Preventing Vaginal Yeast Infections Everyday Health MenuNewslettersSearch Yeast Infection Preventing Vaginal Yeast Infections While vaginal yeast infections are rarely serious, you can help prevent them from occurring in the first place. By Joseph Bennington-CastroMedically Reviewed by Jennifer Payne, MDReviewed: September 27, 2022Medically ReviewedEating a healthy diet, rich in fresh vegetables, can help ward off yeast infections.Getty Images Vaginal yeast infections are most often caused by the yeast species Candida albicans and can include a number of symptoms, such as itching in the vaginal area and around the vulva (the opening of the vagina), burning sensations in the genitals, and a cottage-cheese-like discharge. Though yeast infection symptoms can be annoying, the infection, known medically as vulvovaginal candidiasis, is rarely dangerous. Still, you can take steps to prevent yeast infections:Practice good hygieneWear the right clothesAvoid scented sprays and bath productsDon’t doucheAvoid certain medications (when possible)Maintain proper diet, sleep, and exerciseKeep the vagina clean and dry (1) These preventative measures are all the more important if you experience four or more yeast infections each year, a condition known as recurrent or chronic yeast infections. (2) What Causes Recurrent Yeast Infections While it’s not entirely clear what causes some women to get recurring yeast infections, there are a number of risk factors that can predispose you to it. These risk factors for developing yeast factors include:Things that alter your normal hormone balance, including pregnancy, birth control pills, and estrogen therapyFrequent antibiotic use, which kills the beneficial bacteria that normally keep Candida’s population under controlUncontrolled diabetes mellitus, which can cause a spike in sugar in the membrane of the vagina (sugar encourages the growth of yeast)Conditions that affect your immune system, particularly HIVObesity, which provides more areas of moisture and warmth (such as skin folds) in which Candida can growClothing that is tight-fitting and synthetic, keeping the vaginal area moist and warmHaving an anatomy with short distance between the vagina and anus, where microorganisms frequently live (3,4,5) One study found that a localized immune defect in the vagina might be behind many women’s recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis. In some cases, this may be the result of an allergic reaction to Candida after the initial yeast infection. (6) Recurring yeast infections may also be the result of an intestinal or vaginal reservoir of Candida. About 20 percent of women (and 30 percent of pregnant women) are colonized by Candida — this colonization doesn’t cause symptoms until the balance of microbial communities is altered by antibiotic use, hormonal changes, and other factors. (7) Sex can also be a risk factor for chronic yeast infections due to spermicidal condoms (which cause vaginal irritation that makes the vagina more prone to infections), C. albicans in the mouth (passed on via oral sex), and glycerin-based lubricants. How Clothing Can Affect Yeast Infections Cotton and silk underwear absorb moisture, keeping you dry. On the other hand, nylon and other synthetic fabrics hold moisture close to your skin, encouraging the growth of yeast. Synthetic underwear may also cause allergy and hypersensitivity reactions that can alter the vaginal environment and contribute to yeast infections. What’s more, sitting around in sweaty gym clothes or a wet bathing suit provides an environment in which yeast can thrive. Always change into dry clothes as soon as possible. Pantyhose, tights, and leggings can cause heat and moisture to build up in the crotch area. If you do wear pantyhose, be sure to wear cotton panties underneath, and choose pantyhose with a cotton crotch. Avoid snug-fitting pajamas — a loose, flowing nightgown is preferable. And going without underwear while you sleep will help keep your genital area dry and discourage yeast growth. Keeping the vagina clean will not only keep you smelling fresh, it can also help prevent yeast infections. When bathing, be sure to clean the inside folds of the vagina where yeast is likely to grow. Because yeast thrives in moist environments, it’s important to dry the entire vaginal area after taking a shower or bath. (8) Certain Products Antibiotics and Conditions Are Linked to Yeast Infections Perfumes can be irritating to the sensitive area inside the vagina, and that can increase your risk of getting a yeast infection. Also, avoid scented sanitary pads and tampons and colored or printed toilet paper — dyes can also be irritating. Douching destroys not only harmful bacteria but also the helpful bacteria that keep yeast under control. Douche products also wash away the natural protective lining