Healthy Hygiene to Prevent Yeast Infections Everyday Health MenuNewslettersSearch Yeast Infection Healthy Hygiene to Prevent Yeast Infections Understanding yeast infection causes can help you lower your risk. Make these simple changes in feminine hygiene to help prevent yeast infections. By Chris Iliades, MDMedically Reviewed by Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MDReviewed: July 31, 2014Medically ReviewedVaginal yeast infections are common. In fact, most women will have a vaginal yeast infection at some point in their lives. "Yeast infection is the second most common vaginal infection in women," says Lisa M. Krikorian, nurse practitioner in the gynecology clinic at The Lahey Hospital & Medical Center in Burlington, Mass. Bacterial vaginosis is the most common. The organism that causes yeast infections is a fungus, Candida albicans, that normally lives in and around your vagina as well as in your digestive tract and on your skin. Much of the time, candida coexists peacefully with the other organisms that live in and on your body. These microorganisms are known as your normal flora. When something upsets the balance of your normal flora, one organism can get out of control, multiply too much, and cause an infection. "Yeast grows best in a moist, dark, warm environment,” says Krikorian. “Once you understand that, yeast infection causes make sense." What Causes Yeast to Grow? Some yeast infection causes can be harder to control than others. These include conditions that can upset the balance of your normal flora, like taking antibiotics or birth control pills, being pregnant, or having an illness. Other yeast infection causes are due to excess irritation or moisture in the vaginal area. "These types of yeast infection causes can be controlled by practicing good feminine hygiene and taking some simple steps to avoid creating an environment that yeast likes to grow in," Krikorian says. How Feminine Hygiene Helps Prevent Yeast Infection Preventing yeast infections begins with taking good care of yourself — getting enough rest, avoiding stress, and eating a healthy diet. If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar under control. Uncontrolled blood sugar levels can increase your likelihood of yeast infections and may make it harder to get rid of them. If you take antibiotics or birth control pills, ask your doctor if you should take probiotics to protect your "good" bacteria so that yeast won't overwhelm the vaginal area. In addition, good feminine hygiene helps prevent an environment that’s suitable for yeast growth. Practice these feminine hygiene tips to help prevent yeast infections: 1. Stay clean and dry.Avoid cleaning your genital area with soap. Instead, rinse thoroughly with water only and dry completely with a soft towel. If wanted, you may use a mild soap.Change out of a wet bathing suit right after swimming.Change out of workout clothes and take a shower immediately after exercising.Always wipe front to back. 2. Reduce natural moisture. Wear loose-fitting underwear and pants. Leave some room for air flow.Wear absorbent cotton or silk underwear instead of nylon or other synthetic fabrics. 3. Avoid using feminine hygiene products that can disrupt the natural bacteria balance. Avoid douching.Don’t use feminine hygiene sprays, powders, and fragrances. 4. Bathe smartly. Stay out of hot tubs.Limit your time soaking in a hot bath.Thoroughly rinse after using products like bath salts. 5. Take extra care during menstruation. Keep your genital area clean.Use pads instead of tampons if you are prone to yeast infections.If you use tampons, change them frequently.Avoid scented pads or tampons. 6. Practice safe sex. Always use condoms if you aren’t in a committed relationship. "If you have a yeast infection, you should avoid intercourse until your symptoms clear. Vaginal sex can make symptoms of itching, soreness, and dryness worse," says Krikorian. In general, practicing healthy habits — getting enough rest, eating a healthy diet, and taking care of your feminine hygiene — helps reduce your risk of a yeast infection. If you experience frequent vaginal infections, talk to your doctor about other possible causes. NEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Women' s Health Newsletter SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The Latest in Yeast Infection Home Remedies for Vaginal Yeast Infections Medications can be very effective, but some people still prefer natural options. 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