Yeast Infection Cure

To prevent yeast infections, it's important to choose the right clothing even at bedtime. Avoid snug-fitting pajamas — a loose, flowing nightgown is preferable. Dunham also suggests going without underwear while you sleep to keep your genital area dry and to discourage yeast growth.

So what can you do if you don't want to trade that pneumonia for a yeast infection? Dr. Etingin suggests taking some proactive measures, such as using an over-the-counter yeast treatment cream or tablet to fight off yeast overgrowth if you're going to be on the antibiotic for five to seven days or more. Not all doctors will recommend this approach, so you should discuss it with your own doctor before doing so.

Usually your immune system helps keep yeast under control. But if you get run down from skimping on sleep, your immune system may not be able to do its job. Try keeping a regular sleep schedule and avoiding exercise, caffeine, and heavy meals within three hours of bedtime. Immune-depressing diseases such as 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.

Normally, Candida exists in balance with the other microorganisms in and on the body and causes no problems. But some conditions promote Candida overgrowth, leading to yeast infections and vaginal itching.

Sometimes, doctors don't prescribe or recommend a treatment right away, especially if the yeast infection is mild or there aren't many symptoms. Dr. Gray-Swain says that the vagina is very good at healing itself when the environment becomes less acidic, which is when yeast can grow out of control. In many mild yeast infection cases, the infection can clear up on its own.

Since all the yeast infection medications on the market have been proven effective, choosing the yeast infection treatment that's right for you is really about personal preference. Your selection may depend on how long you want to use a treatment, whether you prefer a cream or suppository, and how convenient the product is to use.

Yeast lives naturally in your vagina and plays a role in helping to keep infections at bay. But the amount of yeast is kept in check by a healthy level of vaginal acidity, or pH balance. If there's not enough acid, the yeast begins to multiply and spread, causing the symptoms — such as vaginal itching — of a yeast infection.

Any of these may work, provided you have no underlying allergy or medical condition that would suggest otherwise, and they are unlikely to cause any harm. However, you should always let your doctor know about any supplement or herb you plan to take, just as you should let him or her know about any over-the-counter and prescription meds you're using.

Just as you want relief while you have a yeast infection, it's also important to take steps to keep symptoms from getting worse. Start by avoiding all scented hygiene products, scented toilet tissue, and bubble baths. Wear cotton panties that "breathe" and don't trap moisture the way synthetic fabrics do. If you go swimming or work out, change into dry clothes as soon as possible

Meanwhile, if you're treating a yeast infection, it might be a good idea to skip intercourse until you've finished the entire course of treatment. This is more about your own comfort than "infection" control, says Goldstein. The itching and burning of a yeast infection doesn't add to the sexual experience.