Are your hygiene practices causing yeast infections?

Many women think that yeast infection occurs due to poor hygiene. The truth is that things that we “think” are good hygiene practices can be the factors that cause these infections. Some of the more common scented and douche products are the two worst things you can do for your vagina. Simple practices like daily cleaning with mild soap and water are all you need to do to keep your vagina healthy.

Douching is a practice that supposedly flushes the vagina with excessive amounts of water, vinegar, and other cleaning products. This removes all bacteria from the vagina which, in turn, can lead to yeast infection. Look, the vagina is supposed to have some bacteria and a little yeast. The presence of these things keeps the vagina in a natural balance that can fight bad bacteria and keep the vagina in a healthy state. Good bacteria are the ones that keep vaginal yeast levels under control; So when those good bacteria are killed, the yeast can get out of control.

Smelling good, especially “down there”, can sometimes define how clean a woman is. The last thing a woman wants is to smell fishy, ​​and the last thing anyone wants to smell is a fishy woman! Using scented products in or around the vagina causes irritation which, in turn, leads to yeast infections. With all the vaginal sprays, tampons and scented pads, fabric softeners, and soaps, it’s hard to avoid using these products. However, when it comes to maintaining a healthy vagina, these are products to steer clear of. Opting for unscented products instead of fragrances can help reduce the risk of vaginal irritation and decrease the chances of getting a yeast infection!

Now do I know what you are thinking? How can you tell that your vagina is clean if it doesn’t smell clean? Well, the vagina is an interesting thing and it shouldn’t have any smell (good or bad) at all. Having an odorless vagina is the best way to make sure you are doing everything right.

What are those things to do right to prevent yeast infection? Keeping your vagina dry, fresh and free from irritation are the three key things you can do to stay infection free! When you are physically active or in the water, be sure to dry yourself completely and change into wet clothing when necessary. When considering your wardrobe, wear clothing that is breathable and allows some airflow to your genital areas. This will help your vagina stay cool and decrease the chances of a warm and moist environment forming. Lastly, stay away from scented products that can cause irritation, because that may be the easiest way to get a yeast infection.