There are several terms for a yeast infection, Thrush, Candidiasis, Candida. They are all the same thing, caused by the multiplying of a fungus, Candida Albicans. Anyone can be affected, both genders and any age.
The genital area and in particular the vagina, is a perfect breeding ground for the fungus and that is why vaginal yeast infections are the most frequent type to occur. This means that though not limited to women, it is more usual for it to happen to a woman. There are several causes or triggers that lead to the overgrowth, a few mentioned here are clothing, medication, pregnancy, improper drying after bathing, incorrect wiping after a bowel movement, not changing out of wet clothing, diabetes and diet. If you have a yeast infection you should treat it as quickly as you can, as ignoring it will not help, things can get worse. In extremely rare situations if the fungus was to enter the blood and attack internal organs it can even prove fatal.
Here are just three things you can easily do yourself that will help prevent yeast infections.
What you wear: The clothes and materials you wear can have a very large impact on raising or lowering your risk of yeast infection. Cotton or bamboo makes the ideal material for underwear as it allows the skin to breathe, keeping the vagina drier. Tight clothing like jeans, tight pants, panty hose and so on should be avoided or worn less often as it generates the perfect environment for the infection, warm, dark and wet.
Keep yourself dry: An easy and simple way to help prevent a yeast infection is to keep yourself dry. If the weather is hot and your underwear gets damp change it throughout the day. Do not sunbathe in a wet swimming costume, and after a workout get straight out of those sweaty exercise clothes. After your bath or shower dry the vagina thoroughly and after using the toilet make sure to wipe correctly.
Watch what you eat: Avoid certain foods like yeast such as in beer and bread. Particularly cut out sugar as it feeds the fungus. Eat more healthily i.e a diet low in processed and junk foods and high in vegetables. To help out your immune system give it plenty of Vitamin C whether in what you eat or as a supplement. Cranberry juice is a great drink to add to your diet and drink plenty of water each day.
