the pH of the vagina and they decrease the normal, healthy flora and increase the bacteria that cause these horrible symptoms,” Muniz said. “There are things on the internet that aren’t monitored by the FDA and if a social media influencer tries it, people start using it.”
Women who know they have a yeast infection can try over-the-counter products such as Monistat for treating mild to moderate symptoms. Women should carefully follow package directions and precautions.
Women should see a healthcare provider if they are unsure if they have a yeast infection, it is not getting any better after trying an over-the-counter medication or if other symptoms develop. Women with severe symptoms, multiple yeast infections a year, pregnancy, uncontrolled diabetes or compromised immune system should see their healthcare provider right away.