Finally my yeast infection is gone. What can I do to keep it that way?

Finally, your latest yeast infection is gone! If you've been suffering from frequent yeast infections, you may be wondering what you can do to avoid them in the future. There are many ways to prevent yeast infections.

Find the right medication for you. If you've been having more than 4 yeast infections in the last year, your doctor may recommend that you take yeast infection medication regularly for 6 months to prevent the infections from coming back. Depending on the medication used, the treatment may be given daily, weekly, every 2 weeks, or monthly. This should only be done under the supervision of your doctor.

When talking to your doctor, it's important to remember that different medications are available to meet different needs. For example, if you are concerned about taking a pill by mouth, vaginal products are available.

Keep other health conditions under control. Frequent yeast infections may be a sign of an underlying health problem such as diabetes. If you have a health condition and are also troubled by yeast infections, see your doctor. The doctor can investigate whether your health condition may be increasing your risk of yeast infections and help you control it. Better control of certain health conditions, such as diabetes and immune system problems, can help decrease your chances of having another yeast infection.

Keep clean, dry, and comfortable. Vaginal deodorants, sprays, harsh cleansers, douches, and perfumed soaps can irritate the area, making it more prone to infection. Avoid using these products. Plain soap and water will do just fine. After using the bathroom, wipe from front to back to avoid contaminating the vaginal area with fecal bacteria. Wear clothing that is not tight in the crotch, and choose cotton (or cotton-crotch) underwear instead of synthetic. Dry your vaginal area thoroughly after bathing or showering. Taking these steps will allow the vaginal area to breathe and keep out the heat and moisture that can increase the risk of yeast infection

Eat a yogurt every day. Studies have shown that eating 240 mL (about one cup) of yogurt per day can reduce your risk of yeast infections. But not just any yogurt - be sure to choose one that has the active bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus, sometimes referred to as probiotic yogurt. More studies are needed to prove the effective use of yogurt for yeast infections. If you are prescribed an antibiotic, speak to your doctor or pharmacist about your risk of developing a yeast infection and about using over-the-counter probiotics.

If you take these steps and still find that you're having trouble with yeast infections, see your doctor for help. You don't have to suffer from frequent yeast infections. Effective treatments are available. Next time you have a yeast infection, make an appointment and see your doctor rather than treating it yourself. Your doctor can help you find out why you are having frequent infections and can help you find an effective treatment that is right for you.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2023. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Oh-No-Not-Another-Yeast-Infection