of the vagina, leaving you more susceptible to yeast and other vaginal infections, while also introducing substances that may cause allergic reactions and alter the pH balance (acidity) of the vagina. Antibiotic use has been linked to the onset of yeast infections because these drugs can kill beneficial bacteria in the body, making it easier for Candida yeast to proliferate. Take antibiotics only as directed and avoid unnecessary antibiotic use. Finally, a healthy immune system helps keep yeast under control. Try keeping a regular sleep schedule and avoiding exercise, caffeine, and heavy meals within three hours of bedtime. Consider stress-reduction techniques, such as meditation, yoga, and regular exercise, to keep down high levels of stress, which can compromise your immune system. Immune-depressing diseases like diabetes and HIV can also increase the risk of yeast infections. Additionally, if you have diabetes, it’s important to keep your blood sugar levels under control to prevent yeast infections. Sugar is a prime food source for yeast. (1,8) Changing Your Diet May Help Prevent Yeast Infections There’s some evidence that sugar may help promote the growth of yeast. Yeast’s affinity for sweets has prompted some experts to suggest that diet may be a risk factor for some women when it comes to developing yeast infections. In fact, some people follow a so-called yeast infection diet, or candida diet, on the theory that eliminating certain foods may eliminate or at least greatly reduce the risk of yeast overgrowth. Proponents of these regimens claim that a yeast infection diet can help to cure or prevent yeast infections by eliminating:Foods containing simple sugars, including many fruitsWhite flour and other glutenous grainsAnything fermented with yeast, such as alcoholic drinksSome dairy products, including whole milk The diet recommends sticking to foods like green vegetables, protein (from wild-caught fish, eggs, beans, grass-fed beef, and chicken), nuts, and herbal tea. (10,11) While anecdotal evidence abounds, the candida diet is not (yet) supported by rigorous scientific research. Probiotics Are Likely Helpful in Fighting Yeast Infections The candida diet also recommends ingesting probiotics or yogurt containing live cultures of the popular “friendly” bacteria, Lactobacillus acidophilus. Probiotics are also a popular choice for curing or preventing yeast infections with natural products or home remedies (as opposed to conventional means). The idea is that, normally, certain bacteria live in the digestive tract, on the skin, and elsewhere on the body where they help with digestion and other bodily functions. Therefore, probiotics can help restore the body’s normal bacterial balance, preventing Candida yeast from growing out of control and causing an infection. While trying probiotics poses little harm, strong scientific evidence supporting the use of probiotics for yeast infections is lacking. A 2017 review found mostly low-quality evidence showing that probiotics can help with yeast infections. (12) Resources We LovePlanned ParenthoodCenters for Disease Control and PreventionThe Center For Young Women’s HealthNEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Women' s Health Newsletter SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking Gonçalves B, Ferreira C, Alves CT, et al. Vulvovaginal Candidiasis: Epidemiology, Microbiology and Risk Factors. Critical Reviews in Microbiology. November 2016.Patient Education: Vaginal Yeast Infection (Beyond the Basics). UpToDate. August 2022.Ventolini G, Baggish MS. Recurrent Vulvovaginal Candidiasis. Clinical Microbiology Newsletter. June 15, 2006.Sobel J. Recurrent Vulvovaginal Candidiasis. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. January 2016.Ringdahl E. Treatment of Recurrent Vulvovaginal Candidiasis. American Family Physician. June 1, 2000.Weissenbacher TM, Witkin SS, Gingelmaier A, et al. Relationship Between Recurrent Vulvovaginal Candidosis and Immune Mediators in Vaginal Fluid. European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology. May 2009.Aguin TJ, Sobel JD. Vulvovaginal Candidiasis in Pregnancy. Current Infectious Disease Reports. April 28, 2015.Yeast Infection (Vaginal). Mayo Clinic. March 17, 2021.Deleted, September 16, 2022.The Candida Diet — What It Is and How It Works. Health. December 7, 2017.Candida Diet: The Foods and Supplements to Eat (and Avoid) to Treat Candida. Dr. Axe. March 25, 2021.Xie HY, Feng D, Wei DM, et al. Probiotics for Vulvovaginal Candidiasis in Non-Pregnant Women. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. November 23, 2017.Show Less The Latest in Yeast Infection Home Remedies for Vaginal Yeast InfectionsMedications can be very effective, but some people still prefer natural options. 